Looking for a Relationship or Just Having Fun? Best Dating Apps

Dating apps are among the most used apps out there right now. If you're single, chances are you've been on them. Some people have great luck with online dating, while others say it's no good. Either way, if you're interested in online dating, which apps are right for your needs? Read on for the scoop on the best dating apps for both serious relationships and hookups.

According to BusinessofApps.com, the dating app market made $4.94 billion revenue in 2022. Also, according to their data, more than 300 million people use dating apps worldwide, with about 20 million paying for premium features. Finally, they report that Tinder was the most downloaded app in 2022, followed by Bumble. Tinder, they say, is currently the most popular dating app in the United States and Europe.

So, what's the best dating app if you're looking to be in a serious relationship? According to MindBodyGreen, the best app for marriage seekers is eHarmony. Also, the best paid dating site, according to their research, is Match. If you don't want to spend the cash, their pick for the best free dating app is OkCupid.

Of eHarmony, MindBodyGreen.com states, "eHarmony is known as one of the best dating apps for serious relationships. The platform sets itself apart with an 80-question compatibility test to carefully connect you with daters by taking your personality type, communication style, likes and dislikes, motivation style, and personality characteristics into consideration. eHarmony attributes their successful track record to this quiz."

So, what if you're just looking to hookup and have fun? Then, the app for you is Hinge, according to Mashable.com. They call it "a chiller alternative to Tinder that's great for casual daters who are DTF, but open to something more exclusive." A few others that they recommend are AdultFriendFinder (which they warn is NSFW) and, of course, Tinder.

If you're dating in 2022, then texting is likely going to be a big part of your, well, courtship. I mean, who talks on the phone anymore? It's all about texting and instant messaging that special someone to get to know them and set up a time to meet IRL.

Now, a new report shows that new love often begins in a relationship via texting... with heavy use of emojis. But, what are the best and worst emojis to use when dating- or at least flirting?

The report comes from the Adobe Future of Creativity: 2022 U.S. Emoji Trend Report. For the report, Adobe surveyed 5,000 U.S. emoji users to discover how they use emojis to get to know a potential significant other. The report discovered that 72% of U.S. emoji users say they definitely use emojis in dating or flirting messages.

For a while, people were saying emojis were a thing of the past, but according to this new study, the younger generations use them the most. So, they're still hip. Adobe found 58% of Gen Zers and 54% of millennials said they would give a second and third date to someone who used emojis. Gen Zers, around 38% of them, also stated they wouldn't have a serious relationships with someone who doesn’t use emojis. What really stings, though, is when emojis are used to end things. According to the report, 32% of Gen Zers say they have actually been broken up with via emoji. Dagger to the heart. Read on for the full list of the best and worst emojis for dating according to Adobe, plus a few from yours truly.

1. Kiss with heart emoji. - I use this with everyone! Guess I need to settle down, if it's going to be taken as a flirting emoji.
2. Sweet face surrounded by hearts emoji. - This is a cute one. I never really thought of it as flirty, but I guess it is?
3. Heart eyes emoji. - This is a good one if you want to show your significant other that you think they're a hottie.

1. Poop emoji. Why would you use this one?
2. Angry face emoji. Not flirty, but if you're angry about something that happened during your day, why not?
3. Eggplant emoji. I literally have never used this emoji. I did not even know it existed.

This is just my opinion, not based in any kind of data, but I think the "Face with Stuck-Out Tongue and Winking Eye" emoji is a winner. I mean, it might be a bit much, but do you really want be in a relationship with someone who can't handle this whimsical emoji? No. The answer is no.

Again, this is just my opinion, but "Nauseated Face Emoji" is one I would stay away from at all coasts. Unless you have food poisoning or are throwing up because of being ill, I just don't think it's appealing to get this one from something you are dating.

This is via The Adobe Future of Creativity: 2022 U.S. Emoji Trend Report.