Online Dating Questions (FAQ’s), Intro Guide To Dating Apps
Online Dating Guide: Online Dating 101, Online Dating For Beginners, Dating App Questions, Dating App FAQ’s, Tips For Men, Women
It’s very tempting to jump into the deep end and immerse yourself in dating apps. Dating apps are addictive and seemingly simple and straightforward to use. With that said, there is plenty of self-sabotage and mistakes people make when creating a profile. Consider this as your introductory course dating apps – Online Dating 101.
Doing some research ahead of time and being prepared will go a long way to improving chances for success. Below is an exhaustive online dating guide to help navigate the dating app waters and help prepare yourself for online dating with online dating tips for beginners, online dating explained, dating profile templates for various apps, what the online dating experience is like, and general information for those new to dating apps.
Why Do People Use Online Dating? What Is The Purpose Of Online Dating? Why Use Dating Apps? Dating Apps 101
Dating apps are meant to supplement the way you meet people offline, in person. Due to busy schedules, lack of social outlets, and difficulty in going out as a parent, dating apps provide another way to meet people outside your routines, schedules, and social circles.
10-15 years ago, there used to be a stigma around dating apps. People thought only introverts, socially awkward folks, and weirdos use dating apps. These days, everyone is on dating apps – even people who have no problem meeting people offline. Dating apps are socially acceptable now.
It’s not meant to replace meeting people offline, nor should people keep relationships online. The purpose of dating apps are to discover singles around you and go on dates offline.
How Much Does Online Dating Cost? How Much Do Dating Apps Cost? Brand New To Dating Apps
Some apps are completely free, while most operate what is called a freemium business model (basic aspects of the apps are free, but additional costs apply for more profiles, filters, privacy etc). Few apps are completely paid apps.
Costs can vary from $15-$40 per month, but can easily exceed that for apps like The League, which commands a premium for privacy.
New To Online Dating: Dating Apps 101: Online Dating Advice & Intro To Online Dating, Dating App Tips For Beginners
You only get one change at a first impression and with online dating that couldn’t be more true, so I created this FAQ page to help you navigate the online dating waters. As an online dating photographer and consultant, I have gathered years of research to put together this guide to help folks who are brand new or have struggled with dating apps over the years.
Having worked with people in LA, NYC, Chicago and all over the world, it’s important to know your audience, market yourself effectively and put in sincere effort to have success.
You attract who you are, not what you seek, so what you put out there will affect who you are shown, who contacts you and who is interested in you.
Dating App FAQ’s: Tinder | Match.com | OkCupid | Hinge | Bumble | Coffee Meets Bagel | The League
Dating App Advice For Beginners: Online Dating Tips, Guides & How To Use Dating Apps, New To Online Dating
Anonymity encourages bad etiquette, check-boxes create unhealthy expectations, upfront information creates a false sense of security, easy profile setup creates lazy behavior, people read too much into matches (not a good KPI), access to numerous profiles provides an opportunity for temptation or unwillingness to settle down.
It’s important to have thick skin and awareness of what apps are, and what they can/cannot do. They are not like food ordering apps, they are merely introduction apps. It’s up to you to learn about people and see if they are truthful, worth getting to know, and line up with what you seek.
Related read: New To Dating Apps, Online Dating For Beginners
Are Dating Apps Taboo? Is Online Dating Socially Acceptable? Is There A Stigma Around Online Dating? Is It Embarrassing?
10-15 years ago, people might have viewed those who used dating apps as desperate. 2 years ago, with the success of Hinge and Bumble, dating apps became popular and have distanced association with apps like Tinder, which give dating apps a bad name.
In 2021, dating apps became necessary and if you are not using them, you are severely limiting your opportunity to meet someone.
Related read: Online Dating Stigma, Dating App Shame
Dating App Profile Tips For Hinge, Tinder, OkCupid, Tinder (Online Dating Guide For Men, Women), Online Dating Tips
I have helped numerous people optimize their profiles while maintaining authenticity, approachability and a touch of candidness. Below are some tips to navigate the online dating waters (I provide more detailed, customized advice for clients). Click through a few frequently asked questions about dating apps, photos, bios, swiping strategy, and more below.
For studies, articles, surveys, and more about online dating, check out my Online Dating Resource Guide.
To view samples of questions, prompts on various dating sites, check out these posts on profile prompts for apps like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble and Coffee Meets Bagel. For tips on how to write a dating profile, read this introductory guide.
Follow me on Instagram for travel updates to see when I am in your town.
Online Dating Profile Photos: Best Dating App Photos For Men, Women (Hinge, Bumble)
How many photos should I use in a dating profile?
Do looks matter on dating sites?
Plenty of people look better in person than in their photos which doesn’t help their case on dating apps. Read: How to look more attractive in your dating photos.
Is it ok to use memes in your dating photos?
What should you wear in your online dating photos?
What do my dating profile photos signal?
What are the best photos to use for a dating app profile?
If you want to get the most out of your photos, get some photo that reveal a side of you that is flattering, insightful, candid and even self-deprecating. For additional advice on photos, check out this photo intro. For the most cliche photos on dating app these days, check out this dating app photo bingo card.
What size should my photos be for my dating profile? What dimensions should online dating photos be?
Should I use photos with my dog, cat or pet?
Cats will reduce your chances for matching but you might connect with someone who feels strongly about cats. Lastly make sure the dog is yours. Dogfishing is not encouraged.
How do I look more attractive in my dating photos?
Should I use plandid photos on my dating profile?
Is it ok to use photos of my children in my dating app photos? Should I use photos of my kids on dating profiles?
Instead, list how many kids you have and their ages in your bio. Read more about this here: https://eddie-hernandez.com/online-dating-and-kids/
Fore more articles about all things online dating photos, read this.
How To Make A Good Dating Profile: Bios, Prompts, Headlines & About Me, Profile Tips For Women, Men
Is it ok to lie about my age or height in my dating site profile?
Starting off with a lie is a recipe for failure and frustration. It signals insecurity or strong likelihood for lying about other items in your profile. Read more about this here: https://eddie-hernandez.com/lying-about-age-on-dating-profiles/
Is it ok to use a screen name or initials instead of my real name on a dating app profile?
If you use a screen name or initial prepare to receives fewer matches, interest. Read this post on usernames: https://eddie-hernandez.com/plenty-of-fish-usernames/
How do you write a good dating profile for a man? woman? What are some examples on how to write about yourself?
How To Make A Hinge Profile | How To Create A Bumble Profile
What are some good Hinge and Bumble profile prompts?
What should I avoid in a dating profile headline?
Online Dating Questions, Dating Profile Questions – Online Dating Profile Template (Online Dating Tips)
Hinge Profile Template | Bumble Profile Template | Coffee Meets Bagel Template | Tinder Template
DATING APP FAQ’S: DATING SITE RULES, TIPS & FIRST TIME USER GUIDES, DATING APP QUESTIONS
Dating Apps vs. Matchmakers: Which is better?
What are the demographics for Hinge, Match, Bumble, CMB (monthly average users)?
Every article and survey out there is based on some sample size and don’t necessarily provide the right drivers for success nor accurate expectations. After our photo session, I will provide specific guidance on what I recommend for you based on age, location, personality etc.
If you are purely interested in apps with the most users, take a look at this survey: https://eddie-hernandez.com/monthly-average-mobile-users-dating-apps/
What are the best profile prompts, conversation starters and bios for Bumble?
Do dating apps notify matches or profiles of screenshots?
Is online dating safe? What are the dangers of online dating?
What are the best photos, prompts and answers for Hinge app?
Hinge is one of the most popular dating apps for relationship minded folks. For help with photos, prompts, captions, bios, conversation starters are more read my Hinge blog posts: https://eddie-hernandez.com/category/dating-apps/hinge/
What are some red flags to be aware of when online dating?
How do you spot fake accounts and profiles on dating apps?
https://eddie-hernandez.com/how-to-spot-fake-profiles-on-dating-apps/
How do I reset my dating profile, account?
How long should you stay on a dating app? Taking a break from online dating?
Online dating is not worth it for all people especially if they lack self-awareness, realistic expectations, have bad app choices, poor profiles, bad communication skills.
Related read: Taking A Break From Dating Apps
How do you avoid people you know on dating apps? How to avoid exes, colleagues and friends. Hiding Your profile on dating Apps?
On Bumble, this is called Incognito Mode. Apps like The League use your company info to possible block colleagues from seeing your profile if you choose to do so.
How likes, matches is average for a guy, girl on Hinge, Bumble, Tinder and other dating apps?
For many it’s 1-3 likes, matches a day but quality is more important that quantity as matches can come from bots, spammers and people outside your location, age range, or attractiveness thresholds. R
ead this guide on how to have more success on dating apps.
What questions do dating apps ask? What questions does Bumble ask? What questions does Hinge ask?
Some questions are optional while others are required. Bumble questions | Hinge questions
Dating Etiquette Articles, Dating Rules For Men, Women, Unspoken Rules Of Dating
Read this for tips on expectations, communication, lying on profiles, date planning, response time, & more.
UNWRITTEN RULES OF ONLINE DATING: DO’S & DON’TS OF DATING APPS; TIPS FOR ONLINE DATING
Should I use a dating app ghostwriter to write my bio and send messages for me?
Secondly, you deprive yourself of the chance to experience the exploration of getting to know someone through those messages.
Some services are known to use a fake dog, outfit, photoshopped images, to mislead women. Don’t do it. Be yourself but be yourself on a good day.
Read more on my take about the subject here: https://eddie-hernandez.com/why-you-should-not-outsource-your-dating-life/
Should I look away my dating photos? Should I smile in my dating photos?
Why do guys want to meet so soon?
Should you use filters, photoshop dating profile photos?
Similarly, during the review process I will review existing photos and see if there are any worth using and if necessary I will edit them as such at no cost (with any dating photo session).
Don’t fall for the trap of thinking everyone photoshops their images, while some do, it is common for folks to not advance past 1st dates because of misrepresentation in photos.
Related read: Misleading Dating Profile Photos
How old should your online dating photos be?
If you make material changes to your appearance you should update your photos. For most people, photos should be taken within the last 2-3 years. Some people can get away with photos beyond that timeframe but most can’t or at least should not.
Related read: Online Dating Photos Guide
Should I hire a professional photographer for dating portraits and headshots?
https://eddie-hernandez.com/online-dating-portrait-photography/
What are the biggest and most common lies people tell on dating apps?
BEST ONLINE DATING APPS, BEST DATING SITES, BEST DATING APPS, BEST DATING APPS FOR BEGINNERS
Best Dating Apps For Men, Best Online Dating Sites For Guys
What are the best online dating apps for Jewish singles? Best Jewish dating site?
https://eddie-hernandez.com/the-best-dating-apps-for-jewish-singles/
Best Dating Apps For Women, Best Online Dating Sites For Girls
Best Dating Apps For Educated Singles, Best Online Dating Sites For Professionals
Best Gay Dating Apps, Best Online Dating Sites LGBTQ+
Best Dating Apps For Relationships, Best Online Dating Sites For Serious Relationships
How do I set up an account for Facebook dating? Should I use Facebook dating?
It will be rather slow in terms of traction early on so I don’t put a lot of weight into using it early on as a serious option. In fact, the Facebook secret crush feature is kind of creepy. For more of my thoughts about the new product from Facebook, click here.
Are paid dating apps better than free dating sites?
Most other dating sites are free to use but charge you for expediting your application, providing more profiles, undoing accidental swipes, sending a super-like or super-swipe or allowing you to access additional filters and preferences in your search.
I typically advise clients to not pay for such bells and whistles when it comes to add-ons but in a few instances it can be beneficial.
Dating Coach Services
Photos, Profile Reviews, Image Consulting, Date Ideas, Meeting Singles Offline, Social Skills, Screening Profiles, Reading People & More. Clients: Women, Men, Gay & Straight Individuals Seeking Relationships
DATING APP RULES: LIKING, COMMENTING, MESSAGING & MATCHING ETIQUETTE ON DATING APPS
What is considered overly eager + aggressive messaging on dating apps?
It is bad etiquette to swipe right on someone you are not interested in. In fact if you don’t respond or message people you match with it can hurt your ELO score. Read: Dating app messaging etiquette.
Should you ever super-like or super swipe on Tinder and Bumble?
Be enthusiastic, be prompt but no need to be overly agressive. Would you tell someone you really like them at a bar or cafe within the first 2 minutes of meeting them. How creepy would that be?
https://eddie-hernandez.com/never-super-like-on-tinder-nor-super-swipe-on-bumble/
What is the etiquette after matching on a dating app?
Casually swiping right without an intention to write them, get to know them or possibly go on a date with them is rude. In terms of conversation starters, check out this guide I put together.
For more detailed info on online dating etiquette, read this exhaustive post.
What are some good conversation starters for dating apps?
Copying and pasting lines is never a good idea neither is Hi or Hey on Bumble those are some of the worst first messages possible. Cliche openers are a sure way of illustrating laziness and lack of creativity.
For additional tips, check out this post I wrote on conversation starters.
Should you like or message first on dating apps like Hinge and Match?
https://eddie-hernandez.com/why-men-need-to-stop-liking-and-start-messaging/
Do you have any tips or recommendations on first date etiquette?
How to answer what are you looking for online dating (Bumble, Tinder, Hinge)? What brings you to this dating app?
Online Dating Tutorials, Guides, & Resources: How To Start Online Dating, How To Navigate Dating Apps
What is the main purpose of online dating? Why do people use dating apps?
Is there a weight filter on dating apps? Body type filter? Weight preference?
Related read: Online Dating Background Checks
Should you date during the coronavirus? Tips for dating apps during Covid-19
What are some podcasts, books and resources I should check out for online dating?
Be sure to check out this resource guide of all blogs, podcasts, studies, articles, ted talks and more about dating culture, online dating and more. https://eddie-hernandez.com/online-dating-resource-guide/
What is an ELO rating system score? What is the Gale-Shapely algorithm?
Do you ever travel to see clients outside the San Francisco Bay Area?
Do you offer dating profile critiques remotely?
What are some psychological effects of dating apps, negative effects of online dating?
What is dating in San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley like for men, women?
As for gender ratios, check out this data set I pulled from Match.com across various regions in the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, Pacific Northwest and Northeast United States. https://eddie-hernandez.com/match-com-bay-area-gender-ratios/
Any tips on how to meet people offline, in real life?
Do you offer any matchmaking services? Matchmaking Questions
Why is online dating so hard? Are dating apps worth it? Do dating apps work for men?
Do guys care about height? Do women care about height on dating apps? Does height matter on dating apps?
Similarly, most women want to date men that are at least their height, some a few inches taller and a few significantly taller or at least 6 feet tall. Statistically speaking, dating apps can be brutal for short guys.
There are some apps I recommend for shorter clients that tends to fare better than other apps.
What dating apps have travel mode?
About Eddie Hernandez
Eddie is a dating coach for men & women in San Francisco (clients in NYC, LA, Chicago, & beyond ), as seen in the NYT & Bumble). He helps w/ profiles, photos, wardrobe, messaging, date ideas, red flags, lifestyle choices, hobbies, grooming/hygiene, communication, social skills & offline efforts.