Are you asking because you want a hookup or because you want to avoid them? We all know the answer to that, you old horndog. But seriously, either way, the answer’s the same.
No, not everyone on Tinder is just looking for a hookup, but, for sure, some of them are. Like any dating app, people join for all kinds of reasons.
Some people, of course, just want to hook up, but really, those people are the minority. Some people want to date casually, some are looking to hang out, and some people are looking for a spouse to have kids with and move to a nice house in the suburbs.
Of course, while all dating apps (at least ones that revolve around swiping based on a picture) will have people that join for all different reasons, Tinder is slightly different. This is because Tinder is the most famous and has the most users.
To put it simply, who you’ll meet on a hookup app depends on who uses it. As Tinder is aimed at everyone, there’s bound to be more of the hook-up crowd. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t revolve around swiping based on looks, I’d recommend eharmony or Elite Singles.
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Is Tinder A Hookup App?
So if Tinder attracts a lot of people looking to hook up, does that mean that Tinder’s a hookup app?
Simply put: no, Tinder is not just a hookup app. In fact, a huge amount of marriages that take place every year started as a right swipe.
Tinder might be the swiping app that’s most notorious for its hookup culture, but it’s definitely not just a hookup app.
A hookup app is an app you use just to find a hookup… duh.
There are plenty of apps out there that focus purely on casual sex (I’d recommend Adult Friend Finder if that’s what you’re looking for… but don’t ask me how I know), and while it’s possible you might find your soulmate on them, it ain’t the reason you were there in the first place.
Tinder, on the other hand, is primarily a dating app. That means the main reason people join it is to look for dates… double duh.
What happens after a date is up to the couple involved, but just because you met them on Tinder, you should never assume it’s going to lead to sex.
How To Avoid Hookups On Tinder
Good question. With Tinder’s reputation as somewhere to find a hookup, it can get a little bit frustrating, sorting through the time wasters when you’re looking to meet someone special.
That said, it’s definitely not impossible. Here are a few handy tips to help you out:
Daylight Swipe
If you’re swiping late at night, there’s a good chance you’ve got one thing on your mind… at least that’s what other people often think.
If you want the best chance of finding someone who’s going to stick with you after the first night, swipe during the day.
Daytime swipers are most often swiping while they’re doing other things, and because of things like law and decency, therefore, less likely to have a hand down their pants. If you want a keeper, stick to the day-timers.
Think About Your Pictures
Photos are important on Tinder. In fact, they’re by far the most crucial part.
Think about the photos you’re putting up. Obviously, you want to show a potential partner that you never miss a leg day, and you keep that body tight but balance those pics with other, less thirst-trappy ones.
Think about who you’re trying to attract as well. Love dogs? Put a dog in your profile pic. That’ll also get rid of all those evil cat people.
Think About Your Bio
Pictures might be the most important, but you can’t forget about your bio. An empty bio says one thing: I’m here for some action and can’t be bothered writing about myself.
It’s also a great place to let other people know what you’re into. People looking for a relationship are likely to read your bio and use it as a base for compatibility.
Another useful piece of advice: if you’re not looking for a one-night stand, say so. It’ll be enough to put off most people who are.
What Is Tinder Used For Mostly?
Tinder is a dating app. It’s used to show you all the single people in your area.
While its reputation might make people think it’s mostly used for hookups, it really isn’t. The majority of people on Tinder are there to date.
Does that mean that most people are there to find a relationship, and so you have a great chance of finding something lasting? Also no.
Most people on Tinder are casual. They’re there to see what’s around and take things as they come.
Tinder users tend to be younger as well, with most in their early twenties or even teens, and so the chances of them looking for immediate marriage are pretty low.
If that’s what you want, you might be better off with one of the paywalled sites I mentioned earlier.
Can You Find A Real Relationship On Tinder?
You can, of course, find a real relationship with Tinder. Is Tinder the best app for a real relationship? No, it isn’t. In fact, it’s probably one of the worst (outside of the genuine hookup apps).
If you’re determined not to cross the paywall, you’re better off using Bumble or Hinge or one of the many more specific dating apps like Christian Mingle or Farmers Only.
Take this quiz to see which app our personality software thinks is best for you.
None of this is to say that it’s impossible to find a meaningful relationship on Tinder, though.
Plenty of people get married and have kids with people they’ve met on Tinder.
There’s also nothing to say that a hookup or friends-with-benefits situation can’t become something more special if it’s with the right person.
