Smart, Safe, No-Strings-Attached: Finding the Best Site for Casual Dating
Online dating has made it exponentially easier for today’s singles to find love—or lust, as the case may be. Today’s dating sites cater to people and relationships of all stripes, from singles looking for marriage to those interested in simple companionship, short-term dating, no-strings-attached relationships, and casual dating.
Many online dating sites make space for all of the above by allowing you to list your relationship preference as serious, casual, and many grades in between. Others are dedicated solely to one or the other, at least in theory. Though popular dating apps have drawn millions to their screens for swiping, meeting, and having fun, dating sites have become equally popular amongst singles looking for something less committal than a long-term partner.
The options are endless: completely free dating apps, subscription-based dating platforms, sites that make matches for you, and sites that let you scroll through on your own. So, how does one decide? If you’re looking for legit casual dating apps and sites to find casual partners, what are the most important things to consider? Read on for some information on navigating the dizzying, ever-growing pool of places to meet a partner for safe, responsible connections.
Define What You’re Looking For
Before you start swiping, it helps to define your own goals, expectations, desires, and limits. This will not only help you articulate your own boundaries, but it will encourage you to be honest and upfront with those you meet, which is important for ensuring that the experience is consensual, respectful, and safe for all parties involved.
Since the term “casual dating” can mean a few different things, consider what you in particular, are looking for. How much time do you want to invest in a potential match? A one-night-stand may be different than a no-strings-attached relationship that implies an ongoing thing that simply lacks the commitments of of a more traditional relationship. This can help you decide which app or site to use, and how to present your expectations in a way that will match you with others looking for the same thing.
How Will You Use Your Casual Dating Apps?
Do you plan on swiping primarily while you’re out cruising the bars? Do you see yourself scouting potential NSA-partners from a well-lit living room? The answers may make a difference in helping you find the best app or site for casual dating. Location-based dating apps, which connect you to those in your immediate vicinity, are geared towards those who are out, about, and looking for a connection that night. However, casual dating doesn’t have to be limited to who’s closest; for some people, a casual partner still needs to be someone they connect with beyond mere physicality. Dating sites with full profiles that let you select your relationship style, with options such as ‘looking for something casual’ or ‘interested in casual dating,’ may be better if you’re looking for a no-strings-attached partner or want to be more deliberate in choosing a match. Deciding when you’re most likely to look for casual dating and how you’d like to view and communicate with them, will help you narrow down the choices and find a platform that best suits your needs.
How to Stay Safe
The most important factor to consider when choosing a dating app is safety. To what ends does the app or site go to protect you? Do users have to register with a verified Facebook account? Does the site offer safety measures to protect you from inappropriate or abusive matches? Beware of free dating apps that don’t require any accountability, and familiarize yourself with your dating site’s policies on privacy, abuse, and accountability. It’s hard to control the situation once you’re in it, so choose a site or app that provides the best chances of making sure someone is safe before the meeting happens. It’s always wise to meet in a public space for the first time, share the details of your date with a friend beforehand, and exercise caution when meeting someone in person.
