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Dating and Relationships - 3 min read

How To Get Matches on Dating Apps—Using Dating Apps as a Young Adult

Nothing feels better than a genuine connection, and dating apps have made it easier than ever to find one. Whether you’re looking for something serious, a little casual fun, or curious to see what’s out there, chatting with like-minded people has never been easier.

Getting matches is one thing; actually, connecting with people is another. And nothing feels better than finding someone who just gets you.

If you’re swiping without a strategy, your chances of finding a worthwhile connection drop fast. A solid profile, smart swipes, and good questions to ask on dating apps make all the difference between endless “what’s up?” texts and actual chemistry.

Mastering online dating isn’t rocket science. Here’s how you can get matches on dating apps while keeping things safe, fun, and sexy.

How To Stand Out on Dating Apps and Attract the Right Matches

A young man with short blond hair sits comfortably on a couch, smiling as he looks at his phone.

Your profile is your first impression, so make it count! A great dating app profile shows off your personality, interests, and what makes you unique in a few pictures and words.

Whether you're looking for something serious or just seeing where things go, a strong profile increases your chances of finding the right match. Here’s how you can get matches on dating apps by crafting a profile that gets people swiping right.

Choose Your Profile Pictures Wisely

A woman with curly hair, wearing glasses and a bright blue dress, sits on a colourful couch, smiling as she takes a selfie.

Your photos are the first thing people see, so make them count.

Your first two pics should be clear, well-lit, and solo (no one wants to play detective figuring out who you are). A mix of close-ups and full-body shots gives potential matches a well-rounded view of you.

Want to stand out? Show some personality! Let your pictures tell a story, like a snapshot of you at a concert, hiking a trail, or goofing around with friends (limit to one group photo). Look for photos that highlight your hobbies, sense of humour, or overall vibe.

Write Up a Bio That Sparks Interest

A great bio gives people a reason to message you and makes starting a conversation easy. Keep it light, witty, and actually about you.

If you're stuck, try using questions to ask on dating apps that get the conversation flowing. Thoughtful or playful questions—like “What’s an unpopular opinion you have?” or “Got any hidden talents?”—give matches something interesting to respond to and help break the ice.

The goal is to make it easy for the right person to slide into your messages with something to talk about.

Be Honest About What You Want

A man wearing glasses and a light-colored sweatshirt lies on his bed, propped up on a pillow, looking at his phone. The dim, moody lighting casts blue and pink hues across his face.

No one likes mixed signals, so be upfront about what you’re looking for. Whether you’re here for a serious relationship, casual dating, or just some good banter, saying so saves everyone time.

Not sure what you want yet? That’s fine, too, but don’t be afraid to mention it. A little clarity helps you match with people who are on the same page.

Swipe Smart

Two friends sit together on a cozy couch, sharing a moment as one shows something on her phone.

Swiping on dating apps is easy—but swiping smart is an art.

It's a green flag if someone has a bio that makes you laugh or sparks curiosity. A little personality shows effort, which usually means better conversations. Clear, recent photos (without excessive filters) are another good sign. If they mention shared interests, that’s even better.

On the flip side, some profiles should be an automatic left swipe. No bio? No effort. If they can’t be bothered to write a sentence about themselves, why waste your time? If their energy seems negative or aggressive (think bios that rant about what they don’t want), consider it a red flag.

How To Keep Your Matches Interested—Conversation Starters and Questions To Ask on Dating Apps

A young woman with long brown hair sits at a desk, holding her phone and smiling. Books, a laptop, and headphones surround her.

Got a match? Congrats! Let's make sure it doesn’t get lost in the wasteland of dry texts.

If you’re wondering how to get matches on dating apps and actually make them last, the trick is engaging conversation.

Start Conversations That Go Somewhere

A man wearing earbuds with glasses and a beard sits comfortably, smiling as he looks at his phone.

A good opener sets the tone and makes it easy to keep talking. Asking about the wildest experience they’ve had on the app? You get an instant storytime. Noticing a hobby in their profile and asking how they got into it shows genuine interest.

If you’re unsure where to start, try kicking things off with fun questions to ask on dating apps, like “What’s the weirdest food combo you secretly love?” or “If you could swap lives with any fictional character for a day, who would it be?” Remember that a little fun and curiosity go a long way in making a match respond.

What Not To Say

A man wearing glasses and a blue shirt sits indoors, holding his phone. He is on a video call, reacting with enthusiasm and surprise.

On the other hand, some conversation starters are doomed from the start. A plain “Hey” or “What’s up?” is as engaging as a blank profile. Cringy pick-up lines are even worse, and nothing makes people hit the unmatch button faster than over-the-top flattery before you’ve said more than two words. Are you telling someone they’re the most beautiful person you’ve ever seen? Relax, Romeo—let’s get through at least five messages first.

When To Make a Move

A man with long, curly hair sits in a café, looking at his phone. The blurred background features warm lighting and greenery.

When do you take things from the app to real life? If the convo is flowing and you both seem interested, suggest something casual—a coffee, a walk, or another fun, low-pressure activity. If your date seems hesitant, let them set the pace instead of rushing it.

And if the date goes really well? Keep things safe and as natural as possible with Durex^® Real Feel^*—a latex-free condom designed for a skin-on-skin sensation.

Taking It Offline—How To Have a Great First Date

A couple on a date walks down a lively, well-lit street at night, engaged in a joyful conversation. The woman looks excited as she talks, while the man listens with a smile.

So you’ve vibed online, and it’s time to meet IRL. Exciting? Yes. Nerve-wracking? Also yes. First dates should be fun, but they should also be safe. Great chemistry is only worth it if you feel comfortable the whole time. Here’s how to set yourself up for a good time.

Plan Ahead for a Fun and Safe Meet-Up

Two young men on a date stand on a city street, laughing and enjoying iced coffee together.

The best way to have a successful first date is to plan ahead. Choose a low-pressure spot like a coffee shop, a casual pub, or a park—somewhere public, relaxed, and easy to leave if needed.

Before heading out, let a friend know your plans and share your location if possible.

First Date Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

A smiling woman and man on a date sit outside a café, enjoying coffee and having a conversation.

Some first-date moves, like meeting at their place before building trust, are instant red flags. Always opt for a public setting first; it’s safer and gives you more control over the situation.

Ignoring gut feelings is another mistake. If something seems off, trust your instincts—it’s better to leave early than regret staying.

Drinking to loosen up is fine, but going overboard can cloud your judgment and make it harder to pick up on red flags.

Staying in control means you can fully enjoy the date and keep yourself safe. If they pressure you into drinking more than you’re comfortable with, that’s a red flag—respecting boundaries is crucial.

Staying Safe is Sexy

A close-up shot of a couple in an intimate moment, with one person holding a Durex condom packet. The dim, warm lighting makes for a sensual atmosphere.

Good dates are all about chemistry, comfort, and respect. Whether you're keeping things flirty or feeling a spark that could lead to more, safety should always be part of the equation.

Being prepared doesn’t mean you’re assuming anything or pressuring your date to have sex—it just means you’re prioritizing your safety and well-being if things get spicy.

Always have protection on hand. If the night takes a sexy turn, condoms help prevent STIs and unexpected surprises. Pack Durex® Sensi-Thin Close Fit* for increased sensitivity that helps you feel closer than ever to your partner.
Talk about your boundaries. Open, honest communication with your date will keep things fun, safe, and pressure-free.
Pay attention to red flags. If someone tries to push past your comfort zone, that’s a red flag. Respect is NOT negotiable.

Match, Chat, Connect, and Enjoy the Ride

A couple walks through a park, smiling and enjoying each other’s company. The man has his arm around the woman.

Dating apps can be chaotic, exciting, and sometimes weird, but with the right mindset, they can also lead to great connections. Whether you’re swiping for casual fun, meaningful relationships, or just the thrill of matching, a little strategy goes a long way.

At the end of the day, dating should be about enjoying yourself without pressure or stress. Stay true to what you’re looking for, trust your instincts, and remember—nothing feels better than a connection built on respect and chemistry.

And if sparks fly? Well, you know where to find protection!

For protection that’s there when you need it—but barely there—try Durex^®Invisible^*, Durex®’s thinnest condom yet.

*Ensure this product is right for you. Always read and follow the label before use.

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