Dating in the 21st century can be stressful and exhausting. There are so many dating apps available, and each one is slightly different. So I’m here to explain how four of the apps work (and don’t work).
Tinder
You’ve probably heard of Tinder; it’s been around since 2012 and introduced us all to the concept of swiping right. On this app, you build your profile and then start swiping through your prospects, right for yes and left for no. If both people swipe right on each other’s profile, a match is made, and you can start chatting. Most profiles on Tinder are slim on the details and tend to showcase a person’s best physical assets. So, I’ve found Tinder to be better suited for casual hookups than long-term connections.
Bumble
Bumble launched in 2014 with a similar concept to Tinder. You still swipe right for yes and left for no, but when you match with someone, the woman has to message first. Non-binary folk can opt to be the one messaging first or not & for same-sex matches, either person can reach out. If you don’t reach out within 24 hours, the match is lost. Bumble is definitely more focused towards building connections versus hook-ups, but the 24-hour timer can be a buzz-kill for someone forgetful and busy (like me).
Hinge
The app ‘designed to be deleted,’ Hinge was made for finding long-term connections. Instead of only viewing matches when you both like each other, you get to see any person who likes your profile straight away. However, you can only have 8 people waiting for you to reply at a time. So, you need to keep the conversation going or drop people if you aren’t vibing. I find Hinge to be my personal favourite of all the apps; it definitely feels less like doom-scrolling for matches when you can see that someone has liked you.
Feeld
Feeld, formerly known as 3nder, is perfect for people into ethical non-monogamy, polyamory and kink. It has a designated section for listing your kinks and relationship preferences, making it easier to match with like-minded people. This app is great for finding just the right hook-up or person to explore your kinks with.
Now that you know a bit more about the apps, you can jump right in and start dating. But don’t worry if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, the stunning escorts at Harlots are always here to put you at ease and help explore your desires.