Best Dating Sites for Teens
A Ranking of the Top Dating Services Available for Teenagers
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Dating apps have completely changed the teenage dating game, making it easier than ever to connect with potential matches that you might not have ever have had the chance to get to know otherwise. But with so many dating apps on the market, it can be tough to figure out where you'll have the most luck meeting someone your age in your area.
Furthermore, since you're a teenager, and new to the dating game, you're vulnerable in a way that most older adults are not. That means you need to prioritize your own safety and security, as well as the security of your data and personal information.
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Rather than figuring it out through trial and error, we asked a few dating experts for their best recommendations on dating apps for teens. Plus, we had them lay out a few things to keep in mind when talking and meeting with online matches to make sure you have the best experience possible.
Read on for what you need to know about the latest dating apps for teens.
Ground Rules for Online Dating as a Teenager
Pay Attention to Age Restrictions
The age of consent varies by country and state, but the majority of dating apps state that users must be 18 in order to sign up and create an account. Why is that?
"While teens in certain jurisdictions may be legally allowed to be sexually active, most dating apps simply don't want to take on the liability of something going awry," explains John Schenk, founder and CEO of Taffy, a new dating app. "Theoretically, you could build your software to enforce certain rules such as preventing anyone over the age of 18 from viewing profiles or posts from users under the age of 18, and vice versa. It's just that if the software fails or someone can prove you mistakenly allowed a user to circumvent such rules — intentionally or by mistake, you could find yourself in hot water. Bad press would be the least of it."
Regardless of the age of consent in your state, it's important to abide by the rules of the app you're using, including the age restrictions that come with them, as they've been put in place to help keep you safe.
Be Cautious of People Using Fake Profiles
Many dating apps have started to implement sign-up parameters to prevent fake profiles, such as requiring login through a social media platform or giving users the option to be verified. But Lori Bizzoco, relationship expert and founder of CupidsPulse.com, says that it still can happen — and it's an important thing to be aware of.
"There is still a high risk for people on dating apps to use fake profiles and false pictures," says Bizzoco. "Make sure the person is authentic!"
A few ways to do so would be to check up on any social media your match has synced with their profile. Also, pay attention to the number and quality of photos they have posted. If they seem too good to be true, chances are that they are.
Be Wary of How Much Personal Information You Give Out
Getting to know someone via a dating app before meeting is important, but be sure not to offer up too much. It's fine to talk about your hobbies and interests, but when it comes to topics like where you live, keep things vague and don't offer up your exact address.
"You don't know who really is on the other end," says matchmaker Susan Trombetti, "so the less info, the better."
Never Meet Somewhere Private
"If you meet someone on a dating app who suggests meeting in person, make sure that you meet up in a public setting," says Bizzoco.
Meeting in a place where other people are around makes the first meet up safer, and if things don't work out this person won't know personal information such as your address. Meeting in public also makes for a less awkward exit in the case the two of you don't end up hitting it off.
The Best Dating Apps for Teens to Use
Skout
Minimum Age: 17
This app previously had a separate option for teens 13-17, which ensured that they'd be placed into a group of singles that were the same age as them, but they've since removed that feature and increased their minimum age to 17.
Once you've signed up, Skout allows you to start adding pictures, posting on your feed and commenting on other user's posts, similar to the way Facebook works. The app focuses on building friendships first, which takes the pressure off of communicating with a match for the first time.
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Coffee Meets Bagel
Minimum Age: 18
Sometimes when it comes to dating apps, less is more – which is the motto that Coffee Meets Bagel operates under.
"Because unlike [other apps] where you can swipe through every girl or guy in your city, Coffee Meets Bagel only gives you a few matches each day," explains online dating expert Radio Wright. "This is cool because it’s impossible for women or men to get overwhelmed with a hundred options. This causes the matches on both sides (male and female) to be considered more closely, and makes it much less superficial."
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Bumble
Minimum Age: 18
"Bumble is a dating app that has users [that are] more interested in finding actual relationships," explains Bizzoco.
The app works similar to Tinder in that you set parameters regarding age and location of your ideal match. Log on using your Facebook credentials, upload a few photos, and you're able to connect with potential matches in your area. Ladies are required to make the first move on this app once you match, but you're free to chat once they do.
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Taffy
Minimum Age: 17
New to the dating app landscape, Taffy aims to create connections based on similarities rather than relying heavily on physical attraction.
"Like Tinder and Bumble, Taffy utilizes Facebook authentication for all new user signups," explains John Schenk, founder and CEO. "That’s where the similarities end. Taffy makes conversation a prerequisite in the world of connecting with others. With Taffy, users create personal ads with blurry profile pics and catchy headlines. Images slowly reveal through real-time chat. The more you say, the more you see. The result is an engaging experience that puts personality on a level playing field with physical attraction."
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Tinder
Minimum Age: 18
Tinder tends to get a bad rap in terms of what it's used for, but Trombetti says she's seen plenty of couples meet and even get married off this app.
"It's a great place for young people looking to meet without going through a lengthy online process," she says. "Create a profile, grab a photo from your camera roll and start swiping."
The app is extremely user-friendly. Swipe right on matches you're interested in, left on those you're not, and if a mutual match is made, you're connected and able to start talking.
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