What are dating apps?
Dating apps have become a popular way for people to meet potential romantic partners, particularly in the age of social distancing. With so many different apps available, each with their own unique features and target audiences, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to use.
Some of the most well-known dating apps include Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. Tinder is known for its swiping feature, where users swipe right to like someone or left to pass, and matches occur when both users swipe right on each other. Bumble also uses a swiping feature, but with a twist – women must make the first move in heterosexual matches. If you want to see how Tinder and Bumble compare, check out our breakdown here. Hinge, on the other hand, focuses on building connections through shared interests and mutual friends.
Other popular dating apps include OkCupid, which uses a detailed questionnaire to match users based on compatibility, and Coffee Meets Bagel, which sends users a limited number of potential matches each day. Match.com and eHarmony are more traditional dating sites that also have mobile apps, and cater to users looking for serious relationships. Grindr and HER are popular dating apps specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, while JSwipe is a dating app for Jewish singles.
How do dating apps work?
People typically create a profile with photos and a short bio, and then browse through other users’ profiles. Depending on the app, users can either swipe right to like someone or left to pass, or they can search for potential matches based on specific criteria such as location, age, or interests.
Who are dating apps for?
It can be said that there is a dating app for just about every situation these days. From religious dating to kink, casual to serious, there’s likely a dating app for you. They may also venture beyond the romantic space into the realm of platonic relationships. Some people just like to meet other people and dating apps are well equipped to facilitate that meeting.
In practice, dating apps are designed for adults who are interested in romantic or sexual relationships. They are used by people of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationship preferences. Dating apps are commonly used by singles who are looking to meet new people, but they can also be used by individuals who are interested in non-monogamous or open relationships, as well as those who are seeking more casual encounters.
Dating apps are popular among busy professionals, as they offer a convenient way to meet new people without having to invest a lot of time and effort into traditional dating methods. They are also popular among individuals who may be shy or introverted, as they offer a more low-pressure way to connect with others. Additionally, dating apps are used by people who may be new to an area or who have recently gone through a breakup or other life change and are looking to meet new people and explore new relationships.
Overall, dating apps are designed for anyone who is interested in meeting new people and potentially developing romantic or sexual relationships. With the wide range of apps available, there is something for everyone, regardless of their specific preferences or interests.
Are dating apps safe?
While dating apps can be a convenient way to meet people, it’s important to take safety precautions such as not sharing personal information too quickly and meeting in public places. Many dating apps also have safety features such as the ability to report and block users.
Can you find a serious relationship on a dating app?
In short, absolutely. Dating apps can be viewed as a tool – it depends how you use them.
While many people use dating apps for casual hookups, there are also plenty of people who have found long-term relationships or even gotten married through these apps. Tens of thousands of couples get married each year from dating apps. Tens of thousands of singles have casual encounters each year also. Ultimately depends on the individual’s intentions and the type of app they choose to use.
How do I create a successful profile?
Creating a successful dating app profile typically involves choosing flattering photos, writing a catchy bio, and highlighting one’s interests and personality. It’s important to be honest and authentic, while also putting effort into presenting oneself in the best possible light. Check Reddit for inspiration!
Comparing dating apps
Dating by religion
Dating by sexual orientation
List of dating apps
There are hundreds of apps that can be used for dating. Some may be very clearly categorized as dating apps while others may be more ambiguous in nature.
Here’s a running list of active dating apps we know of in alphabetical order: (If you see we are missing one or you would like to get your dating app or site included in this list, then please let us know! We’ll happily write up a new article)
- AdultFriendFinder
- Adventist Singles
- AfroIntroductions
- Aisle
- Albi – Middle Eastern Dating
- Amanda
- Ashley Madison
- Badoo
- Baihe
- BBW Dating
- Beyond Chai
- Big Church
- Black People Meet
- Blued
- Brilic
- Bumble
- Bumpy
- CaribbeanCupid
- Catholic Match
- Chispa
- CDFF (Christian Dating For Free)
- Christian Cafe
- Christian Mingle
- Ciddiask
- Clikd
- Clove
- Clover
- Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB)
- Cougar
- Crescent
- CrossPaths
- Crush
- Curvy Singles
- Daddyhunt
- DangYeonSi
- DateInAsia
- DateMeKenya
- DateMyAge
- Dateolicious
- DateTix
- Dating.com
- Dating and Chat
- Dating by Yalwa
- Delight
- Dil Mil
- eÇift
- eHarmony
- ElitAsk
- Elite Singles
- Eshq
- EZMatch
- Feeld (formerly 3nder)
- Flirtini
- Fruitz
- Glambu
- Gönülden Sevenler
- Grindr
- Growlr
- Guys Only Dating
- Half Our Deen
- Happn
- Happy Pancake
- Helahel
- Hey
- Hinge
- HUD – Hook up dating
- International Cupid
- Interracial Match
- Ishq
- Jack’d
- Jaumo
- JCrush
- Jdate
- Jiayuan
- Jigsaw
- JSwipe
- KinkD
- Korea Social
- Lesdo
- Lex
- LFGDating
- Liefie
- LoveAndSeek
- Lovely
- LovePlanet
- Lovestruck
- Lovoo
- Lumen
- Lunch Actually
- Mamba
- Mat & Minah
- Match.com
- MeetMe
- Momo
- Muslima
- Mutual – LDS Dating
- Muzz
- Nikah Explorer
- Noondate
- OkCupid (OKC)
- Omiai
- Once
- OurTime
- Pairs
- Paktor
- Par Parfeito
- Pembe Panjur
- PlayDate
- Plenty of Fish (POF)
- PolyFinda
- Pure Matrimony
- Qingchifan
- Salams (formerly Minder)
- Salaam Swipe
- Salt – Christian Dating
- Saw You at Sinai
- Scruff
- Senior Match
- Shaadi.com
- Siberalem
- SilverSingles
- SingleParentMeet
- Skout
- Sky People
- Sogaeting (소개팅)
- SwingTowns
- Surge
- Tagged
- TanTan
- Tapple
- Tastebuds
- ThaiFriendly
- The Inner Circle
- The League
- 3Somer
- Timhop
- Tinder
- Tokyo Calendar Date
- Transdr
- TrulyMadly
- TurkChat
- 2Steps
- United Young
- Upward
- With
- Your Christian Date
- Zoe
- Zoosk
- #Open
Discontinued Dating apps
In technology, failure is not only inevitable on occasion, but even more likely when the competition is fierce. Many dating apps start with a great concept, but lose their ability to gain market share for one reason or another. Much like FailCon, we look at failure as the opportunity to learn and grow. We don’t see these as failed dating apps. Some of them were pretty good ideas actually. Here is a list of dating apps which no longer exist:
- Alif Matrimony
- Amoureux.com
- Bang with Friends
- Chappy
- Crazy Blind Date
- DateMySchool
- Dig
- Down (formerly Bang with Friends)
- Flirtomatic
- Grouper
- Hawaya (Harmonica)
- Hinge Labs
- HowAboutWe
- Huggle
- Let’s Date
- Lulu
- MeetMoi
- Miora
- Ohlala
- Sonar
- Tabby
- The Grade
- Twine Canvas
- Willow
- WooMe
- Yoke
List of Known Dating App Companies
In the dating space, there are many different apps. Some are independently owned and operated, while others are part of larger companies. Here is a list of the companies we know about and which brands they own:
Bumble (NYSE: BMBL)
Bumble is often in the news and has become quite a strong company in recent years. With a message of female empowerment, Bumble Inc creates friends and foes alike. Read more about the Bumble Inc company here.
Enito Group
Match Group (NYSE: MTCH)
The Match Group is a global online dating conglomerate that operates several popular dating apps including Tinder, Hinge, and Match.com. It was founded in 1995 and has since grown to become the largest dating company in the world, with a focus on innovation, expansion into new markets, and profitability. Read more here.
Meet Group
The Meet Group is a social networking and dating company founded in 2005. The company grew through acquisitions and was later acquired by the German media company, ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE. With brands like Lovoo and Skout, it is definitely an establish company. Learn more about the brands in the Meet Group as well as an overview of the company.
Perry Street Software
Perry Street Software is a smaller, niche portfolio focused exclusively on the LGBTQ+ community. With two apps currently, Perry Street has a place in the dating world and may expand its footprint in the future.
Social Discovery Group (Dating Group)
Dating Group is a global online dating company with over 250+ million registered users across its various platforms. Via its massive portfolio of Cupid Media, Dating.com and others, the company offers a wide range of dating services, including traditional online dating, matchmaking, and social networking, with a focus on providing a safe and secure environment for its users.
Spark Networks (NYSE: LOV)
Spark Networks is a leading online dating company that has a portfolio of premium and freemium dating apps such as Zoosk, EliteSingles, SilverSingles, Christian Mingle, and Jdate. The company has a long history dating back to the early days of online dating and has gone through various acquisitions, mergers, and rebranding efforts to become the company it is today. Learn more about them here.