Best Dating Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
New to the world of online dating? If so, you may be having some trouble differentiating between sites and what they have to offer. For example, most people don’t use Tinder in the hopes of connecting with their future spouse. While it might happen, Tinder is probably not the top choice if you have long-term relationship goals in mind. But what about Bumble?
Bumble first launched in 2014 and made plenty of waves for being different from more traditional dating apps. Much like Tinder, it focuses on swiping right on interesting people and swiping left on individuals you don’t like. But former Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd wanted to put the control in the hands of Bumble’s female users, especially since women often sign in to a full inbox of messages.
Bumble became one of the first apps that let women choose who to message and connect with after a connection was made. This gives women more of a heads-up while eliminating the chance of unwanted lewd communication based on photos alone. That set the tone for what Bumble wants to achieve in regard to matchmaking.
The former CEO made that decision based on dating scenarios she witnessed prior to Bumble’s launch. According to Wolfe Herd, she was tired of seeing her eligible friends wait around for men to make the first date happen. Hence, she made sure that Bumble was a female-friendly dating site that also provided a safe space for its users. But is it mainly for hookups or to meet someone willing to go the distance?
No, Bumble is Not a Hookup App
While it is possible for users to use Bumble for quick hookups, the general community on Bumble is looking for long-term connections. When you sign up, you should prepare to meet others who are looking for stronger and more serious emotional connections.
Bumble is geared more toward empowered women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to ask for it. In short, they know their worth. As Jess Carbino, Bumble’s in-house sociologist, told DatingNews, “Female Bumble users are empowered and ready to make the first move. These women have established careers, experienced love, had families, and know what they want in their next relationship.” That said, less than 1% of Bumble users have signed up to seek hookups and brief encounters.
But Bumble as a company does have other purposes. The site has launched subsites that offer different forms of connection, like Bumble BFF for friendships and Bumble Bizz for career-based relationships. That aspect alone proves that Bumble leans more toward connecting people who will be in each other’s lives for more than just a weekend.
Bumble also gets points for being fairly easy to use. New users who sign up for the site can use their Facebook account as a login. In turn, Bumble will help pull information from your Facebook profile to help you build your Bumble profile. That option will make it even easier to quickly start browsing and messaging. If you don’t have a Facebook account, you can still use Bumble — but you’ll need to log in using your phone number.
Which Sites Are Better Than Bumble For Hookups?
If hookups are of a higher priority to you at the moment, other dating sites have exactly the type of matches you’re looking for. One of the most popular sites for hookups is Adult Friend Finder. As you can imagine by its name, it’s not geared toward singles looking for strong emotional connections. Instead, this is where you can search for flings and the more physical aspects of a short-term relationship.
If you’re someone who enjoys the honeymoon phase of a relationship — but isn’t looking for commitment — Adult Friend Finder is a good place to start.
★★★★★
Relationships: Hookups Only
Match System: Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say: “Make no mistake: this site isn’t about making friends, it’s about finding hookups and casual encounters. No adult site has a larger or more active user base of those seeking discreet fun…”
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
65%*
35%*
|
25.5 Million* | 3 Months @ $19.95/Mo |
One of the best parts about Adult Friend Finder is that it’s free to sign up. The site has been around since 1996, and in its own words, the app “unites people who love the freedom of embracing their sensual side.” Adult Friend Finder offers cams and live chats, and signing up is fairly easy.
The site may also serve as a good place if you want to add someone to your existing relationship. If you and your partner are looking for a third, or are interested in entering the world of non-monogamous recreational dating, Adult Friend Finder would be a great place to search for people in your area who are looking for similar arrangements.
One important aspect of Adult Friend Finder is that, unlike other popular relationship-based websites, it doesn’t do background checks on its members. That means there’s a chance you may strike up a connection with someone with fake pictures or a fake profile. As with all websites, be cautious about what you share and look for red flags, especially when sharing vulnerable information about yourself.
While Adult Friend Finder makes it clear it doesn’t monitor members, try not to give out too much about yourself, especially when it comes to your exact physical location or banking information. If you meet up with someone you’ve met on Adult Friend Finder, make sure to choose a populated place for that first interaction.
Ashley Madison Is Also A Good Choice For Hookups
While Ashley Madison may have gained a reputation throughout the years, it’s still known as a worthwhile site for people looking for nontraditional relationships, including hookups. It has an extensive member base and plans that come with the guarantee of a salacious matchup within three months of buying a membership.
Many individuals may not like the fact that some users are on the site to cheat on a spouse, but not all relationships exist within the same boundaries.
★★★★★
Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dates, Affairs
Match System: Search by age, location, appearance, and more
Our Experts Say: “With its massive user base and advanced privacy features, Ashley Madison is the #1 site for discreet hookups, dates, or relationships…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles & Attached* |
71%*
29%*
|
65 Million* | Start Now for FREE |
For example, many happy spouses may depend on the site to help open their relationship. Or some spouses may allow their partners to browse or sext, without labeling it as being unfaithful. Every situation is different, so it’s still worth seeing who’s out there.
Ashley Madison has a strong user base, with 71% of its users identifying as male. But that’s not necessarily bad for those seeking male companionship — it only means they have a larger pool of candidates to choose from.
Understanding its own demographic, Ashley Madison offers women free membership. That alone may be reason enough for curious daters to see what the site offers, especially when looking for a hookup.
While Bumble Has A Lot Going For It, Hookups Aren’t Its Priority
Bumble is a great dating site, especially for those who are new to the online dating scene. Not only is it incredibly user-friendly, but it gives women the power to make the first move, which many of Bumble’s competitors fail to do. Dating aside, it’s also a great place to build a network within your field and meet other young professionals who live nearby.
Bumble has created plenty of long-lasting love connections since it launched. But if you’re looking for a weekend hookup with no strings attached, Bumble is not your best bet.
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