So, you’re ready to get out there. Butterflies, coffee dates, and first kisses—they’re all in your future. Dating apps are the tool of choice for 21st-century love-seekers, but they often get a bad rep. You’ve heard the stories: unwanted messages, ghosting, and bad dates galore!
But when it comes to apps, the problem is that most people are on the wrong platform. Looking for a thrilling fling? Then you probably shouldn’t be swiping through serious daters. Searching for your soulmate? That’s great—just be sure that your app is for hopeless romantics, not hookups.
Your perfect dating platform is out there. To find it, take our quiz below!
Questions Overview
- A serious, loyal partner.
- Interesting & cool people who I can vibe with.
- I’m open to anything, but honestly, I’m mainly looking for hookups.
- I want to meet someone, but I wish I could skip the ghosting and rude messages first.
- A romantic dinner. I want soft lighting and lots of sparks.
- An art show or concert—I’d love to date someone who’s into the same things I am.
- I’m down for a simple Netflix and chill night, but I could do something more formal, too.
- As long as my date is kind and I feel safe, I’m good to go!
- I have trouble meeting people who are ready for serious commitment.
- It’s hard to find people who I really like. Sometimes, I feel like I’m wasting my time.
- I hate jumping through hoops. I want: match, message, meet. Boom, done!
- Connecting online is just hard. Why are dating apps so frustrating?
- Grease
- Almost Famous
- Wet, Hot, American Summer
- Pride & Prejudice
- Ugh, again? I’m looking for something real, not another fling.
- I’m open to it. More importantly: are they a fun, fascinating person?
- Great! Their place or mine?
- I’m not against it, but are they at least trying to get to know me first?
- Ten minutes in, they started talking about their ex.
- They talked about their cellphone plan for 30 minutes in excruciating detail.
- Bad date? I feel like I always have at least a little fun!
- I didn’t go. They sent me a “U up?” message at 3 a.m.—I lost interest.
- They have to be as serious about me as I am about them.
- I want someone special. We should inspire each other and love the same things!
- I don’t want to say looks…but yeah, it’s probably looks.
- Respect, kindness, and adventure!
- Jesse & Becky (Full House)
- Chidi & Eleanor (The Good Place)
- Anyone on Too Hot To Handle
- Derek Shepard & Meredith Grey (Grey’s Anatomy)
- Anywhere! I’m more focused on finding them, not where I find them.
- Somewhere that indicates we have similar interests - like a sports game or a cooking class.
- Honestly, meeting them on an app seems super convenient.
- Anywhere but an app. And with more to say than “IDK” or “DTF?”.
- I’d wish for an app that knows me better than I know myself.
- I’d wish for an app that singles out the funniest, coolest, most interesting people in my area.
- I’d wish for an app that’s quick, efficient, and fun—no frills!
- I’d wish for an app that weeds out all the rude and stuck-up people.
- When they play games. Let’s just be real with each other!
- When they’re just not my style—I want us to be on the same wavelength, you know?
- When they’re looking to get too serious, too soon. That’s a red flag.
- When they’re looking for hookups without wanting to get to know me.
- It just takes a long time to find your perfect match! I’m patient.
- I waste all my time with people who don’t share my interests.
- Who says they haven’t worked? I’ve had lots of fun dates, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for!
- Either my match ghosts me or they’re disrespectful. It’s so frustrating!
More Quizzes
eHarmony!<\/a>","meaning":"You\u2019re tired of flings and flaky dates. You\u2019re through with games and ghosting. As a serious dater looking for serious romance, you\u2019d love to cut through all the noise. Enough distractions already\u2014you\u2019re searching for a true soulmate! Luckily, there\u2019s an app that\u2019s perfect for you.
eHarmony<\/a> is your dating-app soulmate. This platform doesn\u2019t just offer a few pics and a short bio. Nope! On eHarmony, you\u2019ll take an in-depth, 32-factor compatibility quiz, which covers all the complex facets of your personality (like your values and passions). Then, using an advanced algorithm, it connects you with \u201cmatches\u201d who are totally aligned with you. Meaning, incompatible dates will be a thing of the past! eHarmony might know you better than you know yourself.
So what are you waiting for? The love of your life is out there. Sign up for eHarmony<\/a> and go find them!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Succeed-at-Online-Dating"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Write-a-Good-Online-Dating-Profile"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Succeed at Online Dating","id":379808,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Succeed-at-Online-Dating","image":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Succeed-at-Online-Dating-Step-17.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Succeed-at-Online-Dating-Step-17.jpg","alt":"How to Succeed at Online Dating"},{"title":"How to Write a Good Online Dating Profile","id":750666,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Write-a-Good-Online-Dating-Profile","image":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Write-a-Good-Online-Dating-Profile-Step-20.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Write-a-Good-Online-Dating-Profile-Step-20.jpg","alt":"How to Write a Good Online Dating Profile"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":2,"text":"You should be on Hinge!<\/a>","meaning":"You know your city is filled with awesome, unique people\u2014and you want to discover them all! Dating is great, and you\u2019re definitely up for love. But most of all, you\u2019re looking for a super special connection. If you and your date ended up as friends, you\u2019d still feel lucky you met them\u2014just as long as you love the same bands, books, and art!
The coolest people you know are probably on Hinge. On this platform\u2019s gorgeous layout, you\u2019ll connect with hip, interesting people from all walks of life. Hinge gives you a sense of your match\u2019s personality through voice prompts, Q\/A sections, and even videos. Plus, it lets you specify \u201cWhat you\u2019re looking for\u201d in a customizable section and even shows you when someone \u201clikes\u201d you, free of charge!
So what are you waiting for? Sign up for Hinge<\/a> and start making real connections today!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Use-the-Hinge-App"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Start-a-Conversation-on-Hinge"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Use the Hinge App","id":12466828,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Use-the-Hinge-App","image":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Use-the-Hinge-App-Step-20.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Use-the-Hinge-App-Step-20.jpg","alt":"How to Use the Hinge App"},{"title":"How to Start a Conversation on Hinge","id":13158798,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Start-a-Conversation-on-Hinge","image":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Start-a-Conversation-on-Hinge-Step-12.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Start-a-Conversation-on-Hinge-Step-12.jpg","alt":"How to Start a Conversation on Hinge"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":3,"text":"You should be on Tinder!<\/a>","meaning":"You\u2019re young, you\u2019re fun, and you\u2019ve got a life that you love. Why get tied down now? It\u2019s not that you\u2019re closed off to love, but it\u2019s definitely not all that you\u2019re looking for. You\u2019re busy, and you don\u2019t want to spend the day brainstorming clever prompts and swiping endlessly\u2014what a snore!
Your perfect, no-frills platform is Tinder. Want to spend as little time logged into your dating app as possible? Tinder is the answer. Spend five minutes pulling together photos, start swiping, and meet your next exciting date ASAP. Whether you\u2019re looking for a one-night stand or a future wedding date? Tinder\u2019s got you covered. And they won\u2019t make you jump through tons of hoops to find what you\u2019re looking for!
What are you still doing here? Download Tinder<\/a> and get swiping. For all you know, you could have a date booked by the end of the day!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Flirt-on-Tinder"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Keep-a-Tinder-Conversation-Going"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Flirt on Tinder","id":4225482,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Flirt-on-Tinder","image":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Flirt-on-Tinder-Step-16.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Flirt-on-Tinder-Step-16.jpg","alt":"How to Flirt on Tinder"},{"title":"How to Keep a Tinder Conversation Going","id":11399694,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Keep-a-Tinder-Conversation-Going","image":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Keep-a-Tinder-Conversation-Going-Step-17.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Keep-a-Tinder-Conversation-Going-Step-17.jpg","alt":"How to Keep a Tinder Conversation Going"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":4,"text":"You should be on Bumble!<\/a>","meaning":"You\u2019ve tried dating apps in the past, and\u2014newsflash\u2014they\u2019re disappointing. Maybe you get super excited about a match only to be left on \u201cread\u201d indefinitely. Or maybe every time you log onto the app, you\u2019re bombarded with gross, rude, and unwanted messages\u2014ugh! Is there an app where you don\u2019t have to deal with the BS?
There is\u2014it\u2019s called Bumble. Bumble\u2019s trick is that they require girls to message first. Men, on average, are way less likely to get responses on dating apps than women, which can leave them feeling totally discouraged. On the other hand, women deal with disrespectful texts on the daily. With Bumble\u2019s system, women have the power to initiate conversations on their own terms. And men, you\u2019ll get messaged first for a change!
So what are you waiting for? Download Bumble<\/a> for the dating app experience of your dreams!
Note for LGBTQ+ Readers: For men seeking men and women seeking women, everyone has the power to message first.<\/i>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Get-More-Matches-on-Bumble"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Respond-to-Hey-on-Bumble"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Get More Matches on Bumble: 13 Profile Hacks & Tips","id":13039089,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Get-More-Matches-on-Bumble","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Get-More-Matches-on-Bumble-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Get-More-Matches-on-Bumble-Step-13.jpg","alt":"How to Get More Matches on Bumble: 13 Profile Hacks & Tips"},{"title":"How to Respond to Hey on Bumble","id":13050339,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Respond-to-Hey-on-Bumble","image":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/What-Does-the-Black-Heart-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-What-Does-the-Black-Heart-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg","alt":"How to Respond to Hey on Bumble"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""}]" class="quiz_results_data"/>
The Ins and Outs of Online Dating
Dating apps can be a great way to open yourself up to new possibilities in love and romance. If you’re ready to get started, try these tips below:
Make sure you’re ready to date. Signing up and swiping can be such a convenient way to jump back into the dating pool, but that convenience might allow you to jump in before you’re ready. Take time to decide what you want, and, when you start messaging people, make sure you’re upfront about your needs and expectations.
Take time creating your profile. Coming up with clever, honest messaging in the hopes of attracting people you like can feel a little strange. But it’s important that your profile accurately represents you, is geared towards the kinds of people you like, and is carefully thought out. Even though it might be a pain, take time to brainstorm the perfect dating profile for you.
Get a friend’s opinion on your pictures. When it comes to crafting an awesome profile, pictures might be the toughest part. Choose someone who knows you well and someone you trust. Show them a group of photos that you like of yourself, and ask them for their take. Which ones are perfect for your profile? And remember—the first photo is the most important. Always start with a solo picture; that way, no one’s left trying to guess who you are.
Put your best foot forward. The first message and messages you send someone are crucial. It’s how you’ll get your foot in the door and drum up mutual excitement for your match-up. Take a couple minutes to think before you send that first message, and choose a tone that reflects your personality—you might go with something funny, heartfelt, or intellectual.
Think of dates as an exciting chance to explore a new connection. If you put too much pressure on the first date, you won't be able to enjoy it or connect with the person you're with. Plus, your nerves might keep you from putting your best foot forward. Focus on enjoying and getting to know the person in front of you—but at the same time, remember that if it doesn’t go well, there are more fish in the sea.
Online dating can feel discouraging at times—but don’t lose hope. No one meets their soulmate immediately, not even with in-person dating. You may have to face a little rejection, go on some bad dates, and really put in the work to find someone wonderful. To give yourself the best shot at being successful, focus on staying positive through it all.
Want to learn more?
For more information about how to successfully and safely date online:
- https://www.npr.org/2021/08/11/1026705556/looking-for-love-at-first-swipe-heres-how-to-make-dating-apps-work-for-you
- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/18/online-dating-10-rules-partner-profile
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-love-doctor/201006/nine-key-tips-for-dating-online-safely-and-successfully
You Might Also Like
Reader Success Stories
- "It was good. It's interesting to know the results whether they are true or not but they definitely sound true. I'm looking for a date, that's funny. I definitely should stop but it was nice to fun to try." ..." more