BY: DM
Published 2 weeks ago
For some, dating apps are starting to feel like a full-time job with zero benefits. You swipe, you match, you chat, and then nothing. More and more people are ditching apps and turning to old-school ways of meeting people who actually feel human.
Dating apps open users up to harassment and safety risks. According to Cloudwards, more than half of women under 50 say they’ve received unwanted explicit photos, and 40% report that people they rejected kept harassing them. The emotional fallout hits just as hard. Ghosting — when someone suddenly cuts off all communication — runs rampant. A survey by Medical News Today shows roughly 20–40% of adults have been ghosted in a dating context.
So if your Hinge has turned into unhinged and Tinder’s got you tender from disappointment, don’t worry — we’ve got options. Let’s break down some dating app alternatives that might help you meet your next boo in real life.
1. Join social or hobby groups.
Join a social or hobby group and meet people by doing what you love. Book clubs, wine-tasting nights, fitness classes, and art workshops buzz with singles looking to connect. Local running crews and dance classes bring you face-to-face with active, fun folks. Even a neighborhood chess meet-up or the local dog park can turn into a surprise dating scene. 52% of young adults say they’ve met potential partners through social media or mutual-interest communities, per Dating News.
2. Volunteer for a cause.
Doing good helps you find good. Volunteering connects you with people who share your values — an ideal starting point for real romance. When relationships grow from compassion and collaboration, they tend to run deep. Whether you’re walking dogs at a rescue, planting in a community garden, or running in a charity 5K, you’ll meet kindhearted singles without the pressure of dating apps.
3. Let your friends hook you up.
Your friends know your vibe better than any dating algorithm — so let them play cupid. A little matchmaking from someone who gets you can go a long way. Friendly setup dinners, kickbacks, or game nights create chill spaces to meet new people without the awkward small talk. These setups come with a built-in vetting system, too. Hopefully, your crew isn’t about to introduce you to someone trash.
4. Attend singles events.
Safe, structured events are blowing up. Eventbrite reported a 42% spike in attendance at singles mixers and speed-dating nights in 2023. Folks are pulling up for board-game date nights, trivia evenings, and singles-only group hikes to meet potential matches in chill, low-pressure settings. Even professional networking mixers are pulling double duty as dating hotspots. A Dating News survey found that half of adults aged 20 to 40 have met partners through social media or platforms like LinkedIn.
5. Matchmaking services are still around.
If you want to avoid doing the awkward, hard work, opt for a matchmaking service. These aren’t just reality TV gimmicks —professional matchmakers and dating coaches are thriving behind the scenes, helping folks find real, compatible connections. They do the vetting, background checks, and deep dives into what makes someone a good fit before you even meet them. Personalized matchmaking takes the pressure off and replaces randomness with real intention. Think of it like having a dating concierge.
So go ahead and log off the apps for a week. Flirt in the wild. Say yes to that gallery opening. Let a friend set you up. Because sometimes, the most romantic things happen when you pivot.
What’s the wildest or sweetest way you’ve met someone without using an app? Comment below!
