Rough ’n dirty guide to niche dating: 11 apps to check out
Dating today sure ain’t your grandma’s dating. And it sure as hell ain’t your mom’s dating either. Let’s get real, dating is a world away from what it was when the first ever online dating site (Match.com) was launched back in 1995.
According to a poll by One Poll/Forbes Health, 45% of people today feel that dating apps are the best place to meet someone, and about 70% of people who met someone on an app say it led to a romantic, exclusive relationship.
But what about those of us who aren’t just looking for romantic, or exclusive? What about those of us looking for people who share our kinks, lifestyles, sexual orientations, or cultural communities? Regular dating apps can be quite limited in that regard.
Enter the niche dating app. Unlike regular dating apps, which cast a wide net, these honed in platforms go beyond simple convenience to target narrower demographics. And they're gaining popularity because they offer tailored experiences, providing a space for diverse needs.
Piqued your interest? Have a look at some of these niche platforms to see which ones resonate on a deeper level. Hey, looking in the right place is half the battle, right? While not all apps will be available in all locations, many are widely accessible.
1. Feeld
For: people exploring ethical non-monogamy
Founded on the belief that “nothing is more fluid or less binary than human relationships,” Feeld’s settings include 20+ sexual orientations and a large spectrum of gender identities. It also offer couples’ accounts that allow couples (or lovers) to date together, as well as group chats that allow you to create a digital polycule.
2. Pure
For: people who want to explore specific kinks or fantasies
Pure sells itself as “dating with no shame,” prompting you to post an ‘ad’ about yourself so you can get likes, chat, and meet people. In short, Pure is highly conducive to openly sharing sexual fantasies and connecting with people who have similar ones. Key: there’s space for you to say what turns you on, and what you’re after (i.e., casual, longterm, virtual, anything).
3. HER
For: female, lesbian, intersex, trans, and agender (FLINTA) dating
HER is a safe, supportive space to connect without fear—made by queers, for queers. It welcomes all lesbian, bisexual, queer, non-binary, trans, and gender-nonconforming people to join, share their stories, and hopefully meet their person(s). Noteworthy: HER can be used to make friends or to date.
4. LFGDATING
For: Gamers lookin’ for love
To many, gaming doesn’t seem like the kind of common ground on which to build a relationship, but for bonafide gamers, it’s a passion, and it’s key to their lifestyles. Many gamers want someone who wants to explore those virtual worlds with them—without judging them for, well, gaming. Enter LFGDATING: game-changer.
5. Dine
For: those who want to skip the online chats and just go on a date already
Dine is a unique dating platform designed to inspire “more dates, not swipes.” The site is free to use and facilitates in-person meetings by giving daily matches the opportunity to ask each other to dine rather than engage in endless fruitless chats.
6. Matrimony.com
For: Indian singles who want to get hitched
If you’re single, Indian, and you want to enter into a traditional marriage without relying on the traditional matchmaking system (your family?!), Matrimony.com was made with you in mind. It’s totally geared to people whose top priority is landing a loving marriage—stat.
7. The League
For: ambitious professionals looking for the other half of their power couple
The League’s ballsy opener: “Are you told your standards are too high? Keep them that way.” The idea with this one is to screen “prospects” within a network of high-powered and desirable professionals. The League proposes matches based on an in-depth combo of personal and professional interests, even factoring in your LinkedIn and Facebook info.
8. OurTime.com
For: mature singles looking for age-appropriate or age-gap relationships, judgement-free
OurTime is for anyone who finds experience attractive. Its membership includes seasoned people looking for meaningful romantic and sexual connections later in life. While standard members can reply to messages sent by premium members, only premium members get full access to contacting anyone—along with access to expanded search filters.
9. Interracial Dating
For: people who want to date partners of a different race only
Interracial Dating has a rep for being the best dating site for single people seeking partners of a different race from their own, and the site is replete with success stories. It sets itself apart by letting everyone contact each other for free, as well as send and receive messages anonymously at first if preferred.
10. DateFit
For: fitness lovers looking for other fitness lovers
DateFit is a unique singles community for gym lovers, hikers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts. The platform seeks to remove the hurdle of trying to get to know someone via text by hosting in-person events/mixers for its active users so they can get to know each other IRL asap. The app brings people together based on a common desire to move ’n sweat it out.
11. NUiT
For: those who believe love is written in the cosmos
NUiT brings singles together by harnessing the power of the stars. This online dating platform uses members’ astrological charts to pair people up, compare their strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits, and ultimately find the best fit for every member. Bonus: having access to a love interest’s chart offers a fantastic icebreaker!
Bottom line: while human beings and human desires cannot be sorted, categorized, and compartmentalized as easily as dating apps can (that’s a good thing!), it never hurts to have access to devoted, intentional niche communities that were designed to help us hone in on what we’re actually looking for—who we’re actually looking for.
It’s so worth a try. <3
