Let’s begin by admitting that there are a myriad of dating apps right at our fingertips. Granted, most people only end up using one or two of these options. Tinder, for example, seems like the most popular choice here at Marquette. Still, if you’re bored of swiping right and left and are looking for more options to meet people around campus and in Milwaukee, check these out:
1. Grindr (Free) (iOS, Android)
“Grindr” is an app geared towards gay, bisexual and bi-curious men. The app uses your location to identify other men around you, giving you the option to check out the user’s profile, chat, send pictures and share your location.
2. Down (Free) (iOS, Android)
“Down” is a new Facebook app helps you find friends who are “down for the night.” The app—which seems to be geared towards heterosexual pairings only—allows you to choose which of your friends you are attracted to, but it will only show matches when both parties like each other. Once the pairing is made, you’ll receive an email notification of the match.
3. Yik Yak (Free) (iOS, Android)
Yes, it’s true, “Yik Yak” is not a dating app. This college-focused app is somewhat like an anonymous, location-based Twitter. Because of the anonymity, many people feel free to express their thoughts, and very often look for partners…which has a tendency of not always working so well.
4. OkCupid (Free) (iOS, Android)
To find a match using “OkCupid,” you simply answer a few basic questions. When you’re done, you’re presented with a group of matches based on mutual interests and values. The questions are short and simple and the app promises to find who you’re looking for in just 30 seconds—if that’s even possible.
5. Willow (Free) (iOS)
One of the newest mobile dating options, “Willow” seeks to help you “branch out.” Unlike Tinder, you will not swipe through images and make decisions based on beauty. Instead, you swipe your way through faceless questions, which means to help you find meaningful relationships. It’s a refreshing and much less superficial addition to the mobile dating world.
6. Whisper (Free) (iOS, Android)
This secret-sharing application is not exactly a dating network, but it has become increasingly popular on college campuses for this specific reason. The app allows users to post anonymous confessions in the form of photos and message other users. This app also allows you to filter confessions based on location, which makes it easy to meet others around you.
7. Tastebuds (Free) (iOS)
“Tastebuds” is a fairly new networking app which uses your phone’s music to pair you with people who share a similar taste in music. Apart from dating, this app is a great way to connect with new people and make new friends or concert buddies. Currently, the app is only available in the Apple App Store.
8. Hot or Not (Free) (iOS, Android)
The “Hot or Not” game was launched 15 years ago and became a very popular website. Now, it continues to win over people as an app. Very similar to Tinder, Hot or Not uses your location to show you options of people, who you vote on based on physical attraction. The app also tracks your “popularity,” so it is either a good confidence booster or a cataclysmic reality check.
9. Hinge (Free) (iOS, Android)
Just like Tinder, “Hinge” presents you with a person’s photo and basic information (name and age). However, there is a catch. The app only connects users who have mutual friends on Facebook. That way the potential matches are far less “far-fetched” than on Tinder.
10. JSwipe (Free) (iOS, Android)
“JSwipe” uses your location to help you find cuties around you. That is, Jewish cuties. JSwipe is the No. 1 Jewish mobile dating app and, as far as interfaces go, it is very similar to Tinder.
Good luck finding that special someone!