If you’ve been anywhere near technology over the past decade or so, you’ve at least heard of dating apps. Dating apps are getting more and more popular as people find themselves too busy to go out and find a date in person. That’s not the only reason, though. In this guide, we’re going to look at:
- Just how simple it is to get started with dating apps
- How you can find a dating app that’s right for you, no matter who you’re looking for
- The different types of apps, from paid to free, and the reasons people use them
Want to get started exploring the world of dating apps available to you? Let’s go!
How Do I Download and Get Started
Whoa! Wait a minute, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First of all, you’re going to want to choose an app or two to install to your phone or tablet. There are so many out there, you don’t want to just install random apps until you find one you like.
Instead, whether you’re using an iOS or Android device, you’re going to want to spend some time in the app store. There, you’ll see a few pieces of information that may be important to you.
First, you’ll see how much the app costs. Is it free to download or will it cost you money? That’s obviously the first factor you’ll want to take into account.
Secondly, you’ll see the reviews of the app. These are from people who have used the app and can tell you if it was easy to use, if it helped them find a date, if there were any technical glitches and so on. It’s great to look at the five star reviews, but we also recommend you take a look at the reviews that are around three stars. These are usually pretty accurate in describing why an app was good or bad, and why.
Finally, you’ll see some screen shots of the app in action. Check out the images to get an idea of whether the app looks like it’s pretty user friendly or not. It doesn’t have to be the most beautiful app in the world, but you have to be able to navigate it!
You don’t have to marry yourself to just one app – feel free to try out a few! But in time, as you narrow down your matches, you may find that it’s easier to just stick to one or two dating apps if for no other reason than to keep your own life simple.
- As you choose your dating app, check out reviews and screen shots
- Don’t feel as if you have to limit yourself to just one dating app – go ahead and try a few
- As you narrow down your partner search, it may be easier to just stick with one or two dating apps
How to Download a Dating App
If you’ve been using your phone a while, you probably already know how to download a dating app. But there are a few things you’ll want to pay attention to. First, does the app cost money? This is obvious – your app store will tell you directly on the app’s page.
Secondly, does it offer in-app purchases? If so, this is a fairly good indicator that the dating app isn’t completely free, or will cost more than the amount you initially pay. We’ll talk more about this later, but what that means is that you may pay for connects to others, or to chat with potential matches.
Once you determine whether these costs are okay with you, go ahead and download! The process is only slightly different on Android and iOS devices, whether you’re using a phone or a tablet. Usually you’ll just indicate that you want to download the dating app, then verify with your password of fingerprint ID. Then you’re all set to start setting up your profile!
- Downloading a dating app is just like downloading any other app
- You’ll want to check the cost of the app before you download, including in-app purchases
- Whether you’re using Android or iOS, the download process is very straightforward!
How Much do Dating Apps Cost?
We talked very briefly a moment ago about in-app purchases and the actual cost of dating apps. Let’s look a little more in detail at what dating apps cost, and the true cost of using them.
It’s important to note that just because it’s free to sign up for a dating app, or to download one, that doesn’t mean it’s not going to cost you money to connect with a partner. There are many apps that are, in fact, completely free. But others rely on your hard-earned money to stay in business.
First, there are the subscription services. With these, you’ll pay a monthly or an annual fee to use all or almost all of the features of the app. You’ll be able to browse profiles, chat with people you find interesting and more, and it’s included in the subscription cost.
Then, there are sites that are free to browse, but expect to pay a bit of money if you want to actually connect with someone. You may be able to send a “wink” or other symbol to show you’re interested, but you won’t be able to carry on a conversation with that person until you pay.
Finally, there are apps that are 100% free to use. You can swipe, browse, chat, connect and call to your heart’s content.
All these app types have their advantages and disadvantages. For instance, a free app will have a bigger pool of potential matches. However, these people might not be serious about finding a date, or they may just be “testing” dating apps to see if they’re a good fit.
On the paid sites, you’ll have fewer prospects. But, generally speaking, the people who join paid sites are more serious about finding a match. After all, they’re willing to pay to do it! You’ll also find that there are more professionals on these paid sites as opposed to people creating profiles to prank their friends or just “see what’s out there.”
Whether you choose a free or a paid app is entirely up to you, and the cost will vary depending on the dating app you choose. Just do a bit of research before you download. If you download a “free” app and it starts charging you tons of money, weigh your options and delete if you want.
- Three types of dating apps exist: completely free, subscription based and pay with use
- It’s up to you which type you choose, they each have their benefits and setbacks
- Remember, you’re not committed to just one app!
No Money? Free Dating Apps are for You!
There’s a common misconception that free dating apps are just filled up with trolls and people looking to waste time. To an extent, that’s more true than for the paid sites. But there are many quality free dating apps out there. You’ll just need to have a little patience.
We briefly mentioned that there are disadvantages to free dating apps. A few things to keep in mind are that:
- People who use free dating apps may not be serious about finding a match
- People on these sites may not be who they say they are – anyone can sign up for an account – or multiple
- Some people create profiles to check up on other people. Be sure your dat is who they say they are
- The search functionality on free dating apps may not be as comprehensive or intuitive as that of a paid site
With all that in the back of your mind, feel free to sign up for a free site or two! You may just find your perfect soul mate! The takeaway is that you might have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince or princess.
Niche Dating on Dating Apps
As you scroll through the app store and browse the dating apps, you’ll certainly notice that there’s not just one type of dating app. In fact, there are dozens of categories, and you get to choose which you like the best! In this section, we’ll look at a few types of “niche” dating sites and you can determine which, if any, you’d like to look for.
Niche dating sites aren’t necessarily limited to members who belong in that niche. But if you’re looking for someone with similar interests or lifestyle attributes to yours, they’re a great place to start! Let’s look at some of these categories.
Religious dating apps
If you think “religious dating apps” seems to cover a broad spectrum of people, you’d be right! As you know, there are hundreds of religious groups, ranging from whole belief systems down to intricacies of interpretation of that belief.
So, if you’re looking for someone who shares your specific beliefs, down to the way you observe, general religious apps are probably not for you. If you’re interested in meeting a broader range of people who may or may not fit into your own religious group, general religious apps are great!
On religious dating apps, you’ll find a rainbow of people, from Catholic to Buddhist, who want to connect with others who also subscribe to a similar faith. You’ll usually be asked to specify your religion as you set up your profile, and it will be visible to others.
If you’re looking for a more specific match, there may be other dating apps that are better suited to you. The most common in app stores are Christian dating apps and Muslim dating apps.
Christian dating apps
Christian dating apps are exactly what the name implies: they’re apps that cater to Christian people. Remember, though, that not all Christian denominations are the same. There are Lutherans, Baptists, Catholics and so on, so if you’re going to be picky about your match’s religion, it’s best to ask!
That said, it’s more likely that you’ll find a partner who agrees with your interpretation of theology on a Christian dating app than on a general dating app, so why not give it a try?
Muslim dating apps
Depending on where you are in the world, Muslim dating apps may be becoming more popular. And if you live in a nation where followers of Islam aren’t in the majority, these apps can be quite a benefit to you!
Muslim dating apps allow you to narrow down your search for a partner without the stress of going out and trying to meet someone. The people who join these apps are looking for someone who shares their faith – could that be you?
Gay dating app
Another type of “niche” dating app is the dozens of apps that cater to the LGBTQ community. There are “general” gay dating apps, but there are also lesbian and bisexual apps.
If you’re a man seeking a man or a woman seeking a woman, there’s an app out there for you! Just do a search in your app store for “gay dating” and you’ll see what we mean!
Lesbian dating apps
There are apps that cater specifically to gay men and there are dating apps that are specifically designed for lesbian women. Lesbian dating apps are a great choice if you’re a woman seeking a woman, just remember that your search results may include bisexual women, too.
Bisexual dating apps
As we said, there’s a dating app for every member of the LGBTQ+ community, including bisexual dating apps. Now, with that said, it’s becoming more and more common for bisexual men and women to join mainstream dating services, so don’t be hesitant to rule those out. Most apps will allow you to filter your matches by “orientation” so try that, too!
Married dating apps
Yup. If you’re married or want to hook up with someone who is, there are apps out there for you. These apps promise discretion and privacy. Just remember – your privacy only goes so far as you protect it. Messing around with or as a married person is no joke, so be sure you want to do that before you join a married dating app!
Senior dating apps
No matter whether you’re 55 or 95, there’s a dating app out there for you if you’re a senior. These apps aren’t necessarily exclusive to seniors, and you may find some matches that are younger people. These younger people are looking for an older date. If you’re okay with that, go for it!
With that said, when you’re a senior looking for someone “your own age,” senior dating apps are awesome. You’ll meet plenty of men and women in a similar age group to yours, and you don’t have to subject yourself to playing bingo at the community center – because you’re a senior, you’re not lifeless!
Other niche dating apps
There are so many apps popping up for all types of niche groups. And some of those niche groups are even more specific – for instance, you may join a Christian lesbian dating app! Or a senior Muslim dating app! You get the idea! There’s an app for everyone!
- There are hundreds upon hundreds of dating apps in app stores
- You can narrow your niche preference down as far as you want!
- From seniors to lesbians, there’s an app out there for everyone – just search!
What are the Best Dating Apps to Use?
As you’ve seen, there are oodles of types of dating apps. It may be hard for you to narrow down exactly which you’d like to use. The solution is simple – just pick the one that feels best to you and roll with it. Remember that you’re not committed to any one app. You can delete and download whatever you like.
So what are the best dating apps to use? The ones that will most likely lead you to your match. Again, that may sound like a silly answer, but it’s true because no two people are the same. You may like a simple app that allows you to swipe left or right, while someone else may prefer a more complex app with personality tests.
Feel free to play around with different types of apps, and see which ones feel the most natural to you. Do you like to read in-depth profiles? Would you rather just view a picture and learn about your match through conversation? The choice is yours.
Dating Apps for Your Type of Phone
We’ve talked a bit about iPhone vs Android devices, and obviously you’ll have to choose a dating site that’s compatible with your phone’s operating system. But there are a few other things you’ll want to keep in mind as you download dating apps to your phone. Let’s take a look.
Dating apps for Android
Android is an open source platform, which means that anyone can create an app. The applications that are offered in the marketplace aren’t always as well vetted and monitored as on other platforms, so we advise that you exercise caution and use your common sense.
Pay attention to what permissions your app is requesting. Does it want to have access to your camera? As yourself why? Your microphone? Your location? Why? Keep security in mind as you download your app. If there are things that look fishy, simply move on to the next dating app – don’t put yourself at risk.
Dating apps for iPhone/iOS
Whether you have an iOS tablet or phone, you’ll have a huge variety of dating apps to choose from. But as with Android devices, you’ll have some considerations for your safety and security you’ll want to keep in mind.
Apple is usually pretty good at researching apps before they’re published in the App Store. That said, you want to check your location services. When you’re meeting men and women on an app, you don’t want them to always know your location, right? And while it’s not definitive that the app will share, just go ahead and turn off location services for your dating app – just to be on the safe side.
Dating apps for other operating systems
If you have a Windows phone, Blackberry or any other operating system, just use your common sense. Don’t give permissions to your app that you think seem unnecessary. If you have questions about certain permissions, do some research and determine if they’re really necessary. Use your head, and remember: safety first.
As you can see, there are dating apps for every operating system. Just remember:
- Keep your own personal security in mind when you sign up
- Be sure you’re familiar with why an app is requesting permissions
- Make it a habit to turn off location services for your dating apps
The Best Dating Apps for International Dating
No matter where you are in the world, there’s a dating app you can download and register for. Let’s take a look at a few examples of how dating apps have taken over the world.
International dating apps
International dating apps are just that: you can connect with people literally anywhere in the world. This is super useful if you’re looking for a long distance relationship, of course. But it’s also a great idea to sign up for an international dating app if you’re planning a big move.
Let’s say you’re a native of Turkey, but you’re planning to move to Canada. You can meet people ahead of time with an international dating app! Just register for an account, and filter your matches by location. The possibilities are endless!
Use caution, of course. Never plan a move with the idea that there will be someone waiting for you on the other side of the ocean. Always have a plan in place and prepare for the worst, but expect the best!
Russian dating apps
Recently, one of Russia’s biggest social media websites started a dating app. If you’re in Russia, this is a great time to join the online dating world! There are two or three major players to consider, and all three have great reputations among users.
Ukraine dating apps
There are many dating sites and dating apps in Ukraine. Some of these are international apps, while others are localized to the Ukraine area. International is great, but if you’re looking for someone who speaks your native language and understands your culture, a local dating app is the way to go!
Dating apps in Africa
As you know, Africa is a huge place! That said, it’s probably a good idea to narrow down your search when you’re looking for an African dating app. Rather than just searching for dating apps in Africa, why not specify “Egypt” or “South Africa?” You’ll have better success in finding a local partner if you think smaller than the whole continent!
Dating apps in Europe
Europe shares many dating apps with Australia and North America. But, as with any region of the world, you’ll be able to narrow down your search by location. For instance, you can find apps for singles in Glasgow or London, or you can do a larger search for dating apps in Scotland or England. Bear in mind that if you’re in an English speaking country, it’s possible that you’ll find matches from English speaking countries around the world. So check their location before you fall in love!
Everywhere else
Whether you live in Asia, Australia or South America, there’s a dating app for you. As you register, keep the following things in mind:
- International apps are great for long distance relationships
- They’re also great if you’re planning a big move
- Don’t rely on the person on the other end of the conversation to be there if you need support after your move
- If you live in a broad geographical area, try narrowing your search down to find more matches in your locale
Dating Apps for All Ages
How old are you? Are you a twenty-something who’s just not having any luck in the bar scene? Are you in your forties and feel like dating is for the younger crowd? Don’t worry! There’s a dating app out there that will help you find love, no matter how many trips you’ve taken around the sun!
Dating apps for 30+
If you’ve hit 30, you’re beginning to settle into your career, and might be thinking about traveling or raising a family. Want to find a partner to share your dreams with you? Look for dating apps for people 30 and up. You’ll find a more mature set of individuals than you would on the general sites, but not so mature that you have nothing in common.
Dating apps for 40+
If you’re over 40, your goals and your past are obviously different from when you were in your 20s or 30s. So you’ll want to meet a person who has similar maturity and experience to yours, right? Join a 40+ dating app and find people who are more likely to feel the same way about life’s intricacies as you!
Dating apps for 50+
You’re over fifty and you’re thinking about what you want to do with the second half of your life. Will you travel? Will you settle down? Buy investment properties? Move to the beach? Find someone who wants to plan their back half as well by joining a 50+ dating app.
Dating apps for 60+
When you’re over 60, it may seem like the dating pool significantly declines. That’s not true, though! People over 60 may be less likely to visit the typical dating “sites” in person, like bars and social events. But they’re getting online! We’re going to talk more in detail about senior dating apps in just a moment, but in the meantime, remember: dating isn’t restricted to an age group, and you’re never too old to date!
- There are dating apps for every age group, no matter whether you’re in your 20s or your 70s
- When you date someone your age, you’re more likely to have life goals in common
- You don’t have to be 20 to join a dating site – just search your app store and imagine the possibilities
Getting Older and Want to Find Love? Try Dating Apps for Seniors
Once you hit retirement age, it may seem like it’s getting more difficult to find a partner. You don’t hang out at the same places you used to, and you may not know where the single, divorced and widowed seniors are in your town.
Don’t worry! There are plenty of senior dating apps, sometimes called “silver” sites, that you can join. However, you’re going to need to keep a few things in mind when you sign up for these apps. Here are some precautions you should keep in mind if you’re a senior looking for love.
- You can be anyone you want to be online – and so can everyone else. Use your common sense and trust your gut – if something doesn’t seem right, it very well may not be.
- Unfortunately, there are some pretty shady characters out there, and some prey on seniors. This is because older people generally are more financially stable, and have a nest egg stashed away. Keep yourself safe. Don’t give out your bank account into, your social security number, your National ID number or any other information to people you don’t know. Also, don’t “lend” anyone money that you expect to get back. There are many scammers, so keep your eyes open.
- When you join senior dating apps, you’re likely to find a few younger people looking for a “silver fox” or a “cougar.” If that’s okay with you, cool! Go for it! If not, just make that clear from the start of the conversation.
- Dating apps for seniors aren’t difficult to use, but if you need help you can usually enlist a family member to help. Don’t have family nearby? Ask a younger person! Trust us, they’re great – they won’t bite – and they’re always more than happy to help someone and show off a little!
Dating apps for seniors are growing in popularity, and they’re easy to use. Just make sure you use your head and keep yourself safe! Then, start browsing and have fun!
Looking for Serious and Popular Dating Apps?
Well, we can’t really help! The reason for that is because we have a global audience, and we don’t know where you are or what’s popular in your area. We also don’t know what type of app you’re looking for. Are you a Catholic lesbian? A 60 year old farmer? Whatever the case, you can find an app you love, we just don’t know what that app will be.
If you’re looking for serious and popular dating apps, the easiest way to find one is by doing a search, either on Google or on your phone’s app store. Check out the reviews and see what others are saying, then use your judgment.
You can also ask around on social media or within your group of friends. The apps people will recommend are the ones that are easiest to use, have plenty of potential matches, and that people have had the most success with. See what others are doing, and follow suit. You’ll only serve to expand your pool of prospects if you go where others are going!
- We can’t tell you what’s serious and popular in your area, but you can do research on your own!
- Check the reviews on the app’s website or app page, and see what others are saying
- Ask friends, too! Your circle of friends can help you find a dating app that you’ll love as much as they do!
Technology Moving Forward – New Dating Apps
It seems like every day there’s a new dating app in the app stores. Some, of course, are better than others, and you’re going to have the best success when you join an established site that has many members.
But don’t discount the new dating apps, either. Though they’re new, you still may have some great success finding a match on one of these new sites. There are a few things you’ll need to remember, however, when you’re considering a new app.
Your primary concern is always your own security, both personal and financial. So, before you put your personal info into a new app, or enter your credit card information, be absolutely certain the app is legitimate.
Secondly, remember that the app is new! If you find an app you really like, but there don’t seem to be many members, why not give it a little time? Keep the app installed in your device and ask to be notified of alerts from the app. This can usually be done from the Settings menu on your phone.
The most important thing to remember about dating apps is that they’re fun! If you find a new dating app that stresses you out, or you just don’t “feel,” move on! You’ll find another that you do love, and using an app you enjoy will make you more likely to find a mate. Just have fun, stay active on the app, and enjoy the journey!
- New technology is great – but mind your personal and financial security
- New apps may not have many members, but why not give it some time to let its membership base grow?
- You should love the app you use, so if you’re not comfy with a dating app, delete it and move on!
Conclusion
Dating apps are a great way to meet new people and find your perfect match! Sign up for a few dating apps today and let your imagination run wild! Whether you’re bisexual, 60 years old or looking for a free app, there’s a service out there you’ll love. Have fun!
