Dating in the USA

We’ll title this one: Love, Liberty and the Pursuit of Relationships: A Glimpse into the American Dating Culture. If you understand any American culture, then you should get a laugh out of that one.

The truth about dating in the USA, is that unlike countries like Japan or Iceland which are largely homogeneous both in people and in practice, there is no unified dating culture in the United States. American dating practices are not monolithic and reflect diverse cultural histories, personal values, regional quirks and the influence of popular media. The dating culture in the United States is vibrant and varied as the country itself. It offers a fascinating study in cultural expression, individuality and technological influence

At its core, American dating is fundamentally informal. The traditional formalities and definitive structures of courtship prevalent in some other cultures often give way to a more relaxed, exploratory approach in the USA. Here, dating can commence with casual meetups, group outings or even online exchanges.

Moreover, dating in the US is often seen as a vehicle for self-discovery and personal growth. The emphasis is on finding compatibility and shared interests. This reflects in the trend of dating around specific activities where the couple engages in a fun activity – hiking, a cooking class, or attending a music festival – providing a shared experience to bond over and also, a casual setting to explore their compatibility.

Historically, the broad influence of American pop culture, with its Hollywood love stories and sitcom romances, and social media has also cast its own hues on dating expectations and norms. Because of this many American women and men have romanticized views of story book weddings, perfect soul mates, extreme gestures of love and other elements expressed in this films. Within certain demographics and social circles, this has led to cultural expectations around behavior, dating etiquette and social cues. This is also a common source of many dating trends in the US. However, in recent years, there’s been a growing understanding that real-life dating is more nuanced and diverse than its reel-life representations.

For some Americans, religion plays a crucial role in your dating life. Not all Americans are religious, but there are areas of the country, most commonly in the Bible Belt region, where religious practices play an important role in social dynamics.

Though there are some understood rules and norms, dating in America is often seen as a blank canvas. As long as you are respectful, it is normal and expected that singles in America date a lot and each date can be somewhat different. There is no standard definition of what dating actually is, as it’s up to the individual.

Online dating in the United States has seen substantial growth in the last 10 years. Though it has been around since the late 1990s and early 2000s, the dating scene in the USA really transformed with the rise of dating apps. In 2012 when Tinder launched, dating was forever changed in America, and possibly the world.

Understanding social dynamics

It is difficult to understand what it is like to date in the USA without describing the social dynamics of United States of America. The United States is in many ways, a nation of nations. The country’s Latin motto: e pluribus unum, ‘from many, one’ says it all.

Citizens and residents of the USA come from nearly every corner of the world. Through hundreds of years of immigration, the United States has welcomed millions of newcomers from backgrounds ranging from Somalia or Italy to South Korea or Brazil. These diverse cultural roots have all helped shape the nation through the years and have certainly had an impact on the dating scene in their own ways.

Over the years, many of these cultures assimilated into mainstream American culture; in recent years, however, this has been inconsistent. Presently, in the United States you can find entire neighborhoods of people coming from countries like China, Russia, Mexico or the Dominican Republic for example, where they maintain their traditions, language and cultural practices. Though not everyone does, some singles from these ethnic backgrounds will naturally date within their social groups as there is already shared cultural understanding of their families and a natural community bond. Other singles from these groups, may date outside of their social circles which can make for interesting dating experiences, around 40% for Asians actually.¹ After all, interracial dating is on the rise in the United States.²

Therefore, in theory, it is possible and quite common to follow diverse dating etiquette in the United States depending on the couple’s cultural heritage. Perhaps being from two vastly different backgrounds for example. Hopefully, with this simple explanation, it is easier to understand how social dynamics can play an important role in the dating culture for the United States.

The role of student life in American dating culture

When it comes to dating in America, it is worth discussing the role of student life. Unlike Europe, where universities are spread out, Americans who choose to attend college often live on or near a university campus. Thus, student life plays a significant and formative role in American dating culture. Many Americans have their first dating experiences during their high school and college years. Schools often serve as a primary setting for socialization, and these years are when most people start exploring romantic relationships.

High school is where many Americans have their first experience with dating. Traditions such as school dances, including Prom, provide an official setting for young people to engage in semi-formal dating. The concept of ‘high school sweethearts’—couples who meet in high school and maintain their relationship into adulthood—is a recognized phenomenon, though relatively rare.

In college, dating becomes even more integral to social life. College students have more freedom, independence, and opportunities to meet new people than they did in high school. Universities often foster an environment for social activities, parties, and events which give students ample opportunities for mingling and meeting potential partners. Furthermore, many students live in dormitories or shared housing, leading to more interactions and potential romantic encounters.

In more conservative parts of the country, dating in college also becomes more serious as individuals start thinking about long-term compatibility. Topics like shared values, life goals, and career paths become more important in dating conversations. For many, college relationships are the precursor to long-term commitments, including marriage.

In summary, student life is often where Americans develop their initial understanding and approach towards dating, relationships, and interpersonal communication, which they carry into their adult lives. These experiences shape their views on love, compatibility, commitment, and personal growth.

Interesting facts about dating in the United States

1. The term “date” originated in the early 1900s and referred to a social outing between a man and a woman, often with the goal of finding a potential spouse.
2. The average length of a first date in the US is around two hours.
3. College Sweethearts: According to Facebook data, about 28% of married college-educated Americans met their spouse in college.³
4. Long Courtships: On average, American couples date for about five years before getting married. This is longer than many other countries.⁴
5. High School Sweethearts: High school sweethearts are less common than they used to be. Only 19% of people who married between 2005 and 2012 met their spouse in high school.⁵
6. Valentine’s Day Spending: Americans spend an average of $196.31 on Valentine’s Day.⁶
7. Interracial Marriage: The rate of interracial marriages in the United States has been steadily increasing. As of 2015, 17% of all U.S. newlyweds had a spouse of a different race or ethnicity.⁷
8. Late Marriages: Americans are getting married later in life than ever before. The median age for a first marriage is now 27 for women and 29 for men — up from 20 for women and 23 for men in 1960.⁸
9. Same-sex Marriage: Same-sex marriage has been legal in all U.S. states since the Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.⁹
10. Dating Expenses: According to a Match.com survey, the average unmarried American spent $1,596 on dating in 2016.¹⁰
11. Dating Apps Usage: A survey conducted in 2019 showed that 30% of U.S. adults have used a dating app or website. The figure rises to 48% among those ages 18 to 29.¹¹

Most Romantic Day in United States

When it comes to cupid love stores, few days are more romantic for Americans than Valentine’s Day. Also referred to as VDay, Valentine’s Day is a significant holiday in the United States, celebrated annually on February 14th. It is a day when couples express their love and affection for each other through the exchange of gifts, cards, and romantic gestures. Many people also use the holiday as an opportunity to ask someone out or to declare their love to a crush.

Valentine’s Day has become an important cultural and commercial event in the United States, with businesses ranging from florists to restaurants to jewelers seeing a surge in sales during the holiday season. Increasingly, people criticize the holiday as being overly commercialized, and it is in our opinion; however, nonetheless for many Americans, Valentine’s Day remains an important occasion to celebrate love and relationships.

For married couples, wedding anniversary dates tend to be very important as well. They are often celebrated in intimate settings as thought of as a way to rekindle the love spark.

Typical First Date in the USA

As we have discussed, dating is very casual and common in the United States. First dates among American singles tend to be quite informal in nature, but this will depend on a number of factors.

First, how did the couple meet? If it was a situation where there is an expectation or high intention, such as a dating app, then their date may be more formal and focused on a specific outcome. Secondly, personal beliefs (i.e. religion) and goals (casual or serious). Thirdly, socioeconomic factors. And lastly, where the couple is located (i.e. rural or metropolitan) are also taken into consideration.

Even though there is a lot of variation in defining what a first date in the US entails, generally, it should be somewhat focused on getting to know your date, regardless of the intention. Coffee dates or getting drinks are both standard go-to first date ideas, but walks and other activities can bring a bit of novelty. It is ideal to choose a setting where you can chat openly, vibe check, and lastly see if there is a enjoy the connection enough to see each other again. Movie theaters and concert venues usually do not make great first date ideas, mainly because they are loud and it is difficult to talk.

If you are looking for suggestions, here are a few ideas for first dates in United States:

• Coffee or drinks: The most common first dates in USA tend to be at a cafe or bar. Cafe culture is quite important and it makes for a relaxing atmosphere. While getting drinks typically helps a couple to loosen up and feel more comfortable.
• Lunch or dinner: Food options can be nice, but they are also expensive. If you are on a budget, perhaps this is not your best idea. Nonetheless, the United States has a diverse food scene with options from casual street food to fine dining. Try a favorite or discover a new specialty.
• Museums or art exhibitions: Large American cities like New York, Miami and Washington D.C. are known for their affinity to the arts and have a great museum scene. For an intellectually stimulating date in United States, perhaps try an artistic venue. Bring out your inner sapiosexual.
• Outdoor activities: If the weather is nice, United States has some great outdoor activities. If you are located near some nature spots, hiking/walking, picnic, biking or even a combination of activities could be a great first date.

Dating etiquette in the USA

1. Be on Time: Punctuality is valued in American society, and this extends to dating as well. Being late can be seen as disrespectful of your date’s time.
2. Communicate Clearly: It’s important to be clear about your intentions and feelings. If you’re not interested in a second date, it’s usually best to communicate this politely and directly.
3. Respect Boundaries: Everyone has different comfort levels in terms of physical intimacy, so it’s important to respect these boundaries and not to pressure your date.
4. Offer to Pay: Traditionally, the person who initiates the date offers to pay, but it’s becoming more common for people to split the bill.
5. Be Polite and Respectful: Good manners are important. This includes listening attentively when your date is talking, and being considerate of their feelings and opinions.
6. Turn Off Your Phone: Checking your phone constantly during a date can be seen as rude and uninterested.
7. Don’t Talk About Your Ex: This can make your date uncomfortable. Focus on getting to know the person you’re with.
8. Take it Slow: Americans typically date multiple people until they decide to be exclusive. Don’t rush the relationship, allow it to progress naturally.
9. Follow Up: If you enjoyed the date and would like to see the person again, it’s common to send a follow-up text or call to express this.
10. Be Yourself: Honesty is highly valued in American dating culture. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.

The importance of language

The topic of language in the United States is a debatable. Traditional Americans are notoriously monolingual, though this isn’t exactly true. It is mainly just the Americans who come from multiple established generations of American life which tend to be monolingual. And, there’s an interesting historical reason for it: nationalism.

Since 2003, there’s been a bill called the English Language Unity Act, which seeks to designate English as the official language of the United States. However, it has not been passed yet. So, to this day, the USA has no official language. English is the de facto language of communication though and likely one that you would use on a date. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of other languages spoken in the United States. Some are native, such as Navajo, Cherokee, Lakota or Inuit — while others have come through immigration such as Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese or Russian.

That being said, multilingual dating in the United States is quite common. With latino communities numbering in the millions and immigrants from across the world, it is quite plausible that you can date someone who speaks a second or third language. In large cosmopolitan city like New York, you will hear hundreds of languages being spoken just walking down the street. With nearly 50% of the population being foreign-born, via online dating you are highly likely to match with someone who has a different background than you.

If you already speak English, it is not necessary to learn a second language for dating in the USA. However, if you are open to interracial or intercultural dating, we do always recommend learning language and studying culture. Language is incredibly important form of human connection and knowing other languages can greatly enhance your dating experience in connecting with other people. Due to its proximity to Latin America, Spanish is so useful, perhaps that’s a great place to start, why not? Even a few phrases can go a long way. Nothing shows your date more respect than genuinely learning about his or her culture.

Social cues

In the United States, social cues can play an important role in dating and relationships. Here are some common social cues that may be used in dating:

1. Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact indicates interest and attentiveness. Avoiding eye contact can be a sign of disinterest or discomfort.
2. Body Language: Open body language (uncrossed arms, facing the other person) suggests a willingness to engage, while closed body language can indicate discomfort or a lack of interest.
3. Physical Touch: If your date initiates casual physical touch, like touching your arm during a conversation, it may indicate a level of comfort and interest.
4. Active Listening: Nodding, asking follow-up questions, and referencing previous statements are signs of active listening, showing that the person is engaged in the conversation.
5. Personal Space: Respect for personal space is important. If someone steps back or leans away when you get closer, it’s a cue that you might be invading their personal space.
6. Checking the Time or Phone Frequently: This can be a sign that your date is bored, uninterested, or ready for the date to end.
7. Smiling and Laughing: Positive facial expressions like smiling and laughter generally indicate that the person is enjoying the interaction.
8. Asking Questions: If your date is asking about your life, interests, opinions, they are likely interested in getting to know you better.
9. Mirroring: If your date begins to mirror your body language, it can be a subconscious sign that they are tuned into you and the conversation.
10. Flirting: Flirting is a common social cue in dating, and can involve playful teasing, light physical contact, and compliments.
11. Silence: Comfortable silence is a good sign, but prolonged, awkward silence may suggest a lack of connection or mutual interest.

Traditional Gender Roles

Traditional gender roles in dating have been largely shaped by historical and societal norms, although they’ve been evolving and changing over time. It’s important to remember that these are generalizations and not everyone in the United States adheres to these traditions or expectations.

Men:

1. Initiation: Historically, it has been expected for men to initiate the date, from asking the woman out to planning the details of the outing.
2. Paying: Traditionally, American men have been expected to pay for the date. This is based on old societal norms where men were typically the primary earners. This is rapidly changing, especially in large cities where women earn nearly as much as men do.
3. Chivalry: American Men have often been expected to perform chivalrous acts such as opening doors, pulling out chairs, and helping with coats.
4. Assertiveness: Men are often socially conditioned to be assertive in expressing their interest and intentions.

Women:

1. Receptiveness: Traditionally, American women have been expected to respond to the man’s initiation rather than initiating the date themselves.
2. Appreciation: Women were often encouraged to show appreciation for the man’s efforts, particularly in relation to paying for the date and performing chivalrous acts.
3. Expressing interest indirectly: In a traditional context, American women might have been expected to show their interest in more indirect ways, for instance, through body language or tone of voice rather than overt statements.
4. Appearance: Historically, there has been a lot of societal pressure on American women to present themselves in a certain way on dates, often implying a need to focus on physical appearance.

These traditional roles have been challenged and changed significantly over time, particularly with the progress of gender equality. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for women to initiate dates or for the cost of the date to be split. Similarly, men are no longer solely expected to make grand gestures, and communication in dating is becoming more open, balanced, and less tied to traditional gender roles.

It is important to note that these gender rules are likely much different when it comes to dating within the gay community. In some cases, likely more egalitarian or dependent on other factors than gender. The continued fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the US has challenged traditional gender roles and expanded the definition of gender and sexuality. The legalization of same-sex marriage and greater acceptance of non-binary gender identities are just some examples of this evolution.

Gender roles in the US are constantly evolving, with a greater emphasis on equality, diversity, and flexibility. While traditional expectations and stereotypes still exist, there is a growing recognition that individuals should be free to define their own identities and roles, regardless of gender.

Is the United States gay friendly?

While not quite as supportive of its neighbors Canada and Mexico, the United States is generally quite gay friendly. Although the LGBTQ experience is inconsistent and can differ greatly from state to state, gay Americans are free to love whoever they want.

Legally, same-sex marriage was recognized at the federal level by the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, ensuring the recognition of same-sex unions across all 50 states. Federal law now also provides employment protection for LGBTQ+ individuals following the 2020 Supreme Court ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, which expanded the interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes.

Major urban centers such as New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago, are known for their robust and vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and are generally seen as progressive and accepting. They host large Pride events and offer a plethora of resources and community spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. Nearly every major US city, including places like New Orleans, has a gay district (gayborhood), bar area.

The United States has also seen significant political activism and advocacy work by and for the LGBTQ+ community. Numerous national and local organizations, such as the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and Lambda Legal, work to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals through legislative lobbying, public education, and legal action. Through efforts like these, many cities now have ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas like housing and public accommodations.

Acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community is not uniform across the United States. Some states and regions, particularly in the South and Midwest, have been slower to change in terms of societal attitudes and legal protections. Discrimination and bias incidents, while illegal, still occur, and access to resources such as LGBTQ+ healthcare or support groups may be more limited in these areas.

In conclusion, while the United States overall is considered gay-friendly, with strong legal protections and vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, the level of acceptance can vary significantly based on location and local culture. The country continues to grapple with issues such as transgender rights, youth protections, healthcare access, and systemic biases within larger societal structures.

Is it safe to date people in United States?

With all of the news about crime lately, there have been many questions dating safety. In many parts of the United States, life is generally safe and dating should be fine. However, there are of course always bad neighborhoods or worse, bad people, but general in large cities like New York, Chicago or Los Angeles, safety should hopefully not be a major concern in normal circumstances and popular dating spots. That being said, here are some tips which can help you to stay safe while dating in United States:

• Get to know your date before meeting in person: Use messaging and phone calls to get to know your date before meeting in person. Pay attention to red flags such as inconsistencies in their stories or suspicious behavior.
• Lookup your date: If you have any doubts about the person, perhaps do a quick online search to verify their identity. If you find they have some presence on professional networks or social media you can review their profiles. Even though some people are moving away from social media, it is a good idea to validate your date in some way.
• Keep personal information private: In general, you should never share sensitive information like your financial details, address for where you live or other private information with someone you have just met. This can be more true with someone you met online.
• Tell someone about your plans: It can be a good practice to tell a trusted friend or family member your dating plans. For example, where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to return. If they do not hear from you by that time, then you can call to check on you. You can also ask them to call at a certain time to check on you.
• Meet in public: On your first few dates, meet in a public place like a café or a park where there are plenty of people around. In a cities like Miami, Seattle or Austin, it should be quite easy to find a nice public space.
• Stay sober: If you drink alcohol on your first date, consider limiting your intake at first to ensure that you really get to know the person and are fully aware of your surroundings. Because alcohol can impair your judgment, it is safer to drink less when you first get to know someone.
• Choose a reputable dating platform: There are many different dating apps, use a trusted and reliable app or website that requires identity verification. These apps can help weed out fake profiles and scammers with their powerful AI metrics.
• Use the messaging service on the dating app: In many cases, it is safer to use the messaging service provided by the dating site until you are comfortable sharing your contact details. This is because dating companies have a record of your chat but also because you can easily disconnect with someone should you feel uncomfortable.
• Trust your gut: Our instincts often know more than we give them credit for. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and do not feel obliged to stay in a situation that makes you uncomfortable. Remove yourself from a bad situation when it feels right to do so.
• Safe sex: Safe sex is smart sex. If you decide to become intimate with your date, remember to practice safe sex. This includes using protection and getting regular check-ups for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Remember, safety first. It is important to take precautions and use common sense when dating in United States, whether online or offline.

Dating scams in United States

Every day across the digital world, dating scams prey upon lonely and naive people online. This is just as true in United States as it is anywhere else in the world. Dating scams online are rampant and can happen to anyone. It is always a good practice to be careful and approach online dating in USA with caution.

Getting to know someone new, whether in real life or digitally, can and should be a fun process. It is important to build trust and use good judgement before sharing personal details.

In terms of dating scams specific to United States, we do not currently know any. However, across the world these common dating scams which are widely reported on dating apps and websites:

• Catfishing: One of the most common is simply catfishing. Catfishing is essentially when someone presents themself as someone else using fake profile information, stolen or altered photos. Usually, they will use attractive pictures to lure in a person, but in reality they are quite different.
• Gift Scams: After forming a relationship with you, scammers might ask for expensive gifts or money to buy such gifts for you. Once the gifts or money are received, they will disappear.
• Advanced Fee Fraud: If you check your spam inbox you will likely see a few emails like this. Most commonly, they come from countries West African countries like Ghana or Nigeria, but can originate from anywhere. Usually the scammer forms a relationship with the victim and then asks for money to help them access a large sum of money they have supposedly inherited but cannot access. If it sounds to good to be true, then it usually is.¹²
• Military Scams: In these scams, fraudsters pose as American military personnel who are serving overseas or outside of United States. They form a relationship with the victim and then ask for money, often claiming that it is for a leave application, medical expenses, or other fabricated reasons.

This is not an all inclusive list of dating scams. Scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to take advantage of people. Be vigilant.

Best places to meet singles in the USA

There are many great places to meet new people in the United States, depending on your interests and preferences. Here are some popular options:

1. Social clubs and organizations: Joining a club or organization based on your hobbies or interests can be a great way to meet like-minded people. Examples include sports clubs, book clubs, hiking groups, and volunteer organizations.
2. Campuses: If you are of student age, being a student can be a great place to meet new people and expand your horizons. Take advantage of this time to organically meet new singles, while learning about your personal interests.
3. Online communities: The internet offers many opportunities to connect with people who share your interests, whether through social media platforms, online forums, or dating apps.
4. Classes and workshops: Taking a class or workshop in a subject that interests you can be a fun and educational way to meet new people. Examples include cooking classes, language classes, and art workshops.
5. Events and festivals: Attending local events and festivals can be a great way to meet new people and experience your community. Examples include music festivals, food festivals, and art shows.
6. Bars and nightclubs: Going out to bars and nightclubs can be a fun way to socialize and meet new people, particularly if you enjoy dancing or live music.
7. Meetup groups: Meetup is a website that connects people with local groups based on their interests. It’s a great way to find events and activities in your area and meet new people who share your interests. In the US, there are several websites like this such as InterNations or Couchsurfing. While not exclusively dating, they are great ways to broaden your social network.
8. Online Dating: If all else fails, there is always online dating to save the day. Online dating is popular in United States and it is not stigmatized any more in most communities. Dating apps like Hinge, Tinder, Bumble, or OkCupid, can all help you connect with local American singles.

Overall, the best places to meet new people in the United States depend on your individual preferences and interests. Whether you prefer online communities, social clubs, or local events, there are many opportunities to connect with others and build new relationships.

Online dating in the USA

When it comes to online dating, the USA is really the epicenter of where it all started. Though forms of matchmaking and dating apps have been used throughout the world, the US companies revolutionized the market and exported the products to other countries.

Since the mid 1990s websites like eHarmony, Match.com have been used by Americans as a means to find a match. For that reason, Americans are some of the most open to online dating when compared to other countries. In 2012 dating Tinder rocked the dating world with a level of simplicity that made it so easy to date, some might say too easy.

Since that time, the online dating industry in the United States has grown substantially. As of 2020, nearly 40 million Americans have tried online dating services, making the United States home to one of the largest populations of online daters globally (Smith & Anderson, 2020).¹³

Today, the industry is varied and expansive, with platforms catering to diverse groups based on age, sexual orientation, religion, and even specific interests. This personalized approach to online dating has bolstered its popularity, with the Pew Research Center reporting that nearly one in three adults in the United States have used a dating app or website (Smith & Anderson, 2020).¹³

Financially, the online dating industry has seen robust growth. By the end of 2023, the industry’s revenue in the United States is projected to reach approximately $1.2 billion, displaying an annual growth rate of 11.5% from 2019 (Statista, 2023).¹⁴

However, the industry is not without its challenges. Issues surrounding privacy, cybersecurity, and user authenticity have led to increased scrutiny and regulation. Furthermore, the potential psychological impacts of online dating, such as decision paralysis and commoditization of potential partners, are areas of growing concern.

As we look across the industry in 2023, we see some interesting trends on the horizon.

First, large portfolio companies continue to consolidate and acquire rising apps. This can be a double edged sword. The portfolio company gains a popular app but it often comes at the cost of the innovation that got it there. We’ve seen this with Match Group and Bumble INC where they have acquired brands such as Harmonica and Chappy respectively only to shut them down at a later time. Recently, Enito Group was formed in Japan, combining the Japanese dating apps With and Omiai.

A second trend is artificial intelligence and/or machine learning. With examples such as Amorai, DearAimii and Teaser AI rising to the scene it will be quite interesting to see how machine learning fits into our dating lives.

A third and more palpable trend is diversity and inclusivity. Historically, the online dating industry has faced criticism for perpetuating biases and discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and other factors. However, many apps are now working to promote diversity and inclusivity through features such as user verification and profile prompts that encourage users to share more about their backgrounds and identities. Further, niche dating apps for different people are become more popular.

Overall, the online dating industry in the USA is a dynamic and rapidly-evolving space. We are likely to see major changes in the coming years following along with new trends, technologies, and challenges emerging on a regular basis.

Dating by state

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

Washington D.C.*

Dating by territory

American Samoa | Guam | Northern Mariana Islands | Puerto Rico | U.S. Virgin Islands

Top Dating Apps in the USA

The online dating industry is quite mature in the United States. From Farmer’s Only to Feeld, these days, it seems like there is a dating app for everything or everyone.

As most single Americans have tried a dating app or website at least once, the important thing is finding a dating app that works for you. Here are a few popular dating apps in the USA:

1. Tinder: A mobile dating app that uses a swiping system to match users based on their profiles and location.
2. Bumble: A dating app that allows women to make the first move by sending the first message, with matches expiring after 24 hours if no message is sent.
3. Hinge: A dating app that focuses on building meaningful connections by requiring users to fill out detailed profiles and answer prompts.
4. OkCupid: A dating website and app that uses a comprehensive questionnaire to match users based on their interests, values, and preferences.
5. Match.com: One of the oldest and most established dating websites by the Match Group, Match.com uses a comprehensive matching algorithm to connect users based on their preferences.
6. eHarmony: A dating website that focuses on long-term relationships, eHarmony uses a detailed compatibility quiz to match users based on their values and interests.
7. Zoosk: A dating app and website that uses behavioral matchmaking technology to learn from user interactions and make more accurate match suggestions.
8. Coffee Meets Bagel: A dating app that sends users one “bagel” (match) per day at noon, with matches selected based on mutual interests and preferences.
9. Plenty of Fish: A dating website and app that offers free messaging and matching features, with a large American user base and a variety of search filters.
10. Elite Singles: A dating website that caters to professionals and educated American singles, offering a comprehensive personality test and advanced search filters.

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*Washington D.C. is not technically a state. However, we will consider it for the purposes of this article.

¹ Interracial dating among Asians in the United States: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2017/05/18/1-trends-and-patterns-in-intermarriage/

² Geography of interracial marriage in the USA: https://www.businessinsider.com/geography-of-interracial-marriage-2014-2

³ Where men and women meet their spouses: The Facebook data

⁴ how long do people in the US date before getting married: Length of courtship in the U.S.: Business Insider

⁵ High school sweethearts on the decline in the USA: High school sweethearts: HuffPost

⁶ Valentine’s Day in the USA: Valentine’s Day spending: National Retail Federation

⁷ interracial marriage and relationships in the United States: Interracial marriage: Pew Research Center

⁸ Age for first marriage: Median age for first marriage: U.S. Census Bureau

⁹ Same sex marriage in the United States: Same-sex marriage: Supreme Court ruling: Supreme Court of the United States

¹⁰ how much people spend on dating per year: Dating expenses: Match.com

¹¹ Usage of dating apps in the United States: Dating apps usage: Pew Research Center

¹² Romance dating scams in the United States: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams

¹³ online dating industry in the United States: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/02/06/the-virtues-and-downsides-of-online-dating/

¹⁴ Growth rate for online dating in the usa: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1529100612436522

Other resources:

• Market Research Future. (2020). Online dating services market size, share, growth, trends, analysis, future scope, and regional forecast to 2024. Retrieved from https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/online-dating-services-market-2294
• Forbes. (2021). The business of love: Three dating app founders talk trends, challenges, and opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/annabenyehuda/2021/02/11/the-business-of-love-three-dating-app-founders-talk-trends-challenges-and-opportunities/?sh=1b8a91b925e2