What is the best dating site for young adults?

There are hundreds of dating sites. But distinguishing the best might be challenging. After researching, trying, and reviewing plenty of dating sites, we compiled this list for you!

The top 10 date sites for young people are:

1. Tinder: best for finding local hookups
2. Zoosk: best for finding a highly active community
3. OkCupid: best for finding free hookups
4. Bumble: best for finding women who make the first move
5. Hinge: best for finding satisfactory conversations
6. eHarmony: best for finding young professionals
7. Match.com: best for finding life-long commitments
8. BeNaughty: best for flirting and casual dating
9. Grindr: best for finding gay hookups
10. Badoo: best for finding social networks

Tinder

Tinder is one of the most popular young dating site, as the majority of its users are people between the ages of 18-34. Perhaps the biggest reason for that is not only the quick and modern interface but also the fact that those below the age of 28 pay less for a Premium subscription!

This app is an ideal place for singles looking for local casual hookups because the matches you get on Tinder are mostly location-based.

Pros

• There are no restrictions to how many people you can hook up with, provided both of you swipe right.
• Huge userbase with over 57 million registered people
• A lot of very useful features
• LGBTQ+ friendly
• Free users can send unlimited messages

Cons

• There is no way you can search for matches manually; all are curated based on your location.
• Those above 28 pay more for Premium.

Main Benefit:

Singles who prefer viewing countless profiles before hooking up will benefit from using Tinder. The app allows countless swipes; you become a match of both of you swipe right. Moreover, Tinder is perfect for local hookups, as you get matched based on location. Plus, you can send unlimited messages, even as a free user.

Features

1. Boost: allows you to increase your visibility by boosting your profile so that more people can see you.
2. Passport: You can use this function to change your location and find matches from other countries.
3. Super like: to show the other person that you especially like them.
4. Top picks: Tinder selects and presents profiles that you might like, thus saving time you’d spend looking for partners.

Zoosk

Zoosk has been in existence since December 2007 and ever since it gained more than 27 million members globally. Zoosk is one of the hookup sites that members can use to find dates and social networks, and given that the site has an almost equal gender ratio (with 55% of men and 45% women) you will have no trouble finding either heterosexual or hookup with members of the LGBTQ+ community.

A unique thing about it is that the matching system uses behavior patterns to pair users. It means that your activity on the site, such as profile viewing, plays a role in suggested matches. Signing up is simple, and you can use Zoosk at no cost.

Pros

• Zoosk verifies its users.
• The site’s matchmaking algorithm is reliable.
• Affordable pricing plans

Cons

• Unresponsive customer support
• There are some fake profiles

Main Benefit:

Zoosk is one of your go-to under 18 dating sites for relationships, marriages, and even friends. Regardless of your orientations, preferences, and dating interests, you have a unique opportunity on Zoosk.

Features

1. Carousel: Zoosk’s main matchmaking algorithm uses roulette techniques to present you with compatible matches.
2. SmartPick: Zoosk’s software learns of your activity on the platform and curates hookup suggestions based on your trend on the platform. For instance, this pattern is recorded if you view specific profiles and send messages to particular hookups. You will then receive suggestions that reflect your pattern on Zoosk.
3. Dating insights: this data is collected based on your activity to inform your dating style.
4. Connections: Hitting the smile or heart icon allows you to add a profile to favourites. You become a connection if the recipient likes you.

OkCupid

OkCupid is one of the best free date sites for young people that has been around since 2004 with over 50 million global users. OkCupid uniqueness is its inclusivity feature –anyone, including LGBTQ communities, can use the site to meet like-minded individuals.

The site has excellent matchmaking based on preferences with search tools at your disposal. Regardless of your preferences, OkCupid is an excellent choice.

Pros

• OkCupid is free to use –you can view profiles and send messages as a free user.
• Very LGBTQ+ friendly, with options to choose between more than 20 sexualities and 12 gender options

Cons

• Since anyone can sign up and use the site at no cost, there are some fake profiles
• You may get fewer matches if you live in a low populated area.

Main Benefit:

You can use the site without upgrading –OkCupid is available to use for free. The site also offers questionnaires to help you get the best match.

Features

1. Double take: you can swipe right if you like someone to match or left to pass.
2. I’m vaccinated badge: OkCupid members who have taken the Covid-19 vaccine can use this mark on their profiles.
3. Pro-choice badge: You can also showcase your support for women’s reproductive rights and meet sinilar0minded people by adding the “Pro-choice” badge to your profile.
4. OkCupid blog: Where you can read some advice about dating, as well as find some tips about how to maximize your experience on OkCupid.

Bumble

Bumble has been in existence since 2014, appealing to approximately 12 million users. What makes Bumble special as a young dating site is that it empowers women to make the first move, meaning that only women can send the first message. And this is a very good feature, as it helps women feel more secure, and avoid being spammed with messages from unwanted suitors.

Pros

• Almost equal gender ratio, with 60% of women and 40% men
• The app has an incognito mode for browsing –this mode allows you to be visible only to people you swipe right to.
• Excellent search tool

Cons

• Matches expire after 24 hours of inactivity

Main Benefit:

Since Bumble empowers women to make the first move, they feel safer and secure using the site. If you’re a woman, no one will spam your inbox, and make unwanted advances, since only you can start a convo, and block the person if they’re being rude.

Features

1. BumbleBff: You can switch to this mode if you are only interested in creating social networks. Some people use Bumble only to find friends. Using the BumbleBff mode makes you visible to people with similar needs.
2. BumbleBizz: This mode allows you to connect with business networks. If you are looking for professional advice, tips, and suggestions, you will benefit from BumbleBizz as it suggests people with similar goals.
3. Bumble Hive: The site hosts events where members are invited; you can attend such events to connect with other members.

Hinge

Hinge has been in existence since 2012 and ever since it gained more than 7.5 million users. Hinge’s idea is for people to connect within a short time –it is commonly referred to as ‘the relationship app.’ All relationships are welcome on the app is open –suggestions are curated from your friend list (friends of friends).

Pros

• Moderators check and verify all new profiles
• The app has a modern design perfect for young adults
• You can send messages even as a free user

Cons

• Free members can only connect with suggested matches by sending a maximum of 10 likes per day.
• You cannot send likes if you don’t upload a photo.

Main Benefit:

People looking for instant and actual real-life dates can benefit from this app significantly as it allows members to use contact features at no cost.

Features

1. We Met: This section has real stories of people who met up on Hinge. So, if you are unsure about Hinge, this section has many hopeful experiences explaining relationships that sprouted from Hinge.
2. Who liked me: the heart tab on your profile features a list of members who like you.
3. Video date: you can connect via video using the video date feature.

eHarmony

eHarmony is one of the dating sites for young professionals –this site can be ideal if career and education define a relationship. The site dates way back to 2000, when it was introduced, and currently has over a million people signing up. Young adults looking for marriage-based hookups have higher chances of finding soul mates on eHarmony.

Pros

• Verification of users –genuine users, have the RelyID on their profiles.
• eHarmony has an excellent matchmaking algorithm –you will find suggestions based on your preferences, compatibility, and personality.

Cons

• Registration takes quite some time
• You don’t have much to do as a free user, since you cannot send messages unless you have Premium.

Main Benefit: eHarmony considers personality, preferences, interests, passions, and temperaments when pairing members since their main goal is to help you find a perfect partner.

Features

1. What if: You can explore possible matches outside your preferences by checking the ‘What if’ function. 2. Send questions: this tool allows you to initiate conversations by sending questions and bond with a person. 3. Send a smile: hit the smiley icon on a user’s profile to express interest. 4. The video date function allows you to connect with your hookups via video.

Match.com

Match.com is among the leading dating sites for young professionals with a positive reputation. This is a pretty big platform, with over 4 million active users and a pretty equal gender ratio (60% men and 40% women). More than that, Match.com offers countless options to choose from, including friends with benefits, hookups, social networks, and soul mates. Pros

• Matchmaking is based on compatibility –you will see a compatibility percentage on a profile.
• Match.com offers you a free six-month Premium membership; you can get it if you bought Premium but couldn’t find anyone.
• Match.com has a profile builder, to help you make the best profile.

Cons

• It can be difficult to cancel Premium or auto-renewal
• You can’t send messages as a free user.

Main Benefit:

Match.com hosts events and invites the site’s users to attend; this can help you meet a potential soul mate in real life.

Some of the features include:

1. Real talk: if you are unsure how to spark conversations, this feature comprises ice breakers. You can send prewritten messages to your hookups.
2. Reverse matches: while Match.com hookups are based on compatibility, you can use this tool to find partners who don’t match your preferences.

BeNaughty

The app has been in the dating space since 2007, appealing to more than 20 million members. Whether you are looking for gay teenage dating apps or a hookup site that doesn’t discriminate against sexual orientation, BeNaughty will be the ideal site, as people here are very accepting, and are just looking for some good time, with no-strings-attached.

Pros

• Offers you a 3-day Premium trial
• Lots of communication tools are available
• Women can use communication features for free.

Cons

• You cannot view full profiles as a free subscriber.
• Men cannot send free messages.

Main Benefit:

The main benefit of the BeNaughty site is the fact that women can use this site for free, so if you’re a woman looking for men – this site is the perfect option. And given that about 70% of users are men – this shouldn’t be difficult.

Features

1. Basic mode: this is a safety feature that blocks messages from suspicious or flagged profiles.
2. Full safe mode: The best way to avoid fake profiles is to use this function as it allows you to restrict people who contact you.

Grindr

If you are looking for a young gay dating site, then Grindr is a must-try. The app has been in existence since 2009 and mainly matches men within a location. You will browse through countless profiles, and if you notice someone you don’t mind hooking up with, you can proceed to chat. At least 15 million users have signed up on this site.

Pros

• Excellent hookup site for queer men.
• You can browse anonymously.
• Users specify their preferences, so it’s easier to tell who you are hooking up with.

Cons

• Grindr seems to be more geared toward casual encounters.

Main Benefit:

Members looking for local gay hookups have an excellent opportunity on Grindr –you will find several men looking for similar arrangements within your area.

Features

1. Favorites: This function allows you to bookmark profiles and message them later. Unlike other under 18 dating sites, a bookmarked user won’t know.
2. Gaymojis: Grindr has gay customized stickers and emojis to help members funnily express themselves.
3. Tap: the best way to show interest in someone is to click on this flame-like icon.
4. Explore tab: Grindr limits hookups within a location. However, the Explore function allows you to find matches outside your location and country.
5. Discreet App Icon (DAI): Thanks to the DAI feature, you can customize your app’s appearance.

Badoo

This young dating site has been in existence since 2006 and has attracted approximately 460 million users worldwide, making it one of the most popular dating sites in the world. Badoo prides itself in an active user base –users send at least 350 million texts daily. Moreover, the app hosts people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

Pros

• Excellent and active membership –you will connect with genuine users.
• Pleasant user-friendly interface, allowing seamless navigation.
• Badoo is affordable; a one-week membership costs $4.99.

Cons

• You cannot send messages on Badoo unless you have Premium

Main Benefit:

Badoo attracts everyone regardless of their preferences. You will receive suggestions of compatible users within your area. Whether you want to hook up, date, or socialize, you will be spoilt for choice on Badoo.

Features

1. Encounters: this feature lists users that match your profile; you can bookmark and contact them later. You can also visit this section to know who liked you.
2. Profile score: This young adult dating site allows members to view profiles and rate them. Profiles with higher scores are more visible, thus attracting more members.
3. Lookalikes: This function allows you to find profiles that resemble someone you like. Lookalikes is also a game –members participating in this game can view members who look like them.
4. Private detector technology: This innovation detects nude images –you can report a user who shares such media or view if you don’t mind. The images will be blurry before viewing.

Pros and Cons of the Best Dating Sites For Young Adults

Pros

• Dating sites are a unique platform for young people to connect, date, and hook up.
• A young adult dating site is the best platform to find people with similar interests.
• A lot of these sites are very LGBTQ friendly, and offer all kinds of relationship

Cons

• Most of the users prefer casual hookups, instead of serious relationship
• You can find some fake profiles, scammers, and fraudsters.
• It’s almost impossible to know a hookup’s character –some lie for dating purposes.

Conclusion

Online dating provides a unique way to hook up with people of similar interests. In addition, you can decide who your partner becomes using search tools and by taking compatibility tests. All these sites have a pretty huge userbase and a lot of great features to help you make the best out of your time on these platforms. So hopefully we’ve helped you find out a bit more about these date sites for young people and find the perfect one for you! So best of luck!

FAQ

Do many young adults use dating sites?

It will surprise you to know that there are millions of young adults using dating sites. The trend is increasingly popular, especially after the surge of the global pandemic where lockdowns and social distancing are a norm. For instance, Tinder, one of the best date sites for young people, hosts a global membership of over 57 million users.

Who uses Tinder?

Tinder is quite popular among people between the age of 25-35 users aged. The huge following can be explained by the favorable membership subscriptions (the subscriptions for users below 28 are lower than those above 28). Note that you must be at least 18 to use Tinder.

What is the required age to use a Dating Site?

Most dating sites require users to be at least 18 years to use the service. Some like Elite Singles restrict membership to older adults. On the flip side, there are tens of under 18 dating sites –you could use them to find hookups. Such sites are highly regulated

Can 12-year-olds use a dating app?

There are a lot of apps that allow minors to sign up and hook up with other agemates. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they can date. Yubo (formerly Yellow) is a common young adult dating site. Though it restricts the age gap to a minimum of 13 to 17 years, there are some 12-year-olds on the site. Just keep in mind that parental consent and guidance are required before using the app.

Can 12 year olds use Tinder?

Initially, Tinder would allow minors to use the app. However, this is no longer the case as it violates children’s rights –some people would send explicit media to minors or even prey on them and ask for information that is quite sensitive. Submitting your birth year is a vital step when signing up on Tinder. So, if you were wondering if your twelve-year-old can use Tinder as a young dating site, the answer is no.

Is there an app like Tinder for 13 year olds?

Minors aged 13 to 19 have an app known as Spotafriend. It mimics Tinder’s swiping feature; they automatically connect to the app if both users swipe right. Like Tinder, users can view photos and swipe in either direction (right swipes become a match while left swipes mean you are disinterested. They can proceed and chat privately using the site’s contact system.