Long Term Relationship Dating App
These are the 5 best dating apps for singles looking for a long-term, committed relationship 2021: Hinge; Match; The League; Bumble; Coffee Meets Bagel; Keep reading for a quick overview of each one, including how much the premium features cost and what you can do for free! Also, members can create a safe, secure profile, message, live chat and peruse potential partners in the comfort and safety of home. Detailed profiles allow the site to determine compatibility amongst users, another huge boon for those seeking a positive, long-term relationship with an ideal partner. TransSingle: 100% Free Transgender Dating App. Apr 27, 2021 A solid, if pricey, dating app for anyone looking for long-term love, eharmony lets data drive its matches rather than just photos. Pros Robust privacy and security features. “We actually find that in certain ways couples that met through dating apps have even stronger long-term family formation or relationship intentions than other couples that met either offline or through other digital ways of meeting,” Dr. Gina Potarca, author of the research from the University of Geneva, told the Guardian.
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- Open Relationship Dating App
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I'd been on a dating app(POF and okcupid) for about 5 years before I said fuck it. I put who I am on my profiles and all I get are super losers. So instead I made my page as the dating profile of a character from my favorite TV show. I answered everything as he would have answered it. And that's how I found the love of my life.
In a fast-paced, technologically driven world, many singles are turning to the internet in hopes of finding love. But while meeting new people is easier than ever before, the dating game has become even more complicated under the guise of convenience. With so many different options available, which dating app is best for long-term relationships, as opposed to casual flings (which are great in their own right)?
'Dating apps can be excellent resources to connect with people,' says Dr. Stefani Threadgill, a sexologist, PhD, LMFT, and founder of The Sex Therapy Institute in Plano, Texas. 'Most of us take the same commute to work [and] grab coffee or lunch at the same places every day. We are limited in our routines with new people to meet, especially in certain geographical areas such as rural areas or even the suburbs where the feel is 'everyone knows everyone.'
It's true that online dating expands your search area exponentially, but it can also lead to sloppy etiquette, at-a-glance judgements, and a mentality of endless (and disposable) connections. So in today's day and age, how does a savvy woman wade through a sea of singles in order to find 'the one'?
Ahead, relationship experts and real-life usersspeak candidly about their own experiences using some of today's hottest dating platforms. From swipe-style apps to lengthy profiles on popular matching sites, it's not just about what you use; it's how you use it. If you're ready to quit all your dating apps, read this first.
Look For Platforms That Encourage Detailed Profiles
If you've taken to the web to search for a soulmate, the first step is to pinpoint the platform(s) that best serves your needs. There are always exceptions to the rule, but generally speaking, apps that encourage snap judgements based on appearances tend to attract a more casual crowd, while in-depth profiles can indicate users looking for something more.
'With only photos and a few words, there's no way to know if the other person aligns with your values, interests, humor, worldview, etc.,' points out Jennifer Gunsaullus, PhD, a sociologist and intimacy speaker, author of the new book, From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women. Based in San Diego, the 40-something relationship guru is a dating app user, herself. 'I can't and won't use the Tinder-style apps. It personally doesn't feel like it's worth my time and I'm looking more for quality over quantity.'
Instead, she recommends using platforms that encourage in-depth profiles, which can help weed out shallow connections. 'There are sites that specifically cater to folks looking for long-term relationships, like eHarmony or Hinge. It's worth spending time on these and creating a profile (with feedback from male and female friends) that helps you attract the kind of person you're looking for.'
Sonya Schwartz, a dating and relationship expert and founder of the dating blog Her Aspiration, agrees. 'eHarmony, for instance, requires [users] to fill in a lengthy questionnaire that's too boresome for those looking for hookups, but inspires trust to those looking for marriage or long-term,' says the 43-year-old from Plano, Texas. 'Match also has a lengthier signup process that appeals to those interested in something serious. Badoo and Tinder are more 'bubbly'; they attract younger folks who're more interested in a casual thing or one-night-stand.' (Now, to be clear, there's nothing wrong with wanting something less serious and non-committal. If that's your preference, swipe away!)
Make Your Intentions Known
Both experts and dating app users agree that sharing your intentions up front is key in narrowing your search. 'If you're looking for a long-term relationship and find yourself really attracted to someone but they clearly state that they aren't looking for anything serious, move on,' warns Dr. Gunsaullus. 'Don't secretly hope that you'll change their mind because your connection feels so strong.'
Long Term Relationship Dating App Reviews
While you can certainly do this with any site or app, some are more conducive to revealing this information at a glance. 'I always swipe left if someone’s just looking for 'something casual,' says Ashli Campbell, a 30-year-old dating app user from Portland, Maine. When relationship preferences are clear from the get-go, 'it removes the need for the awkward 'so what are you looking for on here?' conversation,' she adds.
Of course, that initial honesty can lead to its own slew of frustrations. 'Bumble now offers the ability to put 'labels' on your profile of what you’re looking for (i.e. relationships, flings, if you want kids ...),' explains Kayla Hockman, a 26-year-old publicist in Los Angeles who's tried several matching services. 'At first glance, I thought it was a good idea, but [it] apparently only drives men away, according to two men I met on Bumble who gave me their unsolicited advice after seeing I had labeled myself as the 'relationship type.' But discouraging as it may be, immaturity like this is not indicative of long-term relationship material.
Keep An Open Mind
It's a tough balance: On the one hand, it's important to be honest about what you're looking for in a partner, but become too picky, and you can miss a spark. In fact, it's one of the biggest online dating mistakes people tend to make.
Long Term Relationship Length
'I call it the 'all the fish in the sea' syndrome,' says Hockman. 'Everyone has a database of 'all' the singles in [their immediate area] and it can be overwhelming, so people become incredibly picky, which usually gives you little to no luck. So [my] tip is: Be open for an unexpected match but don’t stress over [...] looking for someone possibly 'better.'
Campbell seconds this advice. 'Don’t narrow your focus to people with the same interests as you, or to the qualities or interests of your ideal mate,' she suggests. 'Instead, be open-minded. You may learn to enjoy things you never thought you’d do (like bird-watching, which I actually had a ton of fun doing [with an online date]).'
Consider Whether Paid Subscriptions Are Worth It
Then, there's the matter of paid subscription services, which tend to offer in-depth features while (hopefully) discouraging more casual users. So, is it worth the money?
'Paid sites don’t ensure compatible interests or intentions from both parties involved,' notes Dr. Threadgill. 'That said, ‘the fish that you catch is a function of the bait that you use.’ It is my favorite piece of dating advice (I believe I heard it in a workshop given by David Schnarch at SMU in 2011).'
Hockman admits she's skeptical of whether it's worth shelling out cash to access profiles. 'The thing is, I don’t want to pay for a database of men that seemingly may still only want to hook up,' she says.
So, perhaps more important than deciding whether to sign up for a paid service is seeking one out that speaks to you. Does it ask questions you'd want to know about potential matches, and ones you'd like them to know about you? Are there sign-up requirements that might discourage anyone just looking for a one-night stand? Do you enjoy the features and overall user experience? If you find a platform that checks all these boxes and there's a fee to join, it might be worth it.
What These Ladies Really Think About These Popular Dating Apps
Naturally, not everyone will have the same user experience (yes, it'spossible to find long-term love on Tinder), but these app users give their take on a few of today's most popular platforms.
Tinder: 'Tinder seems to be mostly used for hookups and just sometimes for relationships. Sometimes people note 'no hookups' in their profile. On the other hand, I often see the phrase, 'Here for a good time, not a long time.' — Campbell
What Is Long Term Dating
OKCupid: 'I used to love OKCupid for finding potential serious relationships. They were more inclusive than other dating apps and asked interesting questions, and once you answered enough of their weighted questions, their algorithm was so impressive. But a few years ago it was clear they started screwing around with their algorithm and then they moved to more of a Tinder-like swipe style. I no longer recommend this app like I used to, and I don't use it myself anymore.' — Dr. Gunsaullus
Bumble: 'The dating pool on Bumble is similar to that of Hinge. People are able to identify in their profile what they’re looking for, so it’s more often listed up front along with where they’re from, level of schooling, height, whether or not you want kids, etc. It makes it easy to swipe left or right.' — Campbell
Hinge: 'Hinge seems more balanced in terms of what people are looking for. I have seen more professionals in their 30s on Hinge than on Tinder.' — Campbell
Open Relationship Dating App
Match/eHarmony: 'I found Match to be more suitable for casual dates and long-term relationships, whereas eHarmony works better for long-term commitments and marriage[seeking].' - Schwartz
Whether you're looking to find your soulmate or simply want to meet up for fun, you might consider signing up for a dating app. There are currently 44.2 million online dating users in the United States, with 26.6 million utilizing apps (per Statista). And even a worldwide pandemic couldn't slow that down. In fact, according to Fortune, OkCupid reported a 700% increase in dates from March to May 2020, while video calls on Bumble surged by 70%.
'I think the pandemic is making people more receptive to online dating,' Dr. Jess Carbino, a former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble, told Inside Hook. 'I think that people are realizing there's a strong need for human connection as a result of COVID, and that relationships are vital and essential to their wellbeing. So I think it's really pushed many people in the direction of embracing online dating for its ability to fulfill a need for romantic partnership.'
Long Term Dating
Not sure which app is right for you? Here are some of the best dating apps to check out in 2021.
eHarmony is for singles looking for long-term love
For those looking for a serious relationship, eHarmony is the dating app for you. There are more 29 million members in the U.S. using it, with 16 million active every week (per Observer). Most users are in the 25 to 34 (and 35 to 44) age range, with the majority educated with stable jobs and lifestyles. And the ratio of males to females is nearly equal. So it's not surprising that more than 400 million users have met and married someone while using the app's 'compatibility matching system,' according to data from TigersofTinder.com. The site explained that eHarmony's 'data-driven, selective methodology is the reason why [it] is an excellent alternative for anyone searching for a long-term relationship.'
Bumble is for women who want to take charge
This free dating app allows women to make the first move. In fact, women must message their potential dates first, and if the guy doesn't respond within 24 hours, he loses the potential date. Men cannot reach out to a woman unless she has shown interest in him first. The app integrates with Facebook, Spotify, and Instagram, and accounts are verified to ensure fake accounts are eliminated (per TigersofTinder.com).
Bumble does share a lot of the same features of Tinder (such as swiping), which makes sense since it was created by one of Tinder's co-founders. 'Bumble is an excellent choice for women who have safety and privacy concerns — and men who don't mind letting women make the first move,' according to PC Magazine.
Hinge is one of the more innovative apps
Founded in 2012, Hinge was completely rebranded in 2015 and is now one of the most innovative dating apps on the market. Jean-Marie McGrath, the spokeswoman of Hinge, told Dating Scout that the app has a 50-50 gender ratio. In addition, more than half of Hinge's singles reside in the U.S., with the majority being professionals aged 24-32 looking for a serious relationship. In fact, Hinge's creators say the app was 'designed to be deleted,' since members are encouraged to get rid of it once they've made a meaningful connection with someone. And the app encourages safety, allowing members to report someone 'who was disrespectful and uncourteous,' as well as provide private feedback to the Hinge team about a date.
OkCupid is free and inclusive
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There's a reason why OkCupid is so popular with singles: Most of the app can be utilized for free! Owned by Match, the parent company of Hinge, Tinder, and POF (Plenty of Fish), OkCupid manages to collect enough information during the signup process, allowing 'you to make informed match suggestions, which saves you the time you would otherwise spend sorting through hundreds of profiles,' according to PC Magazine. And OkCupid is completely inclusive, offering a variety of identification options for gender and sexual identities. While users need to swipe on potential matches, they won't be able to message the other person without matching with them first.
Raya is an exclusive app popular with celebs
Raya is one of the most exclusive dating apps on the market, which is why it's so popular with A-listers including Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Channing Tatum, and Demi Lovato (per Page Six). Launched in 2015, Raya is pricier than some other apps on the market — around $7/per month — and allows you to chat with people around the world, as well as connect the app to your Instagram account. While Chelsea Handler called Raya 'her favorite app' during the pandemic, Barrymore had less luck on it.
'I did terribly, too,' she told Andy Cohen. 'I got stood up, and I didn't match with anyone. And my friends gave me this sort of bloated sense of false confidence. They were like, 'You should try it. You will do great.' It was a car wreck.'