Top Gay Dating Apps, Best LGBTQ Dating Sites, Grindr Alternatives, OkCupid vs Hinge; Best Gay Online Dating Sites For Relationships, Is Bumble Gay, LGBT Friendly?
Grindr was the dating app that was first to market that catered to gay men and still boasts a large presence online and with society but understanding the demographics, intentions and types of users on each app is crucial to improving your experience and success on dating apps.
One shouldn’t confuse most downloaded dating app or gay dating app with the top search placement as being the best. Most of this attribution has to do with SEO efforts and age of the apps, sites.
Below are some tips on common mistakes, assumptions made (i.e. common lies told on dating profiles) when trying out dating apps for the first time and which apps are more geared for hookups or relationship focused individuals.
Related read: What do your dating profile photos signal?
Pro-tip: Learn how to write a good dating profile here.
Most Popular LGBTQ+ Dating Apps: Best LGBTQ Dating Apps In 2023, Best Gay Dating Apps For Relationships, Most Popular Gay Dating Apps
I would argue Grindr is similar to Tinder in this regard. Is Tinder the best dating app on the market? Absolutely not.
Yes, it’s the most widely used and download across the globe but 1) it’s more of an introduction app for friends and meet new people rather than dating, 2) It’s used for more casual purposes not dating with a focus on relationships, and 3) there are no universal best dating apps on the market.
The best dating apps depend largely on one’s age, location, intention, photos etc. Dating apps are exhausting and because of that, most people pick one app at a time and don’t really have a basis for comparison.
The other thing to consider is that many folks have the wrong idea of what kind of people are on each dating app and don’t really cater or alter their profile to attract what they want but focus rather on what they think will do well to catch the eyes of others.
Unfortunately, apps and technology companies like UberEats and Amazon have altered the mindset of all consumers thinking they can get exactly what they want with a few swipes and clicks (read this post about the dystopian state of dating in San Francisco).
However, dating apps are not like food-ordering or other shopping apps, they are merely introduction apps. Grindr treats profiles like a commodity and as such, people often go to the app with the intention of a hookup or something casual.
Dating apps should not be expected to screen users, filter out creeps nor weed out hook-up focused individuals – nothing will nor should replace the due diligence and social skills needed to analyze people and profiles, ask questions, be patient and meet in person.
However, one can improve their chances of weeding out folks whose intentions don’t sync with that they are looking for using better apps that focus on their particular needs.
No dating app is perfect but there are some great dating apps out there if you know how to approach them, know which photos are effective, know how to write a bio and have realistic expectations based on your own looks, education, height, age and location.
Below are my favorite dating apps right now that I recommend most to clients.
Related read: Online Dating Red Flags | Dating App Safety Tips
Online Dating Consultant: Help With Online Dating (Hinge, Bumble, The League, CMB, Match & More)
I offer 1 on 1 coaching with a focus on image consulting, wardrobe styling, grooming, posture, location, (and their effect on marketability), swiping etiquette, timing, app choice, first messages, photo order, appearance, filters and paid services.
I will help you understand and leverage education, personality, ethnicity, lifestyle choices such as religion, politics, education, family planning. As seen in the NYT, WSJ, Bumble & More.
Bumble App – Is Bumble LGBTQ Friendly? Is Bumble A Gay Dating App? Is Bumble Gay Friendly, Does Bumble Have A Gay Option? Gay Dating Sites
Bumble is known widely across the hetero world of dating apps for its verification efforts as well as having an etiquette policy around photos.
In those arrangements, mutual likes are needed to establish a match but after that is established, women are the only ones who can send the first message (this was done to improve the experience from hetero apps like Tinder where women get bombarded). This is known as Bumble’s First Move Privilege.
In same sex scenarios, either party can send the first message on Bumble. Bumble is known in more urban, larger cities but it’s grown over the years to secondary cities across the world. Regardless of orientation, same rules apply when it comes to the 24 hour countdown – either person has 24 hours to make the first move before the connection expires.
Bumble Alternative Apps: Hinge, Hinge, OkCupid
Recommended Demographics: 27-45, bigger U.S. cities mostly for those seeking something long-term, college educated, graduate degrees.
For tips on photos, prompts, first messages and how to reply to messages, check out my Bumble blog posts.
Related Read: Bumble Profile Template
Hinge Dating App – Is Hinge LGBTQ Friendly, Is Hinge Good For Gay Dating? Is Hinge Gay Friendly? Hinge Gay Review, Gay Dating App Hinge, New To Gay Dating App
Hinge is perhaps my favorite dating app at the moment given it’s non-swipe focus (requires you to tap vs swipe) but also because of the quality of users.
This dating app requires 6 photos (to unlock full preference usage) which is great at eliminating profiles without enough photos and also provides excellent prompt possibilities facilitating conversations.
The biggest con about this dating app is that it is extremely buggy. There is a lot of confusion on whether likes and messages were sent and received as well as profiles appearing too much or if they ever will again if you accidentally mark no.
Similarly, many people have complained lately about longer ugly queues (number of unattractive people being shown to them relative to other apps).
The other complaint is with profile bans and creating new accounts or using different login methods. If you lose phones, use a phone number you don’t have access to, have different info on Facebook than is actually true, your account might be flagged.
Also, if you try to re-create your account to often in an attempt to game the system so your new profile is shown to more people, your profile can be banned or at least penalized and shown to fewer users possibly.
One of the main draws for Hinge is the profile prompts. These conversation starters provide opportunities to talk about yourself and invite others to comment on observations, preferences, hot takes, unpopular opinions and more.
Even since former president candidate Pete Buttigieg announced that he met his husband on the app, usage among Hinge has been at an all-time high for LGBTQ folks.
Hinge Alternative Apps: Bumble, OkCupid,
Additional Reading: Best Hinge Prompts / Questions – http://eddie-hernandez.com/best-hinge-questions/
Recommended Demographics: 23-45, bigger for U.S. cities, mostly casual and long-term dating.
Related Read: Hinge Profile Template
Dating Profile Critique For Men & Women: Dating Profile Review (Hinge, Bumble)
App Choice, Photo Order, Photo Critique, Bios + Prompts + Photo Captions, Wardrobe Feedback, Grooming Suggestions, Clothing & Hairstyle Recommendations, Body Language, Smiles, Facial Expressions, Hobbies, Interests, Lifestyle Choices, Etiquette & More For Men & Women.
-As seen in the NYT, WSJ, AskMen, Women's Health, Bumble, SFGate, ABC7News & More
OkCupid Dating Website – Is OkCupid LGBTQ Friendly? Gay Dating App Comparison – Same Sex Dating Apps
OkCupid is one of the older kids on the block and sometimes overlooked.
It is still a solid app for introverts, quirky folks, gamers, introspective folks, artistic souls, pansexual, kink, bi, polyamorous individuals, open-relationships, throuples, shy people, people who lead alternative lifestyles, non-monogamous folks, non-mainstream (pop-culture) people and those who are a little more expressive than the character limits allow on sites like Tinder.
One of the main draws for OkCupid is that is one of the most inclusive apps out there in terms of using category spectrum labels across 22 gender types and 12 orientations.
Okcupid Genders: Agender, Androgynous, Bigender, Cis Man, Cis Woman, Genderfluid, Genderqueer, Gender Nonconforming, Hijra, Intersex Man, Non-binary Pangender, Transfeminine, Transgender, Trans Man, Transmasculine, Transsexual, Trans Woman, Two Spirit Woman.
OkCupid Orientations: Asexual, Bisexual, Demisexual, Gay, Homoflexible, Heteroflexible, Lesbian, Pansexual, Queer, Questioning, Straight,
Recommended demographics: 22-50, looking for something casual, open-ended or specific gender types and orientation.
Okcupid Alternative apps: Feeld (Poly, Non-Monogamous) or Hinge (for LGBTQ, relationship focus)
Additional insight: http://eddie-hernandez.com/okcupid-review/
Tinder Dating App Review – Is Tinder Good For LGBTQ? Is Tinder Good For Gay Dating? Same Sex Dating Sites
Tinder is mostly known for casual connections, tour guides, pen-pals, flirting, IG followers, sharing memes, witty banter, immature conversations and hookups but it is definitely quite possibly to meet a quality person for serious relationships on Tinder.
In some remote areas or those that don’t embrace technology as much as SF or NYC, Tinder is the only app with traction among users. It’s also the most widely used app out there (based on accounts not necessarily on actual users).
It’s a little less-forward than Grindr but the same kind of users can be found across the apps. It’s worth a try if you find that number of users on other apps are a little thin for you.
Tinder App Alternatives: Feeld, OkCupid, Hinge
Related read: Feeld Dating App Review
Is Grindr A Hookup App? Is Grindr A Safe App? Is Grindr Any Good? Gay Hookup App
I generally recommend staying away from Grindr. It’s mostly for hookups and people on the apps lurk around for new profiles, younger folks who are curious. If you are new to dating apps, have a hard time trusting people, screening profiles or reading people, I recommend staying away.
Grindr is one of those few hookup apps that works.
Related Read: Online Dating Red Flags
Niche Gay Dating Sites: Best Gay Dating Apps 2022. Grindr App Alternatives, Gay Dating Websites, LGBT Dating Apps
Sites like Jackd, Scruff, Squirt etc are a bit too particular. They capitalize on the idea of fetishes instead of more relationship type qualities. I recommend filter folks out on the other apps rather than try to find a super niche app like these.
Scruff was initially designed for slightly older and more masculine men, but it’s rather diluted right now. Sure you can find a relationship on Grindr, Jackd or Scruff but it might take more time, awareness, ability to read people and patience than other apps listed above.
Related Read: Worst Dating Profile Photos
Bisexual Dating Apps
Try OkCupid.
Lesbian Dating Apps? Her Dating App?
Try Okcupid or Hinge. Her Dating App can be hit or miss but lots of bots, spammers, married women etc.
Is Bumble A Hookup App?
Bumble, like all dating apps, are introduction apps. While designed for relationships, not everyone seeks a relationship or wants one with you.
Is Hinge For Gay Guys?
Yes, it’s popular for gay men seeking relationships.
Is Bumble For Gay Guys? Is Bumble For Gay Men?
It can be but Hinge is better for relationships.
What Is Feeld? Who Uses Feeld? What Kind Of Dating App Is Feeld?
Less than half the users are heterosexual. The New Yorker describes it as a playground of sorts for people to discover and explore their sexuality. There are lots of non-binary folks on there as as well as ENM folks and those who are looking for something different.
Consider This – Best Gay Dating Sites In My Area: What Is The Best Gay Dating App? Grindr Alternative, Dating Apps For Gay Men, Women
Although these are my favorite dating apps with a focus on dating and relationships, these apps do not screen folks and some people are not always truthful about what they seek. It’s up to you to ask questions, be patient, evaluate dates and use good judgment.
Some people may state they want a relationship but might lie and try to sleep with you and then ditch you immediately after. Nothing can replace getting to know someone, spending time with them.
For additional dating tips, check out this post on how to stay safe when online dating. http://eddie-hernandez.com/online-dating-safety-tips/
Dating Coach Services - Men & Women
First date ideas, wardrobe styling, places to meet singles, where to sit at bars & restaurants, body language, vocal intonation, eye contact, conversation skills, how to be more approachable, conversation starters, grooming, hygiene, hair, wardrobe, style, hobbies, lifestyle choices, uncovering blindspots, reducing biases, weeding out creeps & time-wasters and more.
Clients from NYC, LA, Chicago, Washington DC, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Boston, Austin, Seattle, London, Sydney & beyond. As seen in the NYT, WSJ, AskMen, Women's Health, SFGate, ABC7News, Bumble & More
Additional Reading – Best Gay Dating Apps, Grindr vs. Tinder, Grindr vs Scruff, Grindr vs Jackd, Best Gay Dating Sites For Relationships, Lesbian Dating Apps, Best Lesbian Dating Sites, Gay Tinder, Gay Bumble, Gay Hinge, Best Lesbian Dating Apps
Online Dating Background Checks – How To Vet People On Dating Sites
Biggest Mistakes Women Make On Dating Sites – Worst Mistakes Women Make On Dating Apps
Is Online Dating Worth It? – Is Online Dating Worth The Time, Effort?
Biggest Mistakes Guys Make On Dating Apps – Assumptions, Mistakes, Myths & More
Why Do Your Dating Profile Pictures Suggest? – First Impressions On Dating Profiles
Online Dating Resource Guide – Studies, Research & More
Online Dating Red Flags – How To ID Red Flags In Profiles, Photos & Communications
The Most Common Lies Told On Dating Sites – Age, Location, Intentions, Love-Bombing & More
Is Tinder Better Than Bumble? Is Hinge Better Than Tinder? – Bumble vs Tinder vs Hinge
How To Have Success With Dating Apps – Profile Photos, Prompts, Bios, Messages & More
Dating Sites Reviews, Comparisons, Dating Apps Ranked
FAQ’s: Tinder | Match.com | OkCupid | Hinge | Bumble | Coffee Meets Bagel | The League
About Eddie Hernandez
Eddie Hernandez is a dating coach for men & women and a professional photographer based in San Francisco, servicing clients in NYC, LA, Chicago, Silicon Valley, London, Washington DC, Boston, Sydney and beyond as seen in the NYT, WSJ, SFGate, ABC7News, AskMen, Women's Health Magazine & Bumble.
Former analytics professional and former user of dating apps himself, he possesses unique insight into dating app algorithms as well as a keen understanding of dating cultures across various locations, demographics, ages, ethnicities, cultures, genders and orientations.
He provides guidance on app choice, bios, prompts, wardrobe, messaging, image consulting, date planning, screening profiles, ID'ing red flags, weeding out time wasters & creeps and offline tips including lifestyle choices, hobbies, grooming/hygiene, communication skills, confidence, where to go, sit and meet singles. Whether you are a person of color, short guy, introvert, engineer, successful professional or woman over 40, he can help you be more efficient, knowledgeable and effective in your dating life.
Dating App FAQ's | Online Dating Resource Guide | Dating Services | New To Dating Apps
OkCupid vs Hinge, Hinge vs Grindr, Feeld vs OkCupid, Grindr vs Tinder, Bumble vs Hinge, Best Gay Dating Sites, Best Lesbian Dating Sites, Best Bisexual Dating Sites, Best Gay Dating Apps, Best Lesbian Dating Apps, Best Bisexual Dating Sites, Best LGBTQ Apps For Relationships, Best Dating Apps For Relationships, Alternatives To Scruff, Her Dating Site, OkCupid Dating Review, Grindr App Review, Grindr Dating App Review, Is Grindr A Hookup App, Grindr vs Tinder, OkCupid vs Grindr, Grindr vs Hinge, Pansexual Dating Apps, Asexual Dating Sites, Transexual Dating Sites. OkCupid Gender List, OkCupid Orientation List, OkCupid Identity List, Professional Gay Dating Site, Best Dating Apps For Professional Gay, Gay Online Dating, Gay Tinder, Gay Dating Apps For Over 40, Gay Dating Apps For Older Guys, Hookup Apps Like Grindr, Apps Like OkCupid, Apps Like Hinge, Apps Like Feeld, Apps Like Jackd, Apps Like Scruff, LGBT Dating Sites, LGBT Dating Apps, Gay Hookup Apps, Gay Relationship Apps, Gay Relationship Dating Sites, Gay Relationship Dating Apps, Lesbian Relationship Apps, Lesbian Relationship Dating Sites, Best Gay Dating Apps 2022, Top Gay Dating Sites, What Is The Best Dating App For Gay Dating, Are There Any Free Gay Dating Sites, What App Is Most Like Grindr, What Gay Dating Apps Are Popular, What’s The Gay Tinder Called, LGBTQ+ Dating Sites, LGBTQ+ Dating Apps, Best Gay Dating Apps For Relationships, Gay Dating Apps For Older Guys, Is Tinder A Gay App, Is OkCupid Good For Gay Dating, What Are The Best Gay Dating Apps 2022, Gay Dating Apps Free, LGBTQ Dating Sites, Free Gay Dating Apps Without Subscription, Best Gay Dating Apps Reddit, Best Dating Apps 2021, Free Dating App2 2021, What Are The Most Gay Dating Sites, Where Can I Find A Gay Relationship, Gay Dating Sites In My Area, Gay Dating Sites For Over 50, Gay Dating Sites For Older Men, Best Gay Dating Sites For Relationships, Best Gay Hookup Apps, Best Gay Dating Sites In America, Her Dating App, Best Gay Dating App San Francisco, Best Gay Dating Site LA, Best Gay Dating App NYC, Is Bumble Gay Friendly, Is Bumble LGBT Friendly, Are There Any LGBTQ Dating Apps, Is There An App For Lesbians Like Grindr, Scruff Dating App, Scruff LGBT Dating Apps, Apps Like Grindr, Is Hinge Gay Friendly, Is Hinge A Gay Dating App, Gay Hookup Sites, Best Gay Dating Apps NYC, Gay Online Dating Sites, Gay Friendly App, Is Hinge For Gay Guys, Is Hinge LGBT Friendly, Online Gay Dating Website, Gay Dating Services, Best Gay Dating Apps Chicago, Most Used Gay App, Is Hinge Good For Gay Dating, Is Hinge Good For LGBT, Hinge Gay Review, Is Bumble Good For Gay Guys, Best Gay Dating App Reddit, Is Bumble Good For LGBTQ, Best Dating App For LGBTQ, Best Bi Dating Apps, Is Bumble A Gay App, Professional Lesbian Dating Sites, Gay Local Dating, Online Dating For Gay Men, Gay Black Dating Apps, Gay Male Dating Sites, Lesbian And Bi Dating Sites, Lesbian Online Dating Sites, Lesbian Dating Sites NYC, Does Bumble Have A Gay Option, Is Hinge A Gay Site, Is Hinge For Straight, Does Bumble Have A Gay Mode, Bumble For Gays, Best Dating Apps For Gay Men, Gay Friendly Dating App, Websites For Gay Dating, Dating Apps Ranked, Gay Tinder App, Fetish Dating Sites, Free Gay Hookup Sites, Best Dating Site For Gay Men, Best Dating Site For Lesbian Women, Gay Meet, Tinder Gay App, Dating Apps For Lesbians, Dating Apps For Gay Girls, Gay Dating Tips, Gay Dating Advice, Gay Dating Coach For Men, Gay Dating Apps Online, Free Gay Dating Apps Without Subscription, Best Gay Apps, Tinder Gay Review, Is Tinder Good For Gay Dating, Is Bumble Trans Friendly, Gay App Comparison, Online Dating Site Comparison Gay, Dating App Comparison For Gay, Difference Between Grindr and Tinder, Difference Between OkCupid And Grindr, Difference Between Okcupid And Hinge, Is Hinge Better Than Grindr, HInge vs OkCupid, HInge vs Grindr, Apps Similar To Grindr, Dating Reviews Sites, Grindr Alternative, Bumble App Gay, Bumble Gay Dating, Bumble Gay Review, Gay Dating App Hinge, Most Popular Gay Dating Apps, Most Popular Gay Dating Sites, Queer Dating Apps, Best Gay Dating App For Relationships, Best Gay Dating App For Serious Relationships, Best Gay Dating Site For Relationships, Best Gay Dating Site For Serious Relationships, Is Tinder Or Grindr Better, Tinder vs Grindr, Gay Dating App Comparison, Same Sex Dating Apps, Same Sex Dating Sites,