Best Black Dating Apps of 2019 - DatingNews

Best Black Dating Apps of 2019 - DatingNews


Best Black Dating Apps of 2019 - DatingNews

Posted: 26 Nov 2019 02:03 AM PST

Black dating apps appeal to singles who are tired of being in the minority and want to join a dating community where people share similar perspectives and values.

I'm not saying everyone on a black dating app is woke, but they all agree that black is beautiful and want to date someone with a colorful background. That's a good starting point for a flirtatious conversation or a first date, and you never know where that romantic connection may take you.

We've curated a list of the most popular black dating apps that have cultivated a diverse dating pool and inspired friendships, relationships, and hookups all around the world. You can use the links below to find the one that suits your needs the best.

Best Overall Black Dating Apps

If you're looking for your bae online, you should go with the dating platforms that have the largest membership bases and longest track records of success. We've picked out the top 10 dating apps for black singles, and the best part is they're all free to join.

Black Dating

★★★★★ 4.9/5.0

In 1995, Match.com became one of the world's first dating sites and gave all singles a place they could call (read more)

  • Search for date prospects by race as well as age, distance, looks, and lifestyle
  • Available in 15 languages and 24 countries
  • 91% of members have a college degree

When it comes to online dating, Match is the O.G. Match.com launched in 1995 as the world's first mainstream dating site, and it has been a leader in the space ever since.

Match runs a personality-driven matchmaking system where singles can choose which qualities and characteristics matter most to them. If your partner's ethnicity is an important consideration to you, it's easy to edit the "What I'm looking for" section of your dating profile to reflect those priorities. You can also set search filters to further narrow your pool of date prospects.

Thanks to Match.com, black singles have the freedom to explore beyond their local dating scene and use the latest technology to find the ideal match.

Black Dating

★★★★★ 4.8/5.0

EliteSingles has united relationship-minded professionals of all races, ages, and religions. Its members have (read more)

  • Ability to search by race, religion, or location for a date
  • 90% of Elite Singles users are looking for a relationship
  • Highly successful intelligent matchmaking

EliteSingles is the preferred dating site for selective singles with high standards for their dates. Over 85% of EliteSingles members have college degrees, and over 90% are looking for a relationship.

EliteSingles gives singles the power to choose their partner's ideal ethnicity, age, religion, and more in the Preferences section, and the algorithm works overtime to deliver date prospects that can measure up.

Free members receive daily match suggestions with compatibility scores of up to 100. The EliteSingles dating profile is packed with information about the person's background, interests, and relationship goals, so it's easy to get a sense of who someone is before sending a message.

Black Dating

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0

Zoosk supports a global dating network active in 80 countries and still growing. This socially savvy dating (read more)

  • Search filters by race, age, distance, religion, and more
  • Swipe through black singles in the Carousel
  • Translated into 25 languages and active in 80 countries

In 2007, Zoosk made waves in the tech sector by blending social media and online dating to create a more engaging environment for singles. From the moment you sign up to Zoosk, you'll be surrounded by options to like, message, match, search, and flirt with other members.

Over 40 million people have created Zoosk profiles, and its active members exchange 3 million messages a day collectively. Only premium members can send unlimited messages on the Zoosk site and app, but free members do have access to some greetings in their inboxes.

We recommend Zoosk as a black dating site because it supports a diverse and youthful population in 80 countries, and it has a lot of inspirational success stories to its name.

Black Dating

★★★★★ 4.5/5.0

In 2000, a clinical psychologist and seminary professor named Neil Clark Warren created eharmony to support (read more)

  • Available to black singles in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia
  • The match system takes social values and upbringing into account
  • Lengthy personality questionnaire helps identify commonality

A Christian theologian and clinical psychologist named Dr. Neil Clark Warren founded eharmony because he wanted to strengthen marriages and lower the divorce rate. He believed he could use psychological principles and online matchmaking to help singles choose compatible partners and start healthy relationships.

In 2000, eharmony embarked on a heartfelt mission to lead singles to love, and it has been remarkably successful. The dating site claims to have created over 2 million love connections, and it boasts giving its members the best odds of getting in a real relationship.

Every 14 minutes, someone finds love on eharmony. The site's Compatibility Quiz and Icebreakers give singles the information they need to make a smart match and take things to the next level. By going to the Compatibility section of a profile, you can see how you stack up in terms of personality, habits, interests, feelings, and other essential traits.

Black Dating

★★★★ 4.3/5.0

BlackPeopleMeet is among the top dating sites for black and biracial singles the U.S. and Canada. Since its (read more)

  • Over 1.5 million monthly users from all walks of life
  • Search for black dates by demographics, online status, or keyword
  • Up to 11 match suggestions delivered to your inbox

BlackPeopleMeet is a no-brainer on a list like this one. The niche dating site supports the most popular black singles community in the U.S. and Canada. Thousands of people have created profiles here.

Free members can use the search filters to locate compatible dates in the area, and they can also go to the Matches section to see which profiles BlackPeopleMeet recommends. If anyone stands out, send a like or wink to make your intentions known.

A lot of people have found romance and love in this niche community, and you can read their testimonials on the site to see the tremendous impact BlackPeopleMeet has had in everyday lives. "I have met the man I am going to marry on this site," said a BPM user from Washington. "Thank you very much."

Black Dating

★★★★ 4.1/5.0

ChristianMingle is a faith-driven dating platform where black singles can find a true love connection. Many (read more)

  • The leading Christian dating site for African-American singles
  • Robust profiles and personality-driven match tools
  • Sort by race, distance, match percentage, and more

Nearly 80% of black Americans identify as Christian, making them one of the most religious ethnic groups in the U.S. It makes sense that finding a Christian partner would be important to black singles, and that's where ChristianMingle comes in.

ChristianMingle is the premier Christian dating site with the highest concentration of faith-driven singles and one of the clearest mission statements in the business. As the homepage says, "Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is here."

This dating site is all about connecting Christians with Christians and inspiring relationships, marriages, and families grounded in shared faith. If that message resonates with you, then create a profile and start matching.

Black Dating

★★★★ 4.0/5.0

Plenty of Fish has established itself as one of the top dating sites by promoting unlimited free communication (read more)

  • Racially diverse network in 20 countries worldwide
  • Search for a black or biracial date using advanced filters
  • Never pay to send a message to anyone

As a completely free dating site, Plenty of Fish appeals to folks who don't have a lot of extra cash to spend on dating features, subscriptions, and tokens. You can meet singles and stay on budget thanks to POF's free communication tools.

You can message anyone on Plenty of Fish — no mutual match required — without paying a cent of your hard-earned money. Many singles have been tempted by the site's free features and authentic profiles, and they've jumped into this far-reaching dating pool in search of love.

Plenty of Fish has over 150 million members in its database, and it makes over 57 million matches each and every week.

"It was the most perfect first date, and I knew I wanted him as my forever," wrote Camille in her POF success story. "We can't wait to continue to share our love story and wedding with you all! Thanks, Plenty of Fish, for helping me find my lover, best friend, and soul mate!"

Black Dating

★★★★ 3.8/5.0

Bumble supports a global network where singles of all races and ages can find their niche. The dating app (read more)

  • Bumble offers an inclusive dating space for black singles
  • Location-based matches with real potential
  • The more likes you have, the higher you'll rank in swipes

Bumble became known as the first feminist dating app in 2014, and it continues promoting progressive values to this day. The Bumble team has a strong moral fiber that drives the company forward and challenges the status quo.

On its surface, Bumble seems like the typical swiping-driven app, but it has a feminist twist to it. The dating app empowers women to take the lead in their love lives by sending the first message after matching with a man. Men cannot send the first message. Instead, women set the tone, make the decision, and determine their own destinies by pursuing the match or letting it expire within 24 hours.

Bumble also benefits men who have a hard time figuring out what to say in a first message and don't like the pressure of always having to make the first move.

Black Dating

★★★★ 3.7/5.0

Since 2012, Tinder has positioned itself as the dating app for everyone. Its free communication and matching (read more)

  • Millions of diverse date prospects at your fingertips
  • Black singles can curate their incoming messages
  • Tinder Plus users swipe through profiles all over the world

Tinder needs no introduction in the online dating scene. It's the dating app that invented swiping, pioneered mutual matching, and gave birth to the 21st century's #SwipeLife.

Launched in 2012, Tinder is a free dating app where singles can control who shows up in their inboxes. Tinder users swipe left and right based on a profile picture and byline, and they can strike up conversations with anyone who likes them back. Many singles have called Tinder out for fueling hookups, but 42% of Tinder users say they're looking for a relationship on the app.

Today, Tinder sees over 2 billion views per day and leads to over 1 million dates per week. The Tinder network is active in over 190 countries, and people of all racial backgrounds are welcome to give it a go.

Black Dating

★★★★ 3.7/5.0

OkCupid is an inclusive dating platform where users can send messages to anyone they like. The site empowers (read more)

  • Search filters by ethnicity, height, location, diet, etc.
  • Singles must add at least one clear photo of themselves
  • Swipe through date prospects to discover mutual interests

Last but certainly not least, OkCupid is a free dating site and app that uses math to inspire love. The platform has an in-depth matchmaking algorithm that uses a mixture of profile information, online activity, and personal questions to identify compatibility between users.

You'll see a compatibility rating of up to 100 on each profile, and you can sort profiles by match percentage, online activity, and other important criteria. You can also conduct a keyword search — maybe you can find someone to watch the last season of "Empire" with you — or swipe through date prospects in the DoubleTake section.

OkCupid creates over 91 million connections each year, and it facilitates over 50,000 dates each week. Don't knock it till you've tried it!

Best Senior Black Dating Apps

Dating as a senior in the 21st century can come with a lot of challenges, but it can also bring a lot of opportunities if you're willing to brave the online world and become more tech-savvy. Dating sites and apps can open the door to a world of romantic possibilities, and some platforms cater specifically to a more mature, over-50 crowd.

Here are our favorite dating apps for black seniors looking for companionship in their golden years.

Black Dating

★★★★★ 4.5/5.0

SilverSingles celebrates diversity in the dating scene and builds romantic connections between people of all (read more)

  • Straightforward signup process is easy for black seniors
  • Custom filtering tools by race as well as age, distance, and more
  • A diverse membership base of singles over 50

As an exclusive, all-senior dating community, SilverSingles has a lot to offer singles in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s. The site's welcoming atmosphere and user-friendly tools can make newcomers feel at ease, and there's no pressure to post photos, pay subscription fees, or send messages.

Free members can browse SilverSingles at their leisure and grow comfortable with all the different matching and messaging tools. Only premium members can view photos and send messages on SilverSingles, so it's a safe and private forum for singles of a certain age.

Black Dating

★★★★ 4.4/5.0

OurTime delivers a high-quality, senior-friendly dating experience to singles of all racial and cultural (read more)

  • Caters to divorcees, widows, and never-married singles over 50
  • Black singles can narrow searches by ethnicity, religion, and zodiac
  • Mobile-friendly and easy-to-use interface

OurTime is a well-reputed dating site that caters to singles who are 50 or older. It's free to create an account, conduct searches, and send virtual flirts on the platform.

Powered by People Media, the OurTime database grows by around 20,000 members every week, and it has a strong foothold in English-speaking countries around the world. Thousands of people have found love an OurTime, and some have shared their stories with the team.

"I have found an amazing man on this site," said an Indiana user. "He is the most precious and dearest person I have ever met."

Black Dating

★★★ 3.4/5.0

Black singles of a certain age can use SeniorMatch to up the quality of their date prospects. The dating (read more)

  • Thousands of black senior singles online
  • Search filters by age, ethnicity, distance, and other attributes
  • Add your favorite profiles to your Hotlist

Since 2003, SeniorMatch has established itself as one of the most successful and trustworthy dating sites for senior singles from all walks of life. The platform has over 1 million members, and it facilitates over 1.6 million monthly conversations.

"We are very honored," said a spokesperson for SeniorMatch in a DatingNews interview. "SeniorMatch's growth rate in the United States is accelerating, and its ranking is gradually rising."

SeniorMatch has over 36,600 success stories to its credit, and every new testimonial encourages the team to continue perfecting its matchmaking system to help senior singles find someone who's exactly their type.

Best LGBT Black Dating Apps

In the last few years, members of the LGBTQ+ community have embraced online dating and used it to further their dating and relationship goals. A survey revealed that 65% of same-sex couples say they met online, while only 40% of straight couples said the same.

Gay-friendly dating apps can liberate singles to be who they were born to be and date without restraint. Whether you're in the closet, newly out, or gay and proud, you can use the following apps to make valuable connections in the local LGBTQ+ dating scene.

Black Dating

★★★★ 3.6/5.0

Black singles can use Grindr to quickly make a date in their neighborhoods. This active, all-men dating (read more)

  • Black singles can filter their matches by race, location, and age
  • Chat and send private photos for free
  • Custom dating profiles stand out from the crowd

Grindr is the top gay dating app with an extensive database of 27 million singles globally.

In 2009, Grindr launched as an all-male dating app, but it has since loosened that restriction and allowed cis women, transgender singles, and non-binary persons to join. However, the majority of users are gay and bi dudes seeking male dates.

Grindr has the rep of a hookup app, but some users have reported making friends or finding relationships on the app as well. In fact, 84% of Grindr users say they have fallen in love with someone they met on the app.

Black Dating

★★★★ 3.5/5.0

HER is inclusive of womxn of all backgrounds. The app gives its users space to tell their stories, explore (read more)

  • Womxn of color can discover a sense of belonging
  • Moderators ensure conversations are respectful and supportive
  • Zero tolerance for racist, phobic, abusive, or graphic language

HER is a proudly all-female dating app designed to support lesbian, bisexual, queer, and trans womxn. Over the years, it has built a following of over 4 million users, all of whom have been vetted and verified as authentic.

Black womxn can rely on HER to be a helpful and supportive wingwomxn through every step of the online dating process. The app allows its members to post photos, share stories, and create events, and they can also send likes, comments, and RSVPs to anything fun they see in the frequently updated newsfeed.

HER creates a friendly social environment where womxn can feel safe reaching out, making friends, and building relationships. More #WeMetOnHER stories keep coming in all the time, and it's inspiring to see so many happy couples who turned their online connection into something more.

Black Dating

★★★ 3.2/5.0

MenNation is one of the most popular gay dating sites around with millions of members around the world. Its (read more)

  • Over 780,000 monthly members from all walks of life
  • Easy-to-understand navigation bar and search tools
  • Black singles send emails or flirts to attract casual dates

With tens of millions of users, MenNation claims to have the world's largest gay hookup site. Its free registration is open to gay men and gay couples seeking male companionship (typically for sex), and new members don't have to give their real names or credit card information to get an account up and running.

Every day, over 74,000 men log onto MenNation in search of a local date and no-strings-attached sex. Thanks to MenNation's live chat tools, gay men can explore their desires, discuss their fetishes, and find outgoing partners who are eager to play along.

Black Dating

★★★ 3.1/5.0

LesbianPersonals promotes an engaging and safe online environment that's designed to satisfy women's sexual (read more)

  • Free and easy registration process
  • Black and biracial singles enjoy unlimited chatting via text and video
  • Open to lesbian women, straight and lesbian couples, and groups

LesbianPersonals is a popular hookup site geared toward women seeking women and couples seeking threesomes. The platform makes it easy to sign up, browse profiles, send sexually charged messages, and arrange a steamy encounter with a local lady.

Full members can exchange messages, photos, and videos in private communications, and LesbianPersonals even offers the ability to block or report anyone on the platform.

Whether you're a lesbian looking for a hot date or a straight couple looking for a unicorn, you can use LesbianPersonals to expand your search and meet a lot of horny people in a discreet, female-friendly setting.

Best Black Hookup Apps

Let's face it, not everyone is cut out for love and marriage. Some singles are happier when they're playing the field and keeping their options open. Hookup culture is a major factor in the online dating scene, and some apps have embraced the horny desires of men and women everywhere. Here are some of the best options for singles who just want to get laid.

Black Dating

★★★★ 3.8/5.0

BeNaughty is a hookup site where anyone over the age of 18 can flirt and arrange a sexy encounter. The site is (read more)

  • A multiracial, multinational, and open-minded user base
  • Completely free registration with optional paid perks
  • Anti-spam policies keep black singles safe

Casual daters have the best luck on casual dating apps like BeNaughty where sex is always on the table. BeNaughty was designed to facilitate no-strings-attached hookups, and it's not unusual to see racy photos and sexually explicit content on the dating profiles here.

Singles can take control of their matches by using advanced search filters for age, location, body type, ethnicity, orientation, hair color, and eye color. They can also sort the search results by age, distance, popularity, online activity, or match percentage. Under each profile is a Chat button and a Like button to encourage singles to reach out and make a connection.

The Like Gallery is another great place to discover cuties on BeNaughty. You'll use a simple swiping system to separate the winners from the rejects, and the people you like will receive a notification inviting them to like you back and make a match.

Black Dating

★★★★ 3.7/5.0

Adult Friend Finder liberates sexy men and women who are over 18 and looking to get their freak on with (read more)

  • Black singles can be upfront about their desires
  • AFF members are open to erotic experiences of all kinds
  • Dating forums, sex cams, and live chat rooms lead to romance

Adult Friend Finder is a colossal hookup site with over 97 million members in its database. Since 1997, the AFF community has become one of the largest havens for sexy singles and swingers, and it's open 24/7 to anyone feeling frisky.

There are a lot of different ways to mix things up on AdultFriendFinder. AFF members can send private messages, watch video strip teases, post erotic stories, or discuss raunchy topics in the forums, which have supported over 14 million conversations.

One of the greatest things about AdultFriendFinder is that there's no need to play games or beat around the bush. The vast majority of AFF members want to get sexual and find hookups, so they're open to invitations from anonymous hotties online.

Black Dating

★★★★ 3.5/5.0

FriendFinder-X is a popular hookup site where casual daters live out their fantasies online and offline. The (read more)

  • Open to casual daters of all races and backgrounds
  • Unlimited profile browsing for free
  • Black singles can send emails or view sexy broadcasts

FriendFinder-X is an adult dating site where singles, couples, and groups can solicit one another for sex without jeopardizing their privacy. The site's instant chat tools can lead to X-rated cybersexting, and sometimes people want to take things to the next level by meeting up in person.

The location-based searches on FriendFinder-X can point horny singles and swingers in the right direction and introduce them to many sexy playmates who are in the mood to skip the foreplay and get intimate ASAP.

FriendFinder-X has become known as a hookup site "where good girls do bad things," and people of all ages, races, and orientations are welcome to join the fun anytime.

Where Can I Meet Black Singles?

If you don't meet many black singles in your day-to-day life, then you'll probably have to go outside your comfort zone to change that. You could start with something simple like joining a black dating site, or you could go all in by taking up a new sport or attending services held by a local black church.

You may have to get creative to find your type of people in the black community. Maybe you could volunteer with a nonprofit, or maybe you could start hanging out at a jazz club or speakeasy. Keep your eyes peeled, and don't be afraid to approach someone you find attractive — because you never know what could happen.

What Dating App Do Black Men Use?

BlackPeopleMeet is the most popular dating app for black men and black women seeking local dates. Here are some fast facts about this stand-out dating site and app:

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.2/5.0

Since its launch in 2002, BlackPeopleMeet has created an African-American singles network that stretches (read more)

  • One of the largest black singles networks in existence
  • Straightforward search and matching features
  • Use Tokens to appear higher in search results

At the end of the day, BlackPeopleMeet has the reputation to back its matchmaking features, and many testimonials give the app a ringing endorsement.

"I met three people on here, and all three were actually great men," said a 33-year-old woman in a review on the App Store. "But only one stole my heart."

Is There an App for Interracial Dating?

Yes, many apps facilitate interracial dating, and some cater specifically to singles who want to date someone of a different race or ethnicity.

Interracial dating platforms can broaden your horizons and introduce you to people you may never have met otherwise. That's a powerful networking tool, and it has been changing the dating landscape for 20 years now.

In 1995, Match launched as one of the first dating sites ever, and it encouraged singles to explore romantic possibilities in a new way. Now, interracial marriage is on the rise in the U.S., and some experts credit online dating for introducing interracial couples.

For Men

★★★★★ 4.9/5.0

Since 1995, Match has made a name for itself as one of the most successful dating platforms in the world. The (read more)

  • Find quality women with advanced search filters
  • Daily Matches highlight profiles that meet your date standards
  • Add up to 26 photos to your profile

On Match.com, singles can choose to search the database by ethnicity, education, religion, and other personal factors, and that can help Match users discover compatible dates more quickly. You can also state on your profile what type of person you're looking for and what kind of relationship you want to create.

What is the BLK App?

BLK is a black dating app designed to make online dating easier on the black population. The app launched in 2017 and has been building up steam ever since. BLK has already been downloaded over 500,000 times on Google Play where it boasts a 4.2-star rating.

Because it's still new on the scene, we wouldn't rank BLK as one of the top black dating apps just yet. Over time, it may grow into a helpful wingman, but right now it's pretty small and probably only helpful if you live in a big city. It's free to download the app, so you can take a look at the membership base and features without making a financial commitment.

The Best Black Dating Apps Put Your Needs First

Our dating experts have spent thousands of hours testing, rating, and reviewing dating platforms, and we've chosen the best of the best to save you time in the online dating scene. Hopefully, at least one of these black dating sites and apps have caught your eye and won you over.

Whether you're looking for a fast date or a real relationship, you can instantly up your chances of meeting a compatible person by going on a dating site or app. The search tools, match suggestions, and live chat features can help you meet a lot of black singles in no time, and that could make all the difference in your love life. Good luck!

Top Dating Apps of 2019 - DatingNews

Posted: 29 Oct 2019 12:00 AM PDT

Between 2012 and 2018, the amount of time people spent on their smartphones jumped from 88 to 203 minutes a day. The top dating apps took advantage of this trend and created fast-working features to entice users to swipe, match, and chat as they went about their days.

Today, the average single millennial spends about 10 hours a week on dating apps hoping to get lucky and land a catch. Dating apps have taken hold of our time and attention like never before, and that has been largely good news for the hopeless romantics of the world. Modern singles can always take action to meet new people and find someone special — without leaving home — and we've ranked the top apps to help them get started.

You may see some familiar names on this list, but we have also thrown in a good number of lesser-known niche apps that have proven effective for certain types of daters. Here we go!

Top Overall Dating Apps

It takes a lot for us to rank a platform among the best dating apps around. The app has to be an established name in the industry (meaning it didn't just launch this year), and it has to have a proven track record for success. We also look at the features to ensure they make sense and are easy to use — even for non-tech-savvy singles.

The following dating apps have passed every test we could throw at them and set high standards for competitors in the online dating scene.

Online Dating

★★★★★ 4.9/5.0

Match.com has come a long way since it launched in April 1995. This well-reputed dating site has honed its (read more)

  • Match is the world's longest running dating site
  • The Discover section has search filters by interests, looks, lifestyle, and more
  • Match is available in 24 countries and 15 languages

In our book, Match is the undisputed best dating site and app for singles of all ages, locations, and backgrounds. Not only has it been around longer than any other dating site or app (established in April 1995), but it has also connected more relationships and marriages than any of its competitors.

Match.com has taken a personality-driven approach to the online dating scene. It doesn't just throw singles together at random — the match algorithm actually curates a list of compatible profiles and provides guidance in a potentially overwhelming online dating scene.

As a free Match.com member, you can spend as much time as you like searching for local dates and sending likes to profiles that meet your standards. You'll get limited communication options if you upgrade your account to a paid monthly subscription.

Online Dating

★★★★★ 4.8/5.0

EliteSingles.com maintains a sophisticated network of young professionals seeking a relationship. Over 80% of (read more)

  • Over 2 million monthly users
  • Premium members receive 20 wildcard matches a day
  • Search features include age, height, education, ethnicity, and lifestyle habits

From the beginning, EliteSingles has made a name for itself as a quality-driven dating platform designed to connect like-minded professionals on the web.

This upscale dating app, which is free to download, offers a exclusive pass to the upper class of the dating world. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and other successful singles have created an EliteSingles profile because they're ready to take their love lives up a notch, and that's what EliteSingles does.

Over 80% of EliteSingles members have graduated from college, and over 90% are seeking a real relationship.

Online Dating

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0

Zoosk is a socially savvy dating site known for its diverse membership base and behavioral matchmaking system. (read more)

  • Send messages to premium members for free
  • Over 3 million messages sent a day
  • Premium perks include photo verification and sending virtual gifts

Zoosk first got our attention in 2007 when it combined social-media-like features with a more traditional online dating interface. This resulted in an engaging and one-of-a-kind mingling experience.

Over 40 million singles have given Zoosk a test spin and enjoyed its free matching and communication features. While its competitors focus on profile information, Zoosk uses a boutique behavioral matchmaking system to arrange dates online. That means it identifies a user's dating preferences based primarily on that person's like history and browsing patterns. Basically, if you tend to send messages to a certain type of single, you'll find more people like that in your match recommendations.

Zoosk was also among the first dating companies to launch a companion app to go with its dating site. The Zoosk app is currently available on iPhones and Android devices, and it has earned top ratings in the App Store where it has 4.4 stars. "I like many things about Zoosk," said Rancho Cowboy in a 2018 review. "It's one of the best dating sites."

Online Dating

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0

Since its launch in 2000, eharmony has endeavored to find the formula for love. Its 29-dimension questionnaire (read more)

  • Over 2 million people have found love here
  • Users can filter their match recommendations by age or city
  • Compatibility Quiz identifies common interests, lifestyles, and goals

When it comes to building relationships online, it doesn't get much better than eharmony. This premium dating site and app have turned heads in the dating scene by using in-depth psychological evaluations to identify which singles belong together.

The 29-dimension matchmaking system is eharmony's signature feature, and it forms the basis of every compatibility rating and match suggestion. While eharmony's search filters are limited, the app makes up for it by delivering high-quality matches straight to your inbox and providing plenty of details on every dating profile to help you get your bearings.

If you want to see how your personality compares to another person's, simply click on the Compatibility section, and you'll see a breakdown of how you fit in terms of athleticism, agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness, emotional intimacy, intellect, and other important characteristics.

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.3/5.0

ChristianMingle is a faith-based dating site for singles who want a relationship grounded in Christian values. (read more)

  • For singles interested in God-centered relationships
  • Over 3.5 million monthly users around the world
  • Available as an app on Google Play and the App Store

ChristianMingle has been a blessing in the lives of many Christian singles around the world, and it has become the leading Christian dating site and app in the space.

ChristianMingle isn't a Christian-only site — it keeps the door open to believers and non-believers alike — but it does instill a strong moral code on members and encourages authentic relationships with its matching tools.

In the words of the ChristianMingle team, "As the site responsible for more Christian marriages than all other dating sites combined, your Christian dating happiness means everything to us."

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.2/5.0

Since its launch in 2002, BlackPeopleMeet has created an African-American singles network that stretches (read more)

  • One of the largest black singles networks in existence
  • Straightforward search and matching features
  • Use Tokens to appear higher in search results

Even though it's a niche site, BlackPeopleMeet has amassed a huge following in the U.S. and Canada. The dating platform appeals to black, biracial, and multiracial singles, and it also leaves the door open to anyone who wants to find a dark-skinned date.

You don't have to have a certain skin tone, heritage, or racial identity to join BlackPeopleMeet. Singles from all walks of life can create a dating profile in less than two minutes and start browsing immediately.

"I just want to say I have found true love and the most beautiful, amazing, and wonderful woman, thanks to this site," said a former BlackPeopleMeet member from Sacramento, California. "I am terminating my membership on here since I found the woman I am to share the rest of my life with."

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.1/5.0

In 2004, OkCupid's founders decided to create a fool-proof formula for love, and they launched a free dating (read more)

  • Free, unlimited communication for everyone
  • Singles can swipe or search for a compatible date
  • Over 91 million connections every year

The OkCupid dating site got started in 2004 with four Harvard math nerds attempting to create a formula for love. In 2012, OkCupid adapted to the times by launching a dating app that made its vast network and powerful matching tools available to a mobile audience.

Today, OkCupid creates over 91 million love connections each year and inspires somewhere around 50,000 first dates in the average week.

OkCupid sets pretty clear guidelines for its members — "We don't like jerks, so please don't be a jerk" — and offers unlimited free messaging to allow singles to follow their hearts and pursue friendships, dates, and relationships on their terms.

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.1/5.0

Plenty of Fish prides itself on being one of the best dating site for conversations. It supports 100% free and (read more)

  • Free registration, searches, and messaging
  • The Chemistry Test creates a compatibility framework
  • Over 1 billion messages sent per month

PlentyOfFish is a free dating app where singles can unleash their chatty sides and build genuine connections online.

Over 150 million people have joined the POF community, and something like 65,000 more people join every day. Those are some pretty impressive stats, and here's one more: over 4 million daily active users seek romance on PlentyOfFish, and you could be one of them.

When all is said and done, PlentyOfFish offers one of the largest dating communities around, and messaging is free, so you don't have to limit yourself to a small dating pool of singles.

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.0/5.0

In 2012, Tinder pioneered a swiping-based match system that empowered singles to connect with dates who liked (read more)

  • Supports active daters in 190+ countries
  • The swiping system creates over 12 million matches per day
  • Tinder Plus members have unlimited likes and 5 Super Likes

Tinder is obviously one of the best dating apps around. It invented swiping, for crying out loud. Since its launch in 2012, Tinder has been responsible for over 30 billion (yes, billion with B) matches all over the world.

While the fast-paced swiping system may get criticized as superficial, the fact is that it puts singles in the driver's seat and allows them to decide who shows up in their inboxes. That makes it a powerful tool for anyone looking to narrow a broad dating scene down to a few likely date candidates.

The Tinder dating field is what you make of it. Tinder arranges over 1 million dates per week. Some of those are hookups and one-night stands, but some lead to relationships based on mutual attraction and shared interest.

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.0/5.0

Since its launch in 2014, Bumble has positioned itself as one of the queens of the online dating world. The (read more)

  • A feminist dating app puts singles on equal footing
  • 60% of Bumble matches turn into dates
  • Bumble Bizz and Bumble BFF spark non-romantic connections

Finally, we had to put Bumble among the top 10 dating apps of all time. If only for pushing a feminist agenda. We love the dating app's empowering message to women and how it encourages its female users to make the first move and message the guys they've already liked.

In 2014, Bumble made headlines as the anti-Tinder. Whitney Wolfe-Herd actually left Tinder (even though she was among its co-founders) to launch Bumble and compete against the online dating juggernaut. Whitney believed the dating scene could become instantly more respectable and effective if women were in control of their own inboxes and matches.

So far, her theory seems to be working out. Bumble's progressive mission and features have attracted a high-caliber crowd of singles, and 85% of members say they're looking for a relationship on the app.

Top Senior Dating Apps

Once you reach a certain age, the club and bar scene may no longer appeal to you, and it can become difficult to make a mature romantic connection as a senior single. Fortunately, senior-friendly dating apps have arisen to bridge that gap and introduce age-appropriate dates online.

You can sign up for the following dating platforms for free and discover new pen pals, travel buddies, and love interests in just a few clicks.

Online Dating

★★★★★ 4.5/5.0

SilverSingles is serious about helping singles over 50 meet one another, and the site doesn't allow anyone (read more)

  • An exclusively senior membership base
  • Over 800,000 monthly users worldwide
  • App available for free on Google Play

First up, we have SilverSingles, a premier destination for divorcees, widowers, and never-married singles over 50. The site (and its companion app) only allows seniors in its database, so sugar daddies and cougars will have to look elsewhere for young dates.

The mature dating atmosphere on SilverSingles is perfect for men and women who are hesitant to try the mainstream dating scene but want to meet dates in their age bracket.

You can download the SilverSingles app for free on Google Play or the App Store. Over 1 million Americans have joined the SilverSingles network so far, and many have left positive reviews that praise its features, safety policy, and membership base. "I feel more at ease on this site so far," said a 57-year-old SilverSingles user. "Trusting I will discover a loyal, sincere, and competent female partner."

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.4/5.0

OurTime is an over-50 dating site with a lot of helpful features to facilitate friendships and relationships. (read more)

  • Open to straight, gay, and lesbian singles over 50
  • Free match recommendations and conversation starters
  • Use Tokens to promote your profile and send virtual gifts

OurTime is another excellent option for singles in their 50s and up. The dating site is powered by the good folks at People Media — the same company responsible for SingleParentMeet and BlackPeopleMeet — and it has time-tested features at your disposal.

Over 20,000 new members join this vast network every week, and they don't have a pay a penny to create their accounts and set up their profiles. OurTime is a free dating site with optional monthly subscriptions offering unlimited communication online. You don't have to upgrade to explore the site, though.

OurTime can help senior singles feel comfortable mingling online and making special connections with someone their own age.

Online Dating

★★★★ 3.7/5.0

Since 2003, SeniorMatch has built its reputation as one of the world's leading senior dating sites. The site (read more)

  • Doesn't allow members under 45
  • Available as a dating app in Google Play
  • Dating advice and safety tips shared by senior daters

SeniorMatch has supported senior singles since 2003, making it one of the old-timers in the online dating industry. All those years have given the SeniorMatch team the wisdom and experience it needs to make the dating experience as senior-friendly as possible.

Today, SeniorMatch has become one of the leading dating sites and apps for people over 50, and it has won millions of hearts with the message, "You don't have to be alone."

Still feeling hesitant? Check out SeniorMatch's success stories on the site — it has over 36,600 of them — to hear seniors say in their own words what the dating platform has meant to them. "Clearly found the love of my life," said one user. "Thank you, SeniorMatch, for this wonderful adventure."

Top LGBT Dating Apps

The mainstream dating scene isn't always vibrant or diverse enough to suit LGBTQ+ daters, so niche communities have arisen to provide a safe rainbow haven for these singles.

Online dating has a lot of value to offer LGBTQ+ people. Today, about 70% of gay couples meet online, and the following gay-friendly dating apps have been instrumental in making those love connections.

Online Dating

★★★★ 3.8/5.0

Since 1996, MenNation has connected over 93 million men around the globe. This men-only dating site measures (read more)

  • One of the largest gay hookup sites in the world
  • Search filters for age, location, physical attributes, and more
  • Available in 12 languages and counting

As a hookup site, MenNation doesn't fool around or waste time. The platform's prime purpose is to help guys meet guys in an anonymous, judgment-free setting, and that has led to many steamy encounters online and offline.

MenNation caters to a sexually active crowd and has established itself as a reliable place to pick up a hot date or arrange a no-strings attached hookup.

When you register free account on MenNation, you can enjoy a stimulating dating experience and express your desires, fetishes, and kinks in a sex-positive environment.

Online Dating

★★★★ 3.5/5.0

HER is a women-only (or "womxn" as the team says) dating app that helps cis, trans, and non-binary identified (read more)

  • A quirky and unapologetic womxn-only dating community
  • Queer events get users connecting IRL
  • The constantly updated Feed facilitates social networking

HER has our vote as the top dating app for lesbian, bisexual, and queer womxn. The app was designed by Robyn Exton, a powerhouse lesbian woman who saw a need for a female-only — not just female-friendly — dating space.

Over the last several years, HER has built up an all-womxn community that's currently 4 million strong, and it's still growing. It's free to create a dating profile, send likes and comments, and get to know intelligent and dynamic people on this platform. As long as you're authentic and respectful of others, you'll always be welcome here.

"It felt crazy to me that no one had truly made a dating product for women," Robyn said in a HuffPost interview. "So I decided to quit my job and start making it."

Online Dating

★★★★ 3.5/5.0

LesbianPersonals.com is powered by Friend Finder Networks, so it encompasses a vast network of sexually active (read more)

  • Free membership includes viewing profiles and sending likes
  • Exchange revealing photos and videos privately online
  • Simple search filters by interests and appearance

LesbianPersonals invites women to find love and lust by using free search filters and live messaging tools. The dating platform boasts being one of the largest lesbian hookup sites in the world, and it puts new members right in the middle of the action.

Single women, lesbian couples, straight couples, and groups can join LesbianPersonals to spice up their love lives and meet potential sex partners all over the world.

Whether you're interested in a hookup, a threesome, an orgy, or just sexting, LesbianPersonals aims to satisfy a variety of desires and give women the satisfaction they crave.

Online Dating

★★★ 3.4/5.0

Grindr became the world's first gay geosocial app in 2009, and it continues growing its all-male user base (read more)

  • Social networking for gay, bi, trans, and queer men
  • Location-based matches spark instant chemistry
  • Grindr Equality advocates for LGBTQ+ interests on the global stage

Since launching in 2009, Grindr has become a staple in the gay dating scene. The all-male network includes gay, bisexual, and bi-curious singles seeking a nighttime adventure.

Grindr's location-based match settings make it a natural wingman for singles on the town, and it is widely known as a hookup-friendly space, but some guys have found loving relationships here, too.

If you're looking to bring some excitement to your love life, downloading Grindr is a good first step. In an online survey, over 74% of gay men said they have tried Grindr, and 31% of Grindr users said they go on a date at least once a month.

Top Hookup Apps

Not everyone was cut out for the steady relationship life. Maybe you're too young, too hot, or too adventurous to settle down just yet — and that's perfectly all right. There are hookup sites for that.

These top-rated hookup apps give singles (and swingers) the freedom to explore their sensual sides and meet playmates who share similar goals and interests.

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.1/5.0

BeNaughty invites singles to walk on the wild side and explore their sexuality in a fun, free-wheeling (read more)

  • Sexually active adults in 10 countries
  • Browse the Like Gallery for hot singles
  • Stimulate conversation in intimate private messages

BeNaughty has got to be one of the most outrageously sexy dating platforms around with tons of revealing photos and romantic opportunities on every page.

Naughty singles jump on board this platform whenever they want to mix things up, and the live chat features make it easy to make something happen.

The Like Gallery is a particularly popular place to assess your options. BeNaughty will highlight a dating profile (based on your stated dating preferences), and you can like the profile to show interest, or click the X to move onto another sexy profile in your area.

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.0/5.0

In 1996, Friend Finder Networks began harnessing the power of online networking to help adults meet sexually (read more)

  • Among the largest online sex and swinger communities
  • Completely free no-obligation registration
  • Live chat rooms and discussion forums open 24/7

With over 97 million profiles, AdultFriendFinder has earned the right to call itself "the world's largest sex and swinger community." Since the 1990s, this hookup platform has built its naughty reputation and attracted adults seeking a sexual release.

The site is open to singles, couples, groups, and all types of daters, and you don't have to give your real name to create a profile. All you need is a valid email address and a ZIP code, and you're good to go. This flirtatious zone includes erotic blogs, private chats, and dating forums, all designed to get you in the mood.

The AFF community has hosted over 14 million group discussions and launched nearly 5 million romantic connections between local hotties.

Online Dating

★★★★ 3.9/5.0

FriendFinder-X specializes in delivering hot dates to your inbox. For the last 20+ years, this hookup site has (read more)

  • Open to casual daters in the U.S. and abroad
  • Free members can browse profiles and watch sexy videos
  • Chat anonymously in the forum or private messages

FriendFinder-X is the go-to hookup site for millions of singles around the world, and it characterizes itself as a place "where good girls do bad things."

You can get a sneak peek at the FriendFinder-X database as you fill out your profile, and these teasing nude-cam videos can get your gears turning before you've even become a full-fledged member. Once you're on board, you can explore a sexual playground full of adults seeking pleasure and excitement on their own terms.

What is the Most Popular Dating App?

A lot of dating apps are free to use, and that alone can make them pretty popular, but it takes more than free membership and messaging to keep singles satisfied in the long run. Dating apps with a little extra pizzazz have become popular among singles forever on the prowl for the next big thing.

Tinder is a strong contender for the most popular dating app.  It sees over 2 billion views per day and has been a driving force behind #SwipeLife in 190 countries. What's more, 27% of millennial singles say they have used Tinder to find dates.

However, Match has been in the online dating game longer and has helped more singles get in relationships and marriages than any other dating service.

For Women

★★★★★ 4.9/5.0

Match has become a trusted name in the online dating industry by catering to quality singles looking for love (read more)

  • In-depth matching appeals to women with high standards
  • Only premium members can send private messages to one another
  • An established singles network in 24 countries worldwide

A PCMag survey found that Match is the most popular dating site in 17 states, and it was by far the preferred site for singles over 45 years old.

What is the Best International Dating Site?

International dating sites prove that love knows no bounds and can happen anytime and anywhere. Singles no longer have to stick to their own backyards to find romance, and we find that quite inspiring. Many dating apps tend to have location-based matching features, but some dating sites allow singles to broaden their horizons and pick up an international pen pal.

PlentyOfFish maintains an active singles network in 20+ countries, and it has been translated into 11 languages, making it one of the best options for worldly daters.

For Men

★★★★ 3.9/5.0

Plenty of Fish is great for single men who are ready to get off the sidelines and into the action. The dating (read more)

  • Send unlimited messages to single women online
  • Membership includes a free Relationship Chemistry Predictor
  • Dating forums offer guidance along the way

PlentyOfFish offers a large, international dating pool for singles who want to explore romantic possibilities all around the world.

What is the Best Dating Site for a Serious Relationship?

Without question, the best dating site for serious relationship is eharmony. This site has been honing its matchmaking system since the early 2000s, and its offers great insights into compatibility to help singles choose the right partners and forge deep relationships.

For Women

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0

It may take some time to fill out eharmony's 29-dimension personality profile, but the results are well worth (read more)

  • Designed to satisfy marriage-minded single women
  • In-depth questionnaire generates high-quality matches
  • Personalized Match Preferences on gender, age, income, religion, education, and more

You can take a look at eharmony's success stories to get a sense of how life-changing a membership on eharmony can be. The site was designed to inspire loving marriages, and that's exactly what it's done.

What is the Best and Safest Dating Site?

It's important to look out for your safety while looking for a date online because you never know who you'll meet. It could be the person of your dreams, or it could be the catfisher of your nightmares. A few precautionary measures can help you avoid unsavory folks, and it never hurts to have a trustworthy dating site watching out for you as well.

EliteSingles is a totally safe dating site with a paywall protecting full members from scammers and cybercriminals. Free members can't send messages nor see photos on the platform, and that ensures singles only mingle with dates who have invested in the online dating process.

For Men

★★★★★ 4.8/5.0

EliteSingles appeals to the cream of the dating crop with its smart, personality-driven matching system. Over (read more)

  • More than 2 million monthly users
  • A growing network of female professionals in 25 countries
  • Elite Singles offers daily match recommendations and expert profile advice

EliteSingles has a profile verification system in place to ensure everyone is who they say they are. Every month, over 2,000 couples fall in love thanks to this site's good work.

Is Bumble a Hookup App?

No, Bumble is definitely not a hookup app. Bumble appeals to discerning singles with strong moral values, and only 3% of its users are looking for a hookup. Conversely, over 85% of Bumble users say they want to find a committed relationship or marriage.

Bottom line: casual daters should avoid this app and seek meaningless sex elsewhere.

Check Out the Top Apps to Find a Local Date

In today's technology-driven age, smartphones are essential, all-purpose solutions for life. Over 90% of smartphone users say they keep their phones with them 24/7, and it's easy to understand why.

Apps can offer handy ways to deal with everything from waking yourself up in the morning to ordering pizza for dinner, and some apps can even help you get a date or create a relationship. The top dating apps have led to countless romances, some lasting a single night and others continuing for a lifetime.

The right dating app can prompt singles to go outside their comfort zones and explore dating prospects they may never have met otherwise. That's a pretty powerful tool to carry around in your pocket!

Best Dating Sites for Serious Relationships in 2019 - DatingNews

Posted: 14 Nov 2019 12:00 AM PST

Growing up, I loved to fantasize about how I'd fall in love. I imagined just about every possible scenario (we'd run into each other at a bookstore and couldn't stop talking, or we would be best friends who realized we wanted something more) except for the one that actually happened.

I met the guy of my dreams on a dating app. He told me I had "a smidge of cute" on my face in his opening message, we chatted about Disney songs, and, a couple days later, I agreed to a coffee date, even though I dislike coffee. On our first date, I was five minutes early, and he was 10 minutes late, but I fell for him anyway. The rest is sappy relationship history.

I'm not the only one to find a happily-ever-after ending on a dating app. Something like 40% of American couples surveyed said they met online. According to a 2017 survey of brides, online dating is now the most popular way to meet a spouse. These days, if you want to get in a relationship, you've got to roll up your sleeves and start swiping. So get out there!

Best Overall Dating Sites for Serious Relationships

Different dating sites offer different online dating experiences, and it's important to choose the one that fits your personality type and relationship goals. It's not enough to choose a dating site your friend used, or the one you saw in a commercial. If you're really serious, you should do your homework to find the upstanding dating sites with good reputations and proven success stories.

That's where we come in. We've ranked our favorite dating sites for relationship seekers and outlined the features that make them stand out in the online dating scene.

Online Dating

★★★★★ 4.9/5.0

Match.com has come a long way since it launched in April 1995. This well-reputed dating site has honed its (read more)

  • Match is the world's longest running dating site
  • The Discover section has search filters by interests, looks, lifestyle, and more
  • Match is available in 24 countries and 15 languages

Match is without a doubt one of the best in the business. Since 1995, Match has introduced countless couples and inspired relationships that have stood the test of time. The dating site boasts being responsible for more marriages than any of its competitors, and that's great news if you're serious about settling down.

Match.com attracts singles who are over 30, well-educated, and relationship-minded. In fact, nearly 75% of Match users have earned a college degree, and 84% said they are selective about their dates.

The singles on Match are not screwing around and don't want to waste time on dead-end dates. Many of them have paid subscription fees because they're invested in the online dating process and hope to meet someone who's in a similar place in life. Only paid subscribers can chat with everyone on Match, but free members can browse profiles, send likes, and enjoy limited communication until they decide it's worth upgrading to get the full experience.

Online Dating

★★★★★ 4.8/5.0

EliteSingles.com maintains a sophisticated network of young professionals seeking a relationship. Over 80% of (read more)

  • Over 2 million monthly users
  • Premium members receive 20 wildcard matches a day
  • Search features include age, height, education, ethnicity, and lifestyle habits

EliteSingles is another high-end dating site that uses a paywall to ensure only serious and successful singles come knocking. It's free to create a profile and browse the site, but subscribed members are the only ones who can view photos and send messages in this exclusive online dating club.

As you can tell from its name, EliteSingles caters to the cream of the dating crop. The site's selective membership includes doctors, lawyers, bankers, and other professionals seeking a partner for the long haul. Over 85% of EliteSingles members have graduated from college, and over 90% say they want to be in a relationship.

EliteSingles uses a personality-driven matchmaking system to bring compatible couples together. A questionnaire uses a five-factor model to gauge how open, conscientious, agreeable, neurotic, and extroverted users are. The site also has customized Dating Preferences where users can identify their must-haves in terms of age, ethnicity, religion, height, education, income, smoking habits, and other factors.

Online Dating

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0

Since its launch in 2000, eharmony has endeavored to find the formula for love. Its 29-dimension questionnaire (read more)

  • Over 2 million people have found love here
  • Users can filter their match recommendations by age or city
  • Compatibility Quiz identifies common interests, lifestyles, and goals

From the moment it launched in 2000, eharmony committed all its resources to helping singles find the one they want to marry. A team of psychologists put their heads together to develop a clinically sound matchmaking system that would set couples up for success and happiness.

The recently updated eharmony Compatibility Quiz has been honed and perfected for decades now. It began as a 450-question assessment, and now it takes less than 20 minutes to answer straightforward questions like "What do your family and friends think about you?" and "What qualities do you look for in an ideal partner?" The quiz focuses on who you are and want you want, using that information to generate accurate compatibility ratings.

The eharmony team is proud of its matchmaking system and urges singles to put their trust in its compatibility ratings. It's all about relationships here, and that's why you won't find any swiping or superficial features. To date, over 2 million singles have found love on eharmony, and a new couple finds each other every 14 minutes on the site.

Online Dating

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0

Zoosk is a socially savvy dating site known for its diverse membership base and behavioral matchmaking system. (read more)

  • Send messages to premium members for free
  • Over 3 million messages sent a day
  • Premium perks include photo verification and sending virtual gifts

Zoosk got started in 2007 as a free dating network for socially savvy singles. The site's team drew inspiration from popular social media platforms and used an array of communication tools to inspire real-time connections.

Today, the Zoosk team continues to think outside the box and make the site and app stand out from the pack. The Zoosk behavioral matchmaking system has proven effective at identifying innate compatibility without asking a lot of personal questions. The system pays attention to how singles behave on the site (their likes, views, and messages) to determine who's hit it off with them.

Zoosk has over 40 million members to its name, so you certainly won't run out of options as you browse for matches here.

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.3/5.0

ChristianMingle is a faith-based dating site for singles who want a relationship grounded in Christian values. (read more)

  • For singles interested in God-centered relationships
  • Over 3.5 million monthly users around the world
  • Available as an app on Google Play and the App Store

Christians tend to gravitate toward long-term partners who share similar beliefs and values, and that can be a sticking point on other dating platforms, but it's not a problem on ChristianMingle, the #1 dating site for Christian singles.

ChristianMingle's mission is to create God-centered relationships, and it has spent the last two decades doing exactly that. The dating site appeals to Christians of all denominations, and it's also open to non-Christians who are willing to convert or support a Christian marriage.

You don't have to take it on faith that ChristianMingle works. Just read the success stories out there from true believers who found love here.

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.2/5.0

Since its launch in 2002, BlackPeopleMeet has created an African-American singles network that stretches (read more)

  • One of the largest black singles networks in existence
  • Straightforward search and matching features
  • Use Tokens to appear higher in search results

It takes less than two minutes to create a profile on BlackPeopleMeet, but the relationship you find on the dating site could last a lifetime. As a black dating site, BlackPeopleMeet supports a tight-knit community full of diversity and fun, so it's no wonder sparks fly so often here.

BlackPeopleMeet has thousands of members spread across the U.S. and Canada, and they're all looking for dates who share a similar background, perspective, and cultural awareness. You can use the site's search tools to narrow the dating pool to the most desirable few and send virtual flirts to see if the attraction is mutual.

"Through this service, I have finally met the man I'm going to marry," said a BlackPeopleMeet user from Oklahoma. "This network has allowed me to meet the man of my dreams, and I'm grateful for that."

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.1/5.0

In 2004, OkCupid's founders decided to create a fool-proof formula for love, and they launched a free dating (read more)

  • Free, unlimited communication for everyone
  • Singles can swipe or search for a compatible date
  • Over 91 million connections every year

OkCupid satisfies daters of all ages and orientations with its free matching and chatting tools. The dating site and app has endeavored to find the formula for love, and love-driven singles can make the compatibility system more accurate by answering more questions and filling out their dating profiles completely.

Every week, OkCupid members go on over 50,000 dates, and the well-known dating platform is responsible for more than 91 million love connections every year.

OkCupid was my dating site of choice for years because it offers free communication between mutual matches, and the dating profiles let people show off their quirks and get to know one another before anyone even says "hey." Plus, you can tell from someone's profile if he or she is interested in casual dating, long-term relationships, friendships, or something else.

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.1/5.0

Plenty of Fish prides itself on being one of the best dating site for conversations. It supports 100% free and (read more)

  • Free registration, searches, and messaging
  • The Chemistry Test creates a compatibility framework
  • Over 1 billion messages sent per month

PlentyOfFish can offer you free access to a global dating pool of over 150 million members in 20 countries. It's free to join, free to match, and free to chat on this dating site and app. No need to pay monthly subscription fees or anything like that.

The POF community is open to people from all walks of life, and they all have different intentions. Sure, some are looking for an easy hookup, but a lot of POF members are seeking genuine connections and are eager to see where the chemistry takes them.

In the average week, POF sees over 57 million matches made online, and many of those lead to real-life dates and relationships. "I was on PlentyOfFish reading profiles and learning more about the men," said Camille in her testimonial. "Flash forward two years, and now we are engaged and planning our May 2020 wedding. We recommend POF to any and all singles looking for their perfect match."

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.0/5.0

Since its launch in 2014, Bumble has positioned itself as one of the queens of the online dating world. The (read more)

  • A feminist dating app puts singles on equal footing
  • 60% of Bumble matches turn into dates
  • Bumble Bizz and Bumble BFF spark non-romantic connections

Bumble is the female-friendly dating app on a crusade to civilize the online dating scene. How is it doing that? By letting women take control and set the tone in every mutual match.

On Bumble, single men cannot message a woman unless she first likes their profile and then sends the first message within 24 hours of the match. The dating app isn't afraid to set high standards in the dating world, and neither are its users.

Bumble members are serious about finding a relationship and escaping hookup culture. In an internal poll, fewer than 1% of women on the app said they were interested in a hookup, and 85% of all users said they wanted to find a long-term relationship. If you're looking for the real deal, Bumble is a quality-driven place to conduct your search.

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.0/5.0

In 2012, Tinder pioneered a swiping-based match system that empowered singles to connect with dates who liked (read more)

  • Supports active daters in 190+ countries
  • The swiping system creates over 12 million matches per day
  • Tinder Plus members have unlimited likes and 5 Super Likes

Tinder may not have the reputation of a relationship app, but it actually has inspired its fair share of love stories over the years.

Tinder's infamous swiping features allow singles to cherry-pick the types of dates they desire, so it's pretty easy to avoid the screwboys and hookup chicks if that's not what you're into. Another thing Tinder has going for it is sheer numbers. Since its launch in 2012, Tinder has made over 30 billion introductions, and it currently makes over 26 million matches per day.

In a recent survey, 42% of Tinder users said they use the app to find relationships, while 47% use it to hook up, so you have pretty good odds of meeting someone serious and turning the match into something real.

Best Senior Dating Sites for Serious Relationships

Young people can afford to be shortsighted and enjoy short-term dating, but singles of a certain age often don't want to waste time with all that unnecessary stress and uncertainty. Many singles over 50 would prefer to lock down a true, lasting relationship to brighten their golden years, and the following senior dating sites can help them explore age-appropriate options and mingle in a mature and safe setting.

Online Dating

★★★★★ 4.5/5.0

SilverSingles is serious about helping singles over 50 meet one another, and the site doesn't allow anyone (read more)

  • An exclusively senior membership base
  • Over 800,000 monthly users worldwide
  • App available for free on Google Play

Over the last decade, SilverSingles has distinguished itself as the best option for silver-haired singles seeking new relationships and friendships. We've given it a 4.5-star rating because it has easy-to-understand features, great safety features, and a lot of success stories to its name.

As of 2019, the dating site surpassed 50,000 paid subscribers — all of whom have been verified as genuine, over-50 singles — and the team expects to keep growing as more tech-savvy baby boomers see the benefits of online dating.

"The success of SilverSingles is not only great news for our business, but also represents an outstanding new opportunity for singles on their quest to find a compatible partner," said Spark Networks CEO Jeronimo Folgueira. "It's a win-win for Spark Networks, for our shareholders, for our members, and ultimately, for love."

Online Dating

★★★★ 4.4/5.0

OurTime is an over-50 dating site with a lot of helpful features to facilitate friendships and relationships. (read more)

  • Open to straight, gay, and lesbian singles over 50
  • Free match recommendations and conversation starters
  • Use Tokens to promote your profile and send virtual gifts

OurTime is one of our favorite senior dating sites. For one thing, it's powered by People Media, which is owned by the Match Group, and that means it has extensive reach in the online dating scene. Something else we like is how active and personable members are here.

While browsing OurTime, you can view new members, see who's online now, or click on the Today's Matches tab to see what options are out there. The site also has advanced search tools for age, location, photos, ethnicity, and more. You can even specify that you only want to see profiles interested in marriage or a serious relationship.

OurTime members receive notifications whenever someone views, likes, or messages their profile, and they can choose to upgrade at any time to take the conversation to the next level.

Online Dating

★★★★ 3.7/5.0

Since 2003, SeniorMatch has built its reputation as one of the world's leading senior dating sites. The site (read more)

  • Doesn't allow members under 45
  • Available as a dating app in Google Play
  • Dating advice and safety tips shared by senior daters

Launched in 2003, SeniorMatch has earned its status as one of the leading senior dating sites. Not only does it have over 1 million seniors in its database, but it also supports over 1.6 million private chats each month, so you know you're in for some good conversations.

The SeniorMatch community gives singles the opportunity to share their thoughts, tell their stories, and meet their ideal matches online. Singles can meet people who live around the corner or around the world, and it often makes users feel less alone to have so many incoming messages and matches.

When combing through SeniorMatch's 36,000+ success stories, we found many glowing testimonials from people who met their one true love online. "I met the most wonderful guy here. He is so lovely," said one woman. "We have decided to live together in a month. Then to marry and travel and explore the world."

Best LGBT Dating Sites for Serious Relationships

Online dating has been a terrific ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Once upon a time, queer singles had to rely on their charm and gaydar to spot viable dates in a crowd of straight people. Now they can simply set up a profile on a free gay dating app and let hot dates come to them. Today, around 65% of same-sex couples meet online — probably on one of the following popular apps.

Online Dating

★★★★ 3.5/5.0

HER is a women-only (or "womxn" as the team says) dating app that helps cis, trans, and non-binary identified (read more)

  • A quirky and unapologetic womxn-only dating community
  • Queer events get users connecting IRL
  • The constantly updated Feed facilitates social networking

HER supports an all-female dating community where friendships and romances can blossom into something more. The dating app has over 4 million womxn who identify across the sexuality spectrum and want to meet ladies in the local LGBTQ+ community.

From the moment you join HER, you can scroll through a fun newsfeed full of photos, stories, and events geared toward queer womxn. The app is free, and it has led to many #WeMetOnHER successes.

"Be proud of who you are. Be proud of who you love," said a HER member on Instagram. "It's wonderful being with the woman of your dreams."

Online Dating

★★★ 3.4/5.0

Grindr became the world's first gay geosocial app in 2009, and it continues growing its all-male user base (read more)

  • Social networking for gay, bi, trans, and queer men
  • Location-based matches spark instant chemistry
  • Grindr Equality advocates for LGBTQ+ interests on the global stage

Grindr is the go-to dating app for gay, bisexual, and trans men seeking men in the local dating scene. Since 2009, Grindr has used a powerful location-based matching system to bring guys together and help them find date options who are in close proximity.

A lot of dudes use Grindr to scope out the hottest matches at the bar or club, but it's also great for daytime flirting and chatting. There's no pressure to commit right away on Grindr, but some relationships do form on the fast-paced app. One online study found that 84% of Grindr users fall in love on the app, and over 56% think it's possible to find a long-term partnership here.

Grindr welcomes all single men in the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're out and proud or still in the closet, you can log into Grindr to mingle freely and discover romantic connections from the privacy of your home.

Which Dating Sites are the Most Successful?

It took me a couple years of trial and error before I got into the online dating groove, found the dating platform I liked, and got the results I was hoping for. I went the long way around because I didn't know what I was doing, but now I know the shortcuts to creating an attractive profile and making an online connection last.

First of all, you've got to pick a successful dating site if you want to have a successful dating experience. It's obviously important to have a dating site that has your back, and Match.com has had singles' backs for nearly 25 years.

For Men

★★★★★ 4.9/5.0

Since 1995, Match has made a name for itself as one of the most successful dating platforms in the world. The (read more)

  • Find quality women with advanced search filters
  • Daily Matches highlight profiles that meet your date standards
  • Add up to 26 photos to your profile

Match is a reliable dating site and app with a lot of great personalized features for singles to use. We'd recommend completing every section of your profile — from the Summary all the way to What I'm Looking For — and adding four pictures of yourself (avoid bathroom selfies) to make the best possible first impression.

What is the Best Dating Site for Over 40?

When you enter your 40s, your feelings about dating can change. Maybe you no longer meet as many people as you once did, or maybe your confidence isn't what it used to be, or maybe you just don't know what the rules are nowadays.

Dating sites for professionals cater to a more mature crowd and can help you start over in a safe space. EliteSingles is our go-to recommendation for singles in their 40s and older because the site specializes in building grown-up relationships based on mutual interests, not superficial looks.

For Women

★★★★★ 4.8/5.0

EliteSingles prioritizes quality over quantity, and its highly selective match system satisfies discerning (read more)

  • Helping over 2,500 singles find love every month
  • An intelligent match algorithm uses profile information to reccommend dates
  • Caters to relationship-minded men and women

EliteSingles is known for supporting mature professionals — over 90% are 30 or older — seeking real relationships, and it uses a tried-and-true match algorithm to make sure you run into lots of compatible love interests.

Is It Worth Paying for Dating Sites?

I've been on both paid and free dating sites, and each have different pros and cons. An obvious upside to a free site is that it's free, and you never have to spend a cent to find matches in your area. The downside is that sometimes free sites can attract unsavory characters who are just there to make trouble or have some laughs without actually meeting anyone.

Singles don't invest anything in a free dating site, so they can sometimes take the experience too lightly. Paid dating sites, on the other hand, require all users to pay for the privilege of contacting singles online, and that automatically makes each match seem more valuable in the other person's eyes. As a premium dating site, eharmony does a great job of weeding out casual daters and focusing on serious relationships.

For Men

★★★★★ 4.7/5.0

When it comes to relationships, eharmony doesn't mess around. This dating site has crafted a time-tested (read more)

  • Over 2.3 million messages sent every week
  • Match formula pinpoints compatibility in lifestyle, temperament, and goals
  • Relatively even gender split

If you have the cash to spend on it, then joining a paid dating site could help you avoid the flakes and meet people who actually care about finding someone special.

At the end of the day, it's up to you to decide how much your love life is worth to you. Maybe you're fine putting in the time and effort to search for matches on a free dating app, or maybe you'd prefer a more curated network where compatible dates can come to you.

What is the Safest Dating Site?

We've reviewed a lot of dating sites and apps over the years, and sometimes we hear complaints from members saying they have encountered a lot of fake profiles or scammers. Single women are especially sensitive to safety concerns, so they seek female-friendly dating sites that cater to their interests.

When it comes to female-friendly dating sites, Bumble is absolutely at the top of the list. The app was made by a single woman on behalf of single women everywhere, and its progressive, feminist approach to dating has made it a highly respectable and safe place to meet someone and make a date.

For Women

★★★★ 4.4/5.0

Bumble has embraced its role as the world's feminist dating app. The app launched in 2014 with the unique (read more)

  • A female-friendly dating environment puts women in control
  • Zero tolerance for bullying, misogyny, and rude behavior
  • Conversations expire in 24 to 48 hours

Bumble sets strict standards for its community and moderates all messages, photos, and profiles to ensure they reflect the core values of the app.

"You should behave the same way on Bumble as you would in real life," the Bumble team says. "As a community rooted in kindness and respect, we expect all of our users to respect each other, themselves, and the Bumble staff."

Get Serious on Dating Sites & Find the Ideal Relationship

A combination of good luck and smart algorithms brought me to my ideal boyfriend on a dating app. Both of us were serious about finding a relationship, and we actively sought dates online because there's no faster or easier way to meet people these days.

Dating sites can give singles a simple way to make sense of the dating scene, seize romantic opportunities, and find The One. I'd recommend joining multiple dating sites or apps to increase your chances of successfully connecting with your online crush. We realized later that my boyfriend had actually sent me a message on two different dating apps — one went unanswered, and the other led to a relationship.

I know it's a cliché, but you really never know what could happen once you sign up for a dating site. Today's carefree swiping could turn into tomorrow's lifelong love story — just don't give up on it too soon!

Sudie Crouch: I will survive Black Friday in my yoga pants at home - Forsyth County News Online

Posted: 26 Nov 2019 10:00 PM PST

For those brave souls that will be battling one another for discounted stuff Friday, y'all have at it. 

I am not about to drag my tater out of bed before dawn no matter how much I can save. 

Some people love being out in the middle of the crowds, but the brouhaha has never been something I enjoyed. 

Maybe Black Friday just isn't my thing.

The first time I ever went to a Black Friday sale was with my mama when I was around 19. 

Mama normally worked most holidays so if she was off, she was sleeping. 

I was dating the Ex and saw what he wanted for Christmas  — half price — in the Black Friday sale paper. 

Mama rolled her eyes. "Are you sure you even want to spend that much on that boy? You don't even know if you are going to be dating him in 6 months."

We had already been dating a year. 

"Mama!" I exclaimed. "Yes! This is what he wants; and it's on sale." 

Mama muttered something about how it would still be too much if it were free but agreed to take me. "What time do we have to get there?" she asked. 

"The doors open at 6 a.m."

Back then, there was none of this crazy nonsense of being open at midnight or earlier, but 6 a.m. seemed awfully early for someone who probably got off work and home around 2 a.m.

But we went. 

There were no hordes of people — if anything, Mama and I were the youngest ones among a handful of folks standing on the sidewalk. No people beating on the doors as if their life depended on getting their hands on the best deals. None of it. Want to know why?

"So what deals are y'all looking for?" Mama asked to break the awkward silence. 

"Deals?" One lady asked confused. "We're waiting for them to open up so we can get our mall walking in. We need to get an extra 15 minutes of powerwalking after eating pie yesterday." 

When the doors opened, I went straight to the rack and picked up my item. 

No hustle, no bustle. No thrill of success. 

I was in and out in 15 minutes, giving Mama enough time to ask about the return policy should by some stroke of luck we broke up before Christmas. 

The next year, I was invited to Thanksgiving with his family in North Carolina. 

"We will be going to Black Friday, so you may want to pack something other than your heels," he told me. 

Pack something other than heels? I wasn't even sure I owned a pair of shoes that weren't high heels. 

"Why would I need to do that?" I asked. 

"Because we will be doing a lot of walking. Like more than you probably do in a week," he said. Do you see why Mama didn't like him? "Your feet will be killing you and I don't want you complaining about it." 

A day full of walking didn't sound like a holiday to me. 

I found some flats that were cute, or at least cute for flats, and packed them in my bag. 

When we got to the mall in Charlotte I was astounded at the people. 

I think everyone in North Carolina was in that mall. There were thousands and thousands of people going bananas. 

I'd hate for a true disaster to happen; most of our population can't handle 75% off sales a day after they have been loaded down with tryptophan and carbs. 

And there I was in all my non-heeled glory, all 5 feet 2 inches of me. 

Getting knocked around, pushed practically to the ground, and moved out of the way because I was just a short little speedbump in the path of these deranged shoppers. 

I lost sight of the Ex in the sea of people.

A panic attack swelled in my chest and I let out a scream.

A loud, terrified scream that pierced the din of the mall. 

The Ex heard it and turned to see me pushed up against a wall as people stomped by on the way to the next store. 

"Are you OK?" he called out.

"No!" I screamed. "I am getting bounced around like a ping pong ball!" 

When he pushed his way through the crowd, I grabbed onto his coat and didn't let go until we were safely nestled inside a restaurant. 

We were practically the only ones in there as the rest of the world was still shuffling around to get TV's, VCR's, and jewelry super cheap. 

"I thought you'd like this," he said as I picked fried chicken out of my salad. 

"What made you think that?" I asked. 

"You are at the mall in Athens so much, I am surprised you don't have your mail delivered there," he replied. 

"Yeah, well, Georgia Square on a regular day — heck, Georgia Square on a busy Friday — isn't this crazy. I like to shop, I like to spend money, and I love a deal as much as the next gal. But this is not my thing."

"You haven't even done any shopping though," he observed. 

I hadn't. I had my list in my purse and none of it had things that were on sale. 

What Granny wanted I could get any day of the week and the price was always the same at Peters & Fosters. 

Mama's makeup never went on sale. 

Uncle Bobby wanted some records to play on his turntable that is now, 20-plus years later, back in style. 

None of it was on sale this particular Black Friday in the early 1990's. 

"That's OK," I said. "I just want to go back to my hotel room and hide until time to go home." 

Two decades later, most of the items on my list still aren't on sale. And I have learned to do my shopping the way God intended. 

In my yoga pants, at home, far, far away from the crowds. 

Sudie Crouch is an award-winning humor columnist residing in the North Georgia Mountains among the bears, deer, and possibly Sasquatch. She lives to disappoint her mother, or at least that is what she has been told. You can connect with her on Facebook at Mama Said: A Collection of Wit, Humor, and Deep-Fried Wisdom. 

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