Tired of conversations that go nowhere and matches that disappear after the "hi"? Anyone looking for a serious relationship needs an app that fosters genuine conversations, complete profiles, and like-minded people. The good news is that there are dating apps designed precisely for this, and a few simple profile choices greatly increase your chances of finding someone special.
In this guide you will see which are the best apps for serious dating, how Hinge works, how to create a profile that attracts the right people, how to start a conversation, how to lead the conversation to a date, and what precautions to take against scams.
What makes a serious dating app different?
All dating apps display profiles and allow conversations. What changes in apps geared towards serious relationships is the way they bring people together:
- More complete profiles: Instead of just photos, the profile includes questions, answers, and information about values and future plans.
- Stated intention: You indicate whether you're looking for something serious, marriage, or something still undefined, and you can filter people with the same goal.
- Likes with comments: Instead of swiping without thinking, you react to a specific photo or response, which immediately opens up the conversation.
- Compatibility suggestions: The app learns from your choices and highlights profiles that are more likely to match you.
Why Hinge is one of the best for serious relationships.
Hinge became known as "the app designed to be deleted": its premise is to help people find a relationship and then leave the app. It belongs to Match Group, the same group behind other major dating apps, and has over 10 million downloads on Google Play alone.
- Prompts in profile: You answer questions like "the best way to win me over is..." or "a perfect Sunday for me is...". The answers reveal your personality and provide ample conversation topics.
- Like with a comment: You can like a specific photo or response and write something about it, which makes the first message feel more natural.
- Most compatible: Every day Hinge suggests a profile that is highly compatible with you.
- Relationship intention: The profile shows whether the person is looking for something lasting, something serious, or is still figuring things out.
- Selfie verification: It helps to confirm that the person is the same person as in the photos.
- Free to start: Creating a profile, liking posts, and chatting is free. Paid plans unlock extra filters and features.
Hinge is intended for users 18 and older and is available for Android and iPhone.
How to use Hinge, step by step.
- Install Hinge using the button at the top of this page, on Google Play, or on the App Store.
- Register with your mobile phone number.
- Add six recent and varied photos, with your face clearly visible in the first one.
- Choose three prompts and write answers with real details about yourself.
- State your relationship intentions and your age and distance preferences.
- Use selfie verification for added trustworthiness.
- In the discovery tab, like a photo or answer that caught your attention and leave a comment.
- When the person likes you back, the conversation is unlocked.
Other serious dating apps
Each app has a specific audience. It's worth trying more than one to see where the people you're most compatible with are in your city.
- Bumble: In conversations between men and women, only the woman can send the first message, which makes the environment more respectful. There are filters based on relationship intent and profile verification.
- OkCupid: It uses a questionnaire with hundreds of questions about values, lifestyle, and opinions to calculate the percentage of compatibility between profiles.
- Tinder: The dating app with the most users in the world. By filling in the relationship goals field, you can find people who are also looking for something serious.
How to create a profile that attracts serious relationships.
Your profile is your business card. To attract like-minded people, it needs to show who you really are.
- First photo with the face: Alone, without sunglasses, in good light, and with a natural smile.
- Photos that tell stories: A trip, a hobby, a moment with your pet. Avoid group photos and mirror selfies as your main focus.
- Specific answers: “"I like to travel" is a brief statement. "My dream is to do the Camino de Santiago," he begins a conversation starter.
- Be clear about what you are looking for: Anyone who wants something serious should say so in their profile, without fear. This scares away those looking for something else.
- Positive tone: Avoid making lists of what you don't want. Talk about what you like and what you value.
- Be honest: Real age, photos, and information. A serious relationship starts with honesty.
How to start a conversation and keep it going
- Leave a comment on the profile: A photo, a response, a place. It shows that you read and were interested.
- Ask open-ended questions: “"What was the best trip you've ever taken?" gets more attention than "How are you?".
- Tell us about yourself too: A good conversation is an exchange, not an interview.
- Show your values gradually: Family, plans, what's important to you.
- Don't let the conversation cool down: When the conversation is going well, suggest a video call or a coffee.
From the app to the first date.
The goal for those seeking something serious is to move beyond chat and meet in person. Here are some tips for that step:
- Make a video call first: It confirms that the person is real and shows whether the conversation flows outside of text.
- Choose a quiet, public place: A café, a bookstore, a busy park.
- Arrange a short date: An hour-long coffee breaks the pressure and leaves room for a second date.
- Tell someone you trust. Find out where you're going and with whom, and go using your own transportation.
Safety: How to avoid scams on dating apps
Scammers also use dating apps, mainly to perpetrate what's known as the "love scam." The most common signs are:
- Request for money: Medical emergency, customs problem, ticket to come visit you, "unmissable" investment. Never send money, PIX (Brazilian instant payment system), or bank details to someone you don't know personally.
- Escape from the video call: Constant excuses to avoid appearing on camera.
- Statements made too quickly: Love at first message and a rush to leave the app.
- Profiles that are too good to be true: Photos of models, high-level professions abroad, and perfect stories.
If you notice any of these signs, block and report the profile through the app itself.
Frequently asked questions about serious dating apps
What is the best app for serious relationships?
Hinge is one of the most recommended because it was created for long-term relationships, with detailed profiles and likes with comments. Bumble and OkCupid are also good options, and Tinder has the largest number of users.
Are dating apps free?
Yes, the main ones allow you to create a profile, like comments, and chat without paying. Subscriptions unlock extra features, such as advanced filters, seeing who liked your posts, and profile highlighting.
Is it possible to find a serious relationship on an app?
Yes, and many couples have met this way. The secret is to choose an app focused on relationships, clearly state what you're looking for in your profile, and invest in conversations before the first date.
How can I tell if a profile is real?
Choose profiles with a verification badge, make a video call before meeting in person, and be wary of any requests for money.
What is the minimum age to use it?
Dating apps are for people 18 and older.
Conclusion
Finding a serious relationship via mobile phone is possible when you use the right app and present yourself honestly. Hinge facilitates genuine conversations with complete profiles and likes with comments, and the profile, conversation, and safety tips in this guide help turn a match into a date.
Install Hinge, create a great profile, and take the first step.
