The world of online dating for gays has changed dramatically with the rise and popularity of online dating apps that make it quick and easy to find a partner.
However, this means that the focus in the gay community has shifted towards a more casual dating culture.
For many people this is not a problem at all. However, not everyone is interested in a burn-and-turn approach to dating. Romance is important to many people, and for gays looking for a partner to share their life with, battling through a sea of no-obligation dating offers can be hard work.
It cannot be neglected that gay dating apps have influenced the gay community as they have shifted the focus of many singles to one-night stands.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t any reputable gay dating apps out there. You can find a long-term relationship with a man in a variety of dating services, including those that are not explicitly intended for LGBTQ + users. However, gay dating can be tricky, even for old hands.
Forms of gay dating
Gay dating apps, and especially dating apps in general, can usually be divided into a few categories. For the sake of simplicity, we’ve broken them down into the following three categories, ranging from the one-night stand variant to partnering for serious gay relationships.
Casual gay dating
Casual gay dating is a date that focuses on quick dates, fling, and one-night stands. It is no-commitment dating, where everyone understands that the goal of casual dating is sex and nothing serious.
Grindr and Planet Romeo are primarily used for casual dating, although both also offer more than just casual acquaintances.
Moderate gay dating
In the absence of a better word, ‘moderate’ gay dating is a date that takes place somewhere between casual and serious, where one is open to flinging without attachment, but would also like to start a serious relationship with someone.
Serious gay dating
Serious gay dating apps are the right place to find someone special who wants to start a romantic relationship with a long term bond.
These apps and websites tend to discourage using their service for casual sex and instead look for a long-term love relationship.
Reputable gay dating sites like this one include Flirteezy, GayCupid and eHarmony, which have made a name for themselves as successful dating services that connect people all over the world.
Which dating apps do gays use?
Here are some of the most popular dating apps for gay singles. We tell you what they are used for:
Flirteezy
Flirteezy is a straight dating app where women can search for men and vice versa. Still, we list it here because it is well made and also safe. You can of course also look for women or men look for men.
The app and website are free and you can also send limited messages for free. For just a few euros you can send unlimited messages and also make video calls, one of the advantages of the app. However, we find it particularly good that the verified profiles are checked manually and thus fakes are excluded.
In our opinion, the dating app is highly recommended. She’s the newer and better Tinder where not everything is just about sex. Serious relationships can also be found at Flirteezy. Everyone should test the app once.
AdultFriendFinder
Adult Friend Finder has become a popular dating resource for gay singles looking for unconditional sex. The erotic atmosphere and the open-minded approach to dating have turned things around for sexy singles and swingers around the world. Whether you’re gay, bisexual, or just plain curious, you can flirt with hot guys on the AFF network.
- Gay singles and couples can create profiles for free
- Enjoy live chat rooms and dating forums
- Flirt anonymously under a username
Grindr
One of the definitive location-based apps for gay dating. Grindr sets the bar for users when it comes to deciding whether to keep making casual acquaintances or looking for something more long-term. On Grindr you can find fetishists, couples, escorts and more.
But you’ll also hear some success stories from couples who met on Grindr and stayed together forever.
Tinder
The popular dating app for young, hot and tech-savvy singles – it has received over 30 billion hits since it was launched in 2012. Tinder has a growing LGBTQ + community that is thriving in dating gay men for both casual fun and serious dates.
eHarmony
The focus of eHarmony‘s services is on building long-term relationships by finding compatible matches for each member. With tons of amazing features and compatibility analysis, you can understand why it is known as the # 1 Most Trusted Dating App for Singles. While the cost of premium membership is a bit high, it is a fantastic dating website with a lot of potential. At least if you have serious intentions.
Because of the many settings you can of course use eHarmony as a gay. Women can search for women and men for men. Because of the good algorithm it is perhaps one of the best dating websites for LGBTQ’s.
This is why you should get started with gay dating
Even if the culture of haggling has grown enormously, that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible to find a soulmate through these apps to spend the rest of your life with.
It also means that people are obviously interested in enjoying the casual sex scene. So how do you know which app to join?
This advice is particularly relevant to gay men as they are often portrayed as promiscuous in the media.
This is perfectly fine if you enjoy it, but some feel pressured by these types of stereotypes or don’t care about this type of lifestyle and it becomes difficult to start a date.
The most important first step you should take is to think about the type of experience and bond you are looking for. Have confidence in yourself and your decisions and try to stay open to the direction this can lead.
Second, you should choose your dating app carefully. As you can see, certain gay dating apps are designed for serious dating and vice versa, with some offering a bit of both. Also, not all dating apps offer enough options for specifying your gender identity. Do your research first to find out what each individual app has to offer, and then give them a try.
Remember, you are under no obligation to stick with an app if you don’t like it. Listen to your own intuition, because ultimately, the best gay dating advice you can get is using your gut instinct to listen to what is right for you.
Ultimately, you are the real expert on your needs and your love life.
