- What is a dating website?
- What is a dating app?
- Top 10 dating websites and apps for divorced people
After your divorce, there may come a time when you want to venture back into the dating world. While it may have been a long time since you’ve dated, you’re finally feeling ready to meet people, get back into the dating game, and maybe start a new relationship. Dating websites can be a good place to begin.
What is a dating website?
Dating websites are the most popular way for people to find and connect with people of similar interests, including post-divorce dating. Today, nearly 30% of all adults have used an online dating website. Will it be the right place for you to find a new love?
While all sites differ in some ways, in general, you will join as a member, create an account, upload photos, and include general information about yourself and what you’re looking for. Once this happens, the site compiles your information into a profile and publishes it online. You then have access to other users and can contact them – or they can contact you – through that platform. Typically, one member will first show interest in another by sending a message. If both are interested in meeting, they will mutually decide where and when that will happen.
What is a dating app?
An app is software you can download and run on your electronic devices. In most cases, dating sites can be conveniently accessed through a dating app on mobile phones or tablets, allowing greater convenience and continuous access. Your dating app also gives you more convenient access to your photos, and some even use your GPS feature.
Top 10 dating websites and apps for divorced people
Despite the ease of online dating sites, one thing is certain. Reentering the dating world after a long time can be overwhelming. Norms have changed. The lingo may be perplexing. And the vast number of dating sites can be downright staggering.
We understand. That’s why we’ve compiled this review of some of the most well-regarded dating sites – so you can confidently begin your online dating journey.
Match.com
Debuting in 1995, Match.com was one of the original pioneers of online dating sites. A free account can be established by uploading a photo and answering some basic questions about yourself and what you are looking for. Their algorithm matches you with other users based on your answers. If you choose, you can then decide to take it further and meet in person. All communication takes place through an anonymous email network to shield privacy and safety, so you don’t have to meet until you are comfortable.
Hinge
Hinge is targeted toward a largely millennial demographic. To create a free Hinge account, you will answer a questionnaire about your interests, preferences, and other basic information. Like most dating apps, you will get limited services until you become a preferred member, with premium memberships running from $11.99 for one month to $59.99 for six months. Unlike other dating sites, Hinge goes on to track the success of in-person meetings under their feature called “We Met,” which is kept private from the person you met.
It’s Just Lunch
It’s Just Lunch was designed for busy professionals who don’t have much time for the dating scene. Unlike other online dating sites, It’s Just Lunch is a franchise that employs “matchmakers” who conduct phone interviews and schedule dates with compatible users from their pool of members. This personalized service does come with a higher price point, however. Package prices vary depending on what part of the country you live in and what franchise location you use. Members like the privacy of not having to publish a profile online and the convenience of having their matchmaker set up the date. All the members need to do is show up.
Coffee Meets Bagel
The Coffee Meets Bagel app is specifically designed for people who are looking for serious relationships and not just casual hookups. Like many other dating sites, matches rely on algorithms that determine compatibility. The site gives you a selection of five matches per day so you don’t become overwhelmed or encounter people you have nothing in common with. While it may offer fewer bells and whistles and the paid membership is slightly more expensive, the platform is simple and easy to understand.
Zoosk
Zoosk is owned by global dating company Spark Networks, which also owns other dating apps such as Jdate, Christian Mingle, and EliteSingles. What sets Zoosk apart is its algorithm, called SmartPick, which learns a user’s behaviors as they like or dislike other dating profiles on the platform. There are also other ways you can filter and search for matches on the site. It has one of the higher membership satisfaction ratings and a pool of over 40 million diverse members.
Bumble
Bumble was started by one of the co-founders of Tinder, so many of its features are similar. The Bumble dating platform is unique because it puts the power of the first contact in the woman’s hands in heterosexual connections. For a man to contact a woman, she first must have shown an interest in his profile.
Bumble is more than just a dating app. It also provides matches for platonic friendships through Bumble BFF and business connections through Bumble Bizz.
eHarmony
Regarded as one of the gold standards of online dating sites, eHarmony began in 2000 and suggests dating partners based on an in-depth proprietary compatibility questionnaire about your likes, dislikes, and goals. The basic membership is free and allows you unlimited browsing with a small sampling of information about each individual. Premium memberships are available, and pricing depends on the length of your membership.
OurTime
Although there is no age restriction, OurTime is designed for singles 50 and over. The site has a streamlined and simple dashboard with a large font, photos, and an in-app messaging system for privacy. Every day, the site presents eight potential matches based on your profile, and you have the ability to review them and like or pass on them. Although there is a free option, members can’t communicate with each other without a premium membership.
Tinder
Today, Tinder is the primary go-to for casual dating singles with its signature “swiping” mechanism to vote yay or nay on a profile. If you see a profile you like, you swipe right. If not, swipe left. A mutual right swipe is considered a match. That said, even though people do find genuine long-term relationships on Tinder, it has a reputation as a hookup app, so proceed with caution.
Grindr
Since Grindr launched in 2009, it has become the largest social networking and dating app for the LGBTQ+ community, with a huge global network. Grindr has been a trailblazer and has won numerous awards. Matches are made based on the information you provide and your GPS proximity. While most of its features are free, there are premium memberships available that offer upgraded services.
How to navigate online dating safely
Although millions of people use online dating sites daily, not everyone is trustworthy. There are cases where users misrepresent themselves or have ulterior agendas, and it’s wise to use important safety precautions on these sites.
- Only use reputable online sites that you can readily look up information on, including user reviews, reviews on reputable review sites, and BBB ratings.
- Use photos exclusively for your profile instead of ones you’ve used on other social media sites so others can’t find you through a reverse image search.
- Don’t give out unnecessary personal information to anyone you don’t personally know.
- Use your gut, and don’t connect with someone who feels suspicious.
- Keep all communications through the app or website for the first few conversations.
- Before the first date, check for your potential match on social media sites if you know their name to make sure they are real.
- Block and report any suspicious users.
- When you’re ready to meet in person, let friends and family know where you are going and when you will be home.
- Share your location with a trusted friend on your phone, and check in with them periodically before, during, and after the date.
- Always meet your new friend in a public place.
- Drive yourself to and from your first meeting.
- Remain sober.
- Never send anyone money.
- Tread carefully into a sexual relationship only when you are ready.
At Hello Divorce, we are here to support you with every facet of your divorce and post-divorce journey. The more knowledge and resources you have, the easier it will be to navigate this strange and wonderful time, including your dive into the dating pool. Schedule a free 15-minute call to see how we can help, or connect with us on Instagram or Facebook.
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