Some of Marvel’s superheroes hail from exotic lands, wealthy utopias, or mythical planets, but others come from humble origins to achieve greatness. For example, Dr. Bruce Banner was born in Dayton, Ohio, and grew up an unassuming, soft-spoken nerd before hulking out into a mean green superhero.
The Hulk’s journey is one of self-acceptance. Dr. Banner had to come to terms with his past, his mistakes, and his emotions to move forward and become the best hero he could be.
Dr. Banner is a fictional character, but many real-life Dayton natives can relate to his struggles and ambitions. We all face challenges in life, but we don’t have to face them on our own. Singles can build close relationships and overcome their insecurities by reaching out to people in Dayton via the following dating resources.
Dayton Dating Sites
Online dating has grown in popularity in the last several years, and its vast network can support anyone looking for a deep connection. Dating experts estimate that about 41% of all online singles have used dating sites or apps to find someone special. You can join this flirtatious virtual crowd by signing up for one of the following sites.
Best Singles Site
Match has been introducing singles to one another since 1995, so it pretty much has the matchmaking system down pat. The dating site focuses on pinpointing long-term compatibility between members who say they’re looking for the same things in life.
- Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
- Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
- Our Experts Say: Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review. Our Review »
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Over 50 & Senior Sites
Singles over 50 can sometimes feel intimidated by the general dating scene, so a niche site like OurTime can bring a welcome change of pace. OurTime unites seniors who are looking for a companion who shares similar experiences. This encouraging and beginners-friendly dating site proves that it’s never too late to make a date and fall in love.
- Relationships: Dates and Relationships
- Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
- Our Experts Say: OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout. Our Review »
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For Black Men & Women Only
About 42.9% of Dayton residents identify as African-American, the largest racial minority in the city. BlackPeopleMeet is a dating site dedicated to providing black and biracial singles a place where they are in the majority. This niche platform has thousands of diverse dating profiles in the U.S. and Canada.
- Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
- Match System: Search by location, age, more
- Our Experts Say: BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month. Our Review »
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Hookup & Sex Site
Adult Friend Finder is a fast-paced hookup site where you can live out your desires. The global platform supports passionate and flirtatious singles and swingers who want to make something happen and aren’t looking for a big commitment. Since its launch in 1996, Adult Friend Finder has created over 5 million online connections, many of which led to steamy encounters.
- 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. Our Review »
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Popular Dating Apps
Over 803,000 people live in the Greater Dayton area, and it can be difficult to narrow down such a large dating pool to the more viable candidates. Sometimes singles aren’t even sure what they’re looking for, so the search tools on dating sites may not do them any good. Fortunately, dating apps empower singles to swipe through compatible and available singles until they strike a good match. The following apps offer a quick, easy, and fun way to get to know local singles.
Match.com
- Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
- Match System: Browse by location, age, interest, and more
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About the App:
Available via the App Store and Google Play, Match is a fantastic app for dates and relationships. With a user base of 30 million singles, Match is where you’ll have a high chance of success. It’s free to download, create a profile, search for date prospects, and receive compatible matches based on personalized preferences. Free members can also chat with select members and send unlimited likes.
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eharmony
- Relationships: Long-Term Relationships, Marriages
- Match System: Get daily match suggestions
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About the App:
Responsible for 4% of marriages in the U.S., eharmony is among our top picks for relationship-minded heterosexual singles. To become a member, add the app to your phone (iOS or Android) and then take its 29 Dimensions® of Compatibility Matching Quiz. It’s absolutely free to do both these things — as well as receive matches and communicate during other special events.
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OurTime.com
- Relationships: Dating and Relationships
- Match System: Search by age as well as zip, gender, more
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About the App:
Made just for single seniors, OurTime is one of the most well-known niche dating apps. It’s a fun and straightforward app with simple swiping features. Once two people swipe right on each other, they can communicate. For more match options, visit the ConnectMe and I’m Interested pages.
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Dayton Singles Bars
The online world may be all the rage these days, but some active daters still prefer meeting people the old-fashioned way. By having a face-to-face conversation, singles can establish chemistry more quickly than they can online. Plus, you probably don’t have to worry about catfishing or ghosting when you’re picking up dates in person at the bar. We’ve ranked our favorite singles-friendly bars in Dayton to help you turn a dull evening into a romantic downtown adventure.
The Century Bar
The Century Bar is all about bourbon. Not only does it have an extensive list of 100+ bourbons and whiskeys, but it also pays tribute to the perfect bourbon drink with its decorations. The bar's wood tables are made from Four Roses bourbon barrels, and its copper counter is designed to represent the stills where bourbon is made. The knowledgeable bartenders are passionate about bourbon and can answer just about any question no matter how obscure. The Century Bar stays open until 2:30 a.m. every night, so stop by whenever you want to slow down and enjoy a flavorful drink.
The Dublin Pub
In 1998, The Dublin Pub opened its doors and invited diners to get into the Irish spirit. This authentic pub serves delicious gastropub fare with a sense of humor. The menu includes all the classics as well as some fun and inventive dishes, including the beloved Irish cheese fries and whiskey-infused pork chops. Over the years, Sheryl Crow, George Takei, Quentin Tarrantino, and other celebrities have performed and dined at The Dublin Pub. Whether you're there for Sunday brunch or a live concert, you can depend on The Dublin Pub to create a memorable experience.
Airway Billiards Bar & Grill
Enjoy playing pool? Then you'll love Airway Billiards Bar & Grill. This place is packed with 8-foot and 9-foot billiards tables, and it hosts three tournaments every week. Many regulars stop by to challenge each other to a game and test their skills at a game they love. The casual, friendly atmosphere makes it easy to approach someone new and strike up a conversation. Airway has a fully stocked bar and a kitchen that serves classic fare to fuel players.
Tank's Bar & Grill
Tank's Bar & Grill has been around since 1987 and remains a crowd favorite in downtown Dayton. Locals praise its relaxing atmosphere, friendly service, and indulgent comfort food. Many of the main dishes on the menu are big enough to share with a date and still have leftovers. From baked taters to fried cheese, this menu isn't exactly healthy, but it is quite satisfying. If you want to treat yourself to an indulgent breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can pull up a chair at Tank's Bar.
Proto BuildBar
Proto BuildBar is a unique tech-savvy hangout where people can enjoy a cup of coffee or order a 3D printing job. The bar is part printing lab, part creative work space, and part café. Its motto is "Drink, eat, paint, make." This hands-on locale attracts artists and designers who enjoy working and playing in a dynamic environment. Proto hosts social events and adult classes to inspire new ideas in the artistic community. "What an awesome idea and stellar execution," said Melanie S. in a Yelp review. "Great vibe and cool setup." You can find someone to collaborate and drink with every time to set up shop at Proto BuildBar.
Slyder's Tavern
Since 1948, Slyder's Tavern has been a favorite low-key hangout for local Dayton residents. This old-school bar has draft beer to whet your whistle and daily food specials to keep you coming back for more. Slyder's has a reputation for serving one of the best burgers in Belmont, and its hot wings are pretty good too. If you're looking for a hearty meal and a good conversation, this is the place for you. Slyder's has a down-to-earth atmosphere that makes newcomers instantly feel at home.
Dayton Speed Dating
Sometimes dating can feel like a part-time job. The average millennial spends about 10 hours a week on dating apps, and they may not even have a boyfriend or girlfriend to show for it in the end. If you want to speed up the dating process, we recommend looking for a speed dating event in Dayton. These fun, fast-paced events encourage singles to meet dozens of people at once and establish mutual interest in five-minute conversations.
Dayton Singles Events
At a singles event, you can enjoy socializing in a room full of available and attractive people. This is a great opportunity for local singles to come out of their shell and establish common bonds. Many singles events revolve around a theme or activity, so attendees have a natural conversation starter to break the ice. You can search Meetup.com by the keyword “singles” to find groups organizing outings, parties, game nights, brunches, and other fun gatherings.
Dayton Singles Clubs
A dance club is a perfect dating ground for singles hoping to wind up in someone’s arms by the end of the night. You can really let loose at the dance club and attract dates with your killer dance moves. A lot of 20-somethings crowd into the club on Friday and Saturday nights, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of it all. A diverse playlist of music keeps everyone laughing, flirting, and feeling energized as they dance their way to romance.
Dayton Chat Rooms
Chat rooms have been around pretty much since the beginning of the internet, and they remain popular today because a lot of people just love to talk. These virtual forums bring singles together and give them a place where they can feel safe and comfortable exploring their feelings. Most chat rooms are completely free and don’t require users to go by their real names, so it’s easy to hop in and see where the conversation takes you. If you’re looking for an anonymous space to practice your flirting, you can’t go wrong by choosing one of these chat rooms.
Dayton Personals
Dating personals sites empower singles to trust their instincts and reach out to anyone they like in the dating scene. There are no matchmaking tools or search filters to complicate the process. Singles simply state who they are and what they want in dating personals ads, and they wait for messages to come in. Anyone can send a message here, so nothing stands between two people and a new connection.
Attend a Large Community Festival
Dayton is a cultural hub in western Ohio. The city hosts dozens of arts festivals, food truck rallies, concerts, and other public events throughout the year. These popular gatherings are fantastic opportunities for singles looking to meet new people.
You can look on Dayton’s festival calendar to see what’s going on around town. The calendar includes everything from 5k runs to wine tastings. Any of these events can help singles enjoy themselves while mingling with locals who share similar interests.
The Dayton LGBT Pride Festival takes place every year in June.
The Dayton LGBT Pride Festival is a colorful explosion of fun and personality. People of all orientations come out to celebrate and show their pride.
Dayton is also hosting the seventh annual Bacon Fest in August 2019. This free event includes live music, games, and all the bacon-flavored and bacon-topped treats you could ever want.
Come Into Your Own & Find a Date in Ohio's "Gem City"
You never know what curve balls life is going throw at you. Whether you’re a nerd, a hulk, or somewhere in between, you’ll probably encounter obstacles and setbacks along the way to your goals. It could be a breakup. It could be a big move. Or it could be that you’re standing in your own way. Whatever challenges are in front of you, it often takes a lot of strength of character to move past them.
Dayton singles can use the resources listed here to start growing their social networks and evolving into the best possible version of themselves.
As the Hulk says in “Marvel Knights Hulk 1 #2, “I know what we are. I know what lies within us. I know what we once were. I know what we must become.”
