The Swipe Left – Swipe Right culture has taken a big upturn in the past decade or so. With the social lives of people being restricted to their phones, it is a no – brainer that finding a companion online should be far behind. Gone are the days where the thrill of blind dates or the charm of subtle romance held its magic. Now, with the advent of technology not only can you find people near you but also those who are aligned with your thoughts and expectations. In this article we detail out some of the best dating apps – Tinder, Bumble and Hinge!
So, in a sea of dating apps which are floating around – which one actually rules the roost? If you are a rookie looking to experiment – Should you go for the ever popular Tinder or the one partial to Women – Bumble…. Or is there something else round the corner?
Are Dating Apps Safe?
While data security and privacy seem to be the primary concern for people before getting on a dating app, a number of these applications have certain security features which are able to protect you in case you get uncomfortable. Once considered a taboo, a lot of people across ages are now getting on Dating Apps to meet new people – whether romantically or not, is entirely up to your preference!
The onset of COVID 19 has not slowed down the popularity of these dating apps. People have had more time to themselves and have explored trying to meet new people with similar interests online. Even if you were not able to meet them in person, several features like video chatting and remote dating have become a mainstay amongst the masses.
While these Dating Apps have been largely used for casual hookups, there are several real life stories where cupid has actually struck and people have gone on to build their lives together!
Below are some of the popular Dating Apps which you can explore depending on whether you are looking for a casual hook up or a more serious relationship.
List of the Best Dating Apps Available
- Best for Meaningful and Quality Interactions: Hinge
- Best for Serious and Long Term Relationships: eHarmony
- Best for Friendships and Relationships: OKCupid
- Best for Mature People: Match
- Best for Casual Hookups: Tinder
- Best for Some Kink: Feeld
- Best for Women: Bumble
- Best for Queer Women (Lesbian/Bi): Her
- Best for Queer People: Lex
- Best for Homosexual or Gay Men: Grindr
- Best for Black People: Blk
- Best for Busy People: Coffee Meets Bagel
- Best for Professionals: The League
- Best for Meeting up Quickly: Clover
- Best for Travelling People: Happn
Below are some of the Top Dating Apps if you want to start making new friends or dipping into some experimentation! But the question arises that if you are new to this then which is the one you should start with. Which is one of the top rated Dating Apps – Tinder, Bumble or Something else?
TINDER – Best Dating App for Casual Hookups
Tinder is arguably the God of all Dating Apps. It is especially popular amongst the youth between the ages of 18 to 30.
Tinder creates a profile by uploading basic information like age, gender etc. It displays the Singles who are willing to connect in your area. The users are presented with a sequence of photographs of other people seeking companionship. If they find an individual attractive they can swipe right, and if they don’t they can swipe left. Further, you can set your own personal preference on the app. For example, you can set your potential date’s age and proximity. Tinder will show you the results according to your personal preference. Tinder uses your GPS and helps you find a date within your geographic area. This also comes in handy who want to use this Dating App while they are travelling.
Tinder has a plethora of features where you can Video Chat without sharing personal information, a Panic Button which can be pressed if you are out on a date and feel unsafe, and a Swipe Party option, which can let others join in the fun to help you select a date!
However, this Dating App promotes a ridiculous culture of judging other people solely based on their looks. It’s shallow in its selection criteria and does no favours to anyone who isn’t a semi-professional in cracking the correct angles while taking a picture!
BUMBLE – Best Dating App for Women
Bumble was given birth by the Co-Founder of Tinder!
This dating app is said to be made for empowering women. It is advertised as – “Bumble is a female-friendly dating app”.
Bumble allows women to make the first move. Unlike tinder, here women can decide who they want to talk to. On other dating apps, women are bombarded with uncountable unwanted messages from men. Also, they are attacked with demeaning messages and sexist comments. But, bumble keeps you safe in this regard. Only those whom you contact are allowed to respond back. This makes it a relatively safer environment for women.
With the option of turning the setting to “BFF” (Best Friends Forever) gives clarity of what an individual is looking for. It makes it clear whether a person is inclined to indulge in a sexual encounter or is happy with just making acquaintances.
Hinge – Best Dating App for Serious Relationships
Relatively new on the scene, Hinge is for the serious people who are looking at quality interactions. Not only does it give you interesting prompts to break the ice but also gives you limited swipes (unless you go Premiere) so that you go through each profile keenly and just not discard them based on appearance.
The new Voice Note Feature in this App is an interesting addition. You can hear a short note by the profile maker. This gives you a good idea regarding the person you are looking at – his personality and expectations!
While there are a plethora of Dating Apps – Tinder, Bumble, Hinge and more to indulge in, if you register in these three, there is a good chance that you shall find a few interesting people to connect with. Be sure to protect your privacy while interacting with new people until you are sure that they are looking for exactly the same thing that you are. While most interactions on these Dating Platforms are Safe, there is no harm in telling a friend or two before physically meeting someone for the first time! Be Sure… Be Safe and Have Fun!
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