Online dating is not what it used to be. The apps are busier than ever, but honestly, the whole swipe game can feel a bit much sometimes. If you’re thinking about giving it another go or just want to make better connections, there are some new tricks and old favourites that can help you really get to know someone online. Here’s a bunch of practical tips to help you figure out how to get to know someone online dating this year, without losing your mind or wasting your time.
Key Takeaways
- Try using new tech, like AI features, to help you spot better matches and learn about your dating habits.
- Stick to simple rules to keep things clear and avoid getting stuck in endless chatting with no progress.
- Always put your safety first. Use the dating app’s safety tools and don’t rush to share personal info.
1. Open Communication
Look, nobody wants to walk on eggshells when they’re chatting on a dating app. Forget trying to play it cool or second-guess every message. Just say what you mean and mean what you say.
Here’s what proper open communication can do for your online dating life:
- Cuts down on confusion (no more rereading texts for hidden meanings)
- Stops all those awkward ghosting situations
- Saves a load of time by showing what you really want upfront
- Gets rid of silly games, which, let’s face it, get old fast
- Makes you both feel way more relaxed
Being honest about your intentions – whether it’s commitment or just a casual fling – brings the right people closer and boots out the not-so-suitable ones before they even start. No one’s got time for wishy-washy chats or dodgy half-truths.
If you’re upfront from the beginning, you get realistic expectations and save everyone’s energy – including your own.
Also, remember: online dating in 2025 is worlds away from those cloak-and-dagger days. Transparency is your mate. Be clear about how you like to communicate, whether that’s messaging loads, video calls, or quick check-ins. And don’t stress if someone’s style doesn’t match yours – there’s plenty out there who will.
A final tip: if you’re over 40 and worried about scams or sketchy vibes, use the safest sites for online dating so you can focus on the chat, not the stress. In the end, open communication keeps everyone sane, and that’s pretty important when it comes to online dating.
2. Social Media Checks
Let’s be honest, a good old-fashioned social media snoop is basically part of modern dating. You want to know if they’re sharing endless gym selfies, the odd dog video, or, worst case, a weird motivational quote about being a winner at 3am. Scroll with purpose!
Don’t just look at the pictures. Checking someone’s tagged photos, mutual friends, and those slightly embarrassing posts from 2012 reveals a lot. It’s worth seeing if dating gets a mention in their bio, or if all their Instagram stories magically disappear whenever a new date comes along. We’ve all got a mate whose online presence says more than their actual words, right?
Here’s a quick checklist for your social media detective work:
- Read their bio for any hidden clues.
- Browse tagged photos (the real stuff’s there).
- Look at their friends and followers. Are they normal humans?
- Search for dating mentions or other profiles using handy platform filters (find someone on dating sites for free).
- Watch out for love-bombing posts or romantic overlap with other people.
You’re just making sure you’re talking to who you think you’re talking to. Nothing criminal about it. Better awkward now than heartbreak later.
3. Active Listening
Nobody wants to feel like they’re dating a chatbot. Active listening shows you’re genuinely interested in who they are, not just reading the next line in your script. If you’ve ever caught yourself zoning out or plotting your next witty comeback while someone else is talking, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Real listening means doing more than nodding along. It’s about picking up on those smaller details, remembering them, and circling back later.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stay off your phone. Multitasking means you’re not actually listening.
- Mirror back what you heard. A simple, “So you grew up by the sea?” can work wonders.
- Ask questions that relate to what they’ve just shared, instead of jumping straight to another topic.
Put aside a few minutes just to listen instead of jumping in with your own stories. Turns out, even 10 minutes a day of truly engaged conversation can make all the difference in a new relationship, according to reminders from daily practice skills.
Active listening is like a cheat code for dates. It helps you escape awkward silences, makes your match feel great, and you actually remember their favourite pizza topping for later.
Go on, give it a try. If you’re not listening, you could miss out on finding out they’re secretly obsessed with alpacas, or, you know, other important stuff.
4. Multi-Date Approach
Alright, let’s talk about a multi-date approach. In 2025, dating apps have made it easier than ever to meet more than one person at a time, and honestly, why not? If you’re only seeing one person, you might be missing out on someone you’d click with, or maybe you’d end up having a laugh at someone’s dad jokes that you’d never swipe right on by instinct. The idea is simple: don’t put all your eggs in one basket while you’re just getting to know people.
Multi-dating keeps things breezy and your options wide open.
People do it for all sorts of reasons: maybe it makes those awkward silences less scary, or it helps you dodge those intense, Jekyll-and-Hyde situationships. If one date is a snooze, you’ve got backups, and suddenly, awkward Friday night’s not the be-all and end-all of your social life.
Why try multi-dating?
- You avoid getting too invested in someone too soon (and let’s be honest, we’ve all done this and regretted it!)
- Comparing your feelings side-by-side helps you figure out what you actually want
- Keeps dates fun, friendly and free from pressure (so you’re more relaxed)
Here’s a quick table to show what multi-dating can actually look like in a busy week:
| Day | Date 1 (Sam) | Date 2 (Taylor) | Date 3 (Charlie) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Coffee chat | ||
| Wednesday | Dinner | ||
| Friday | Movie night |
The best bit? Even big apps are catching on, stuff like Tinder’s Double Date feature actually encourages you to switch things up and keep dating light, rather than going all-in with someone after one good message.
Think about it: you wouldn’t buy the first car you test drive or sign up for the first gym you see. Relationships? Same rules apply. Keep your mind (and calendar) open. Take your time. You might surprise yourself with who sparks your interest.
Just remember, be up front if you’re seeing other people, that way, everyone knows the score. Less drama, more fun. That’s what being single is about, right?
5. Body Language Cues
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of reading body language, which, trust me, is just as important online as it is face-to-face. The thing is, most online chats don’t give you much to go on. But when you kick off those first video calls or meet in the real world, that’s where the fun starts.
Body language doesn’t lie, even if words sometimes do. Keep your eyes peeled for these signs:
- How they angle their body towards you (full-body orientation? Huge tick).
- Real smiles that reach the eyes (none of those dodgy, half-hearted grins).
- Hovering hands, gentle touches, or just sitting a bit closer than usual.
- Long, steady eye contact (without looking like a creep, obviously).
- Gestures that seem relaxed, not stiff or closed-off.
Doing a bit of people-watching on dates can be your best mate. You’ll spot these moves pretty quickly. For a rundown on the main signs of interest when you meet up, there’s a handy list of full-body signals on this body language tips page.
Sometimes, the vibe is right, but the words are all wrong. Don’t ignore your gut. Trust the little cues, they’re usually onto something.
At the end of the day, body language is like a cheat code, if you know what to look for, you’re one step ahead in the game. And if you ever notice their feet pointing towards the door the whole night? Don’t take it personally, just chalk it up to experience and move on.
6. Intuitive Decision-Making
You know that gut feeling you get, when the chat is flowing and everything just feels right? Trust it. Yup, I’m serious, it’s not just an old wives’ tale. Intuition is your secret weapon when you’re trying to figure out if someone’s got that long-term potential or if they’re just another “hi” in a long list of forgettables.
Here’s what you can do:
- Pay attention to your initial reaction to their profile. Does something instantly make you smile or do your alarm bells start ringing?
- Notice how you feel after your conversations. Do you feel lighter, or like you need a nap and an emotional reset?
- Don’t ignore your body’s signals. If you’re getting jittery, or worse, a sense of dread, treat that feeling like a flashing neon sign.
- Stop getting the opinions of ten different mates. Really, you’re the one dating, not the WhatsApp group.
Sometimes, what people say is less important than how you feel when you’re around them. If you’re forcing yourself to reply or struggling for topics, that’s your mind politely telling you to move on. Don’t overthink it.
One golden tip: Being honest with yourself can spare you a load of awkward messages and even more awkward pints. Honestly, no amount of “maybe I just need to give it time” is worth sticking it out with someone who makes you feel ‘meh’. You’ve got to be a bit selfish and choose what feels right for you, if in doubt, trust your intuition.
7. Real-Life Dates
Alright, so you’ve matched, messaged, and maybe even hit it off over endless emojis. But nothing beats meeting up in the real world. Screens are handy, but you can’t truly vibe through pixels.
Real-life dates show you a side of someone that even the best selfie can’t. The coffee shop classics are fine, but let’s be honest, queueing for a latte isn’t exactly heart-racing. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and try some simple, everyday stuff together. Here are a few ideas to shake up your usual routine:
- Tackle a food shop together and compare trolley tactics.
- Have lunch after wandering the local market or high street.
- Jump on the train for a gig or to explore a new area.
- Cook a meal from scratch (even if you both nearly burn the kitchen down).
- Wander round a charity shop for the best (or worst) vintage finds.
Notice how you both handle the little hiccups. Spilled coffee, bus running late, or picking which pizza to order. These moments say more than glowing chats online ever will.
Meeting up in person is where you find out if you click when real life gets messy. Not every date has to feel like an interview or a big Hollywood love scene. Sometimes the best connections spark pushing an overloaded trolley down aisle five.
Remember, you’re getting to know the actual person, not just their carefully curated online persona. And hey, if the date flops, at least you picked up some fresh bread.
8. Online Safety Features
Alright, here’s the thing: online safety in the dating world isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s your new best mate. Most top dating sites now bake in some pretty clever features to help you stay smart and safe. Before you get swept up in the thrill of a new chat, get cosy with these tools, seriously, most are dead simple to use.
- Block or report weirdos: If someone’s making your skin crawl, just block them, no awkward explanations needed. Reporting is usually just a click away too (and trust me, you’re not the first one thinking about it).
- Privacy controls: Don’t fancy sharing your full name, workplace, or your mum’s maiden name? Good news, you don’t have to. Most apps let you set what info you want on show, so strangers stay strangers.
- Video chat features: Lots of apps now nudge you toward a video call before meeting up. It’s a low-pressure way to suss out if they’re the real deal, no need to leave your sofa.
Here’s a quick breakdown of handy safety features you’ll find on some top recommended dating apps:
| Safety Feature | Typical Function |
|---|---|
| Photo verification | Stops catfishers dead in their tracks |
| Panic button | Sends your location to a friend or help |
| In-app video calls | Face-to-face chat before meeting up |
| Report/block | Easy ways to ditch the dodgy profiles |
| Private chat | Keeps your real phone number private |
Safety tools are there for you, not because you’re paranoid, but because sometimes people online are just… strange. So use those buttons. The peace of mind is worth it, promise!
And honestly, it doesn’t matter how charming someone is over text. Trust your gut, take it slow, and never feel weird for using every feature at your disposal. These days, everyone is playing it safe.
Our platform puts safety first, using real ID checks and a team to make sure every profile is real. This means you can feel safe making new friends or finding love. Ready to date with confidence? Visit our site to see how we keep you protected.
Wrapping It All Up: Online Dating in
So, there you have it – ten tips to help you actually get to know someone online, without losing your mind or your dignity in the process. Online dating in 2025 is a bit like trying to assemble flat-pack furniture: the instructions are never quite clear, there are way too many options, and you’ll probably end up with a few extra screws (or matches) you don’t know what to do with. But hey, that’s half the fun. Remember, it’s not about finding the perfect person straight away – it’s about enjoying the chats, learning a bit about yourself, and maybe, just maybe, meeting someone who doesn’t make you want to throw your phone out the window. Keep things light, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to laugh at the awkward bits. Good luck out there, and may your inbox be full of decent humans (and not just bots or blokes holding fish).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I really know if someone is being honest on a dating app?
It can be hard to tell if someone is telling the truth online. To help, look for things like a complete profile, clear photos, and answers that make sense. You can also ask questions and see if their stories stay the same. Before meeting in person, check their social media to see if they match what they say on the app.
Is it safe to meet someone from an online dating site in real life?
Meeting someone from a dating app can be safe if you take the right steps. Always meet in a public place, tell a friend or family member where you’re going, and don’t share personal details like your address too soon. Trust your gut. If something feels off, leave right away.
What should I do if I’m not sure about someone after a few dates?
If you’re unsure about someone after a few dates, it’s okay to take your time. Think about how you feel when you’re with them. Are you comfortable? Do you enjoy talking to them? If you’re still not sure, try the 3-3-3 Rule: after three dates, three weeks, and three months, check in with yourself about how things are going. Don’t be afraid to move on if it doesn’t feel right.
