Dating App

A dating app or dating application is a service, in the form of a smartphone application, designed to help people find others with whom to engage in romantic and/or sexual relationships.

There are dating apps designed to cater towards a number of different sexual orientations, such as those aimed specifically at those seeking same sex partners; relationship styles, like apps that connect non-monogamous daters; sexual interests, such as apps for folks interesting in anything from BDSM to farming; religious identities with sites like Christian Mingle and J-Date connecting people who share the same faith; and desired outcomes, with some apps focused on matching marriage-minded people seeking life partners while others allow users to openly seek hook-ups and one night stands. 

Many dating apps are designed to make full use of the many features  smartphones can offer, like GPS, push notifications, and mobile wallets, in order to connect users quickly.

History of Dating Apps

Dating apps are the latest in a long line of ways human beings have tried to connect with strangers in a bid to find mates. Before the internet people placed personal ads in newspapers stating who they were and what they were seeking, hoping interested parties would reply. The 80’s saw the rise of video dating services in which patrons recorded introductory videos that others could view and respond to. Then the internet brought the world online dating which allowed people to create whole profiles and scroll through dating prospects faster and in larger quantities than ever. 

The mid-2000s saw the rise of the smartphone and with it, smartphone applications (aka apps). While most online dating services launched apps to go with their websites, soon Grindr, with its ability to tell users just how close their latest prospect was, and Tinder, which gamified dating with its “swipe right/swipe left” interface, exploded in popularity.

Dating apps have served to make the process of identifying, engaging with, meeting, and potentially pairing off with partners faster than ever. Using the internet to meet potential partners has become a mainstream practice. In 2017 dating apps and online dating platforms were the most common means by which couples in the United States reported initially connecting. If current trends continue it is predicted that by 2040 70% of couples will first meet online. 

How Dating Apps Work

While the means of using dating apps is pretty similar (set up a profile, look at other peoples’ profiles, engage respectfully, meet people!), there are differences app to app. Each app has its own niche or gimmick, so it’s important to look around to find one that best suits you. Additionally, it’s important to remember that these apps are a product and products need users 

“Most dating apps are designed to keep people hooked and scrolling,” says August McLaughlin, author, sex educator and Girl Boner Radio host/producer “but you can find ways to effectively use them without damaging your sense of self-worth or feeling as though you’re addicted.”

Thankfully McLaughlin has some words of wisdom for getting the most out of your dating app experience:

“People who have the best experiences with dating apps tend to set realistic goals, choose their app wisely and switch to phone, video chats or in-person meetings before long. Understanding what you truly want out of a dating app and being clear with app users you interact with are pretty key to having a good experience. If you desire hookups or to explore a particular kink, for example, say so. If you’re hoping to cultivate a meaningful romantic relationship, state that.”