It’s no secret that online dating can be overwhelming. With literally hundreds of dating sites to choose from, how do you even know where to begin? Well, that really depends on what you’re looking for in a partner. The site that works is actually the one that caters to your relationship preferences.
While there are plenty of dating sites and apps out there that are widely used by a large portion of the population, like Bumble and Tinder, there are others that were invented with more specific goals in mind. (And we’re not just talking about Farmers Only or Trek Passions, either.) Check out the list below of the most reliable sites to help you find dating success.
A Serious Partner
If you are looking for the love of your life, try eHarmony. Unlike casual dating sites and apps, eHarmony caters specifically to people looking for a long-term relationship. According to the website, founder Dr. Neil Clark Warren developed a compatibility formula that matches partners based on key personality traits. Ultimately, he claims, this leads to longer-lasting and more fulfilling relationships. And, let’s be honest, don’t we all know at least one happy couple who met on this site?!
A Free Connection
If you don’t have the budget to invest in online dating — or you just don’t want to enter your credit card information online — Plenty of Fish (POF) is likely your best bet. They specialize in chemistry, according to POF.com, and they use five factors to match you with other members: self confidence, family orientation, self control, social dependency/openness, and easygoingness. And, because it doesn’t cost anything to join, a ton of people use the platform. In fact, POF boasts more than 37 million users!
A Hookup
Not everyone is looking for true love. If you are interested in having a little fun with no strings attached, check out Tinder. While the app wasn’t designed specifically for hooking up, it has become widely known — and used — for casual dating experiences. Tinder lets you swipe through prospective partners based on proximity, which is perfect for an immediate interaction. Just make sure you check the website for suggested safety measures. This is especially important if you won’t be spending a lot of time vetting your dates.
Relationships After 50
As we age, our priorities change. So does what we want in a partner. That’s why Our Time is designed specifically for the 50-and-older crowd. Whether you’re looking for “companionship or romance,” Our Time can help you find the right person with whom you can share your golden years. By using a site exclusively for people your age, your chances of finding exactly the person you’re looking for increase significantly.
A Member of the LGBTQ+ Community
Grindr, once known as a virtual gathering point for gay men, now caters to the entire LGBTQ+ community. Features like personal pronouns in the profile and a wide variety of gender ids ensure gay, bi, trans, and queer users feel accepted and at home. They also make it easier to filter prospective matches and connect with your perfect mate, whether you’re looking for a one-night stand or true love.
A Partner Who Shares Your Faith
If your faith is a central part of your life, then it’s important to find a partner who feels the same way. For Jesus followers, Christian Mingle has built a community around God-centered relationships, making it easy for people who share those beliefs to connect with one another. Other faith-based dating sites for other religions are more difficult to come by, but many major players (including eHarmony and Match) allow you to select and filter by faith as well.
When it comes to dating — online or otherwise — there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There’s also no guarantee you’ll find the person of your dreams. However, if the site you choose is focused on the type of people you are looking to connect with, there’s a good chance it will work — whatever that means for you.