8+ Apps Like Tinder for Casual flings and Dating

In this day and age, it’s easier than ever to find the type of relationship you’re looking for. A big reason for this is the development of dating apps. There is a huge variety of dating apps, each targeting different demographics and relationship styles. If you’re looking for the perfect dating app for your needs, check out this list of the best dating apps for hookups and dating. 

 

 

Down

Who should use it: People looking for casual flings and discreet hookups. 

Description:

Down is a dating app that gives users the option to choose between casual hookups or serious relationships. This means that right off the bat, there’s no confusion about what you’re looking for. 

Down is part of the “honest dating revolution,” empowering people to be confident in exactly what they’re looking for. This app makes it super simple to choose between a hookup and a date. 

Down encourages users to view sexuality as a healthy, natural and important aspect of relationships. That’s why they’ve made an app where people can be upfront about seeking casual hookups and no-strings-attached relationships. 

How it works:

Down uses the swiping feature that many dating apps use to match people. When you’re swiping through people you can choose to match them according to if you’re “down” or if you want to “date.” 

You can view a list of all the users you’re interested in and all of the conversations you’ve started. Each user will get a “down score” that reflects how often their profile is viewed. 

Pros:

• Find other people who are down to hookup. 
• Dates and Downs are private until you are matched.

Cons:

• Limited user base.
• Not great for serious relationships. 

Pricing:

• 7-Day Free Trial
• Premium Membership for $19.99/month 

 

Where to find it: the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

 

OkCupid

Who should use it: People looking for relationships, friendships, and online chat. 

Description: 

OkCupid is one of the oldest and most established dating sites available. This app has been matchmaking for 16 years and is still going strong. They’ve stayed relevant through the times with a dedication to inclusivity.

OkCupid has been so incredibly successful at matching like-minded people due to the unique questionnaire filled out by each user. This means that every user answers a list of questions to convey who they are and the type of relationship they want. These questions include music taste, political views, social values and much more.

OkCupid makes 90 million love matches annually. Many of these matches lead to serious relationships and even marriage. This app is ideal for people trying to make friendly or romantic connections.

How it works:

After downloading the app, each user can set up their personal profile with a biography and pictures. Make sure to have six pictures uploaded to your profile. Once your profile is complete, you can fill out that fun questionnaire. 

When you’re ready to start looking for love, you can start browsing through profiles and liking the ones that stand out. In order for two people to start chatting, both profiles will have to like each other’s accounts. If you have trouble making matches, just go back and fill out more questions. 

Pros:

• Easy to make good matches.
• Diverse user base.
• Large user base.

Cons:

• You have to pay for full features. 
• Some ghost accounts.

Pricing:

• The basic plan is totally free. 
• 1-month premium packages start at $9.99
• 3-month premium packages start at $23.99/month
• 6-month premium packages start at $29.99/month

 

Where to find it: The OkCupid website, Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

 

Zoosk

Who should use it: People looking for casual encounters and dating. 

Description: 

Zoosk is a global dating app that uses a proprietary matchmaking system to help users find potential connections. Zoosk is primarily used by people who are seeking romantic relationships and casual dating. 

Zoosk boasts an almost even split between men and women, which is rare to find on most dating apps. They offer a wide variety of gender and sexual orientation options so that all users can find a good match.

How it works:

One of the biggest benefits of Zoosk is the easy signup process. To make an account, just log into the app using your Facebook or Google account. The app will then use your profile picture from the account you logged in with. From there you just have to answer a few simple questions. 

Zoosk leaves it all up to the algorithm to figure out who is your best match. Their special “behavioral matchmaking” system looks at who you’re messaging, liking and interacting with and uses this information to make recommendations. This way, you don’t have to fill out any questionnaires. 

Pros:

• Simple, user-friendly design. 
• Creating a profile is fast. 
• Global user base

Cons:

• Fake or inactive profiles.
• Boring layout. 
• You have to pay to chat. 

Pricing:

• 50 Zoosk Coins for $4.99
• 250 Zoosk Coins for $19.99
• 750 Zoosk Coins for $49.99

 

Where to find it: the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

 

Meet.me

Who should use it: People seeking local events and online chat. 

Description: 

Meet Me is a dating app that connects users through live chat and video streaming services. This app incorporates lots of unique features that make the user experience fun and lighthearted. 

The video streaming service is by far the most popular feature on this app. With this feature, you can start a video stream and invite other users to join you. Users can also engage in video competitions. 

Overall, Meet Me is a great app if you’re looking for a fun, no-pressure dating environment.

How it works:

Meet Me connects users in three ways. The first way is through the video streaming feature mentioned above. Users can scroll through video feeds and check out other users. Live feeds are displayed in a grid format. 

The second way users can connect is through the Locals feed. This feature displays local users that you can chat with. There is a search option for the location feed to make browsing more convenient. 

The third way to connect with users is through the automated match service. This service allows you to “admire” other users. If both users admire each other, then you get matched. 

Pros:

• Great for chatting. 
• View live video streams.

Cons:

• Lots of ads with free membership.
• Limited search options.
• Fake accounts.

Pricing:

• 1-month of MeetMe+ for $7.99
• 3-month of MeetMe+ for $17.99
• 6-month of MeetMe+ for $29.99

 

Where to find it: the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

Feeld

Who should use it: People looking for threesomes and swingers.

Description:

Feeld is one of the most specific and unique dating apps available. Since 2014, Feeld has been helping its users find alternative relationship styles, especially non-monogamous relationships. This app was specifically created for people who prefer polyamory, open relationships, and swinging.

If traditional dating apps don’t provide you with what you need, this app is a good match for you. Feeld has worked to create an open environment where people can explore their sexual interests in an inclusive atmosphere. 

This app is also great for couples who are looking for a third in a threesome. Couples can browse profiles together and search for the perfect match.

How it works:

If you’re part of a couple who wants to browse profiles together, you can link your account to your partner’s account and match as a couple. If you’re single and want to take part in a threesome, this feature is super helpful. 

Once you make an account with this, you can build a highly personalized profile. On Feeld you can choose from over 20 sexual and gender orientations. You can also prioritize who you’re interested in and show who you’d like to hear from the most. This also makes it easier to set boundaries with other users. 

Pros:

• Great for alternative relationship styles.
• It’s good for casual encounters.

Cons:

• You may have to do research on relationship styles.
• Facebook login only.

Pricing:

• Basic membership is free. 
• 1-month memberships are at $11.99.
• 3-month memberships are $23.99/month

 

Where to find it: the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

 

Bumble

Who should use it: People who are interested in casual dating.

Description:

Women everywhere rejoiced when Bumble hit the scene. Although Bumble looked very familiar to other dating apps at the time, it offered one unique feature. Bumble had found a way to put the power into the hands of women. 

How did Bumble do this, you ask? Well, on Bumble women are in control of everything from matching to messaging. This eliminates much of what turns women off of dating apps. This also works in favor of men, who are probably used to having to make the first move. The pressure has been taken off for the men, and women are given more control.

Bumble is great for finding dates in your city or whenever you’re visiting. Bumble initially started off with a reputation for finding serious relationships, but now you can easily find casual dates on this app as well.  

How it works: To get started on Bumble, just download the app and fill out your profile with pictures and a bio. Once you match with someone, it’s in the woman’s court to make the first move. She is given a limited period of time to contact her match before it disappears. 

Aside from dating, Bumble also offers a service called Bumble Bffs. This service is dedicated exclusively to helping people find platonic friendships. This is awesome if you’re new to a city and are trying to make connections. 

Pros:  

• Chat expiration means matches won’t sit. 
• Women have more control.
• Less pressure on men.

Cons:

• Similar user base to Tumbler. 
• Lots of chatting before meeting up.

Pricing:

• The basic plan is free.
• 1-month plan for $9.99
• 2-month plan for $24.99
• 3-month plan for $39.99

 

Where to find it: the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

 

Her

Who should use it: People seeking lesbian and LGBTQ+ encounters.

Description:

Her is a unique dating app that is catered specifically for lesbian, bisexual, non-binary and queer communities. This app is set up very similarly to major social media apps. Users are also given a news feed featuring LGBTQ+ issues and interests. 

Her app has created a platform where its users can find romance, hookups, and a community of open-minded women. You can even attend one of the “Her” parties and events hosted in major cities around the world. 

How it works:

Her app is simple to use. Just like other popular dating apps, Her app utilizes a swiping system to match users. You can create an account by syncing the app to your Facebook or Instagram profile. 

After you sync your profile, you can leave it as is, or you can edit it so that it’s different from your social media accounts. Once this is done, you can join in on the fun.

Make sure to check out the communities featured on the app. Joining a community is a great way to meet people and make real connections. 

Pros:

• Find queer events.
• Messaging is free. 

Cons:

• No search option. 
• Limited location function. 

Pricing:

• Free to download. 
• Premium plans start at $9.99/month

 

Where to find it: the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

 

Hornet

Who should use it: People looking for gay hookups and dating.

Description:

Hornet is a gay dating app that was made for the gay community. This app is designed like a social media app so that users can find other members to date and hookup with. Users on this app can choose from a variety of hobbies and interests to make their profiles unique. 

One awesome feature of this app is the ability to post “stories.” If you’re familiar with Instagram or Facebook, you know that stories are quick videos and pictures that you can feature for a limited time. 

If you’re a big fan of Grindr, or if you’re looking for an alternative, you should definitely check out Hornet.

How it works:

Hornet displays potential matches in a grid form. These thumbnails will feature gay men who are in your area. This makes it easy to quickly find local love interests. 

If you see a profile that seems like a good match for a friend, you have the ability to forward the profile. This creates a growing sense of community and encourages more people to join the app. 

One of the best parts of this app is its community features. Check out the featured LGBTQ+ news and the city guides offered to users. Users can also find gay events and parties going on in major cities. 

Pros:

• Forward profiles to friends
• Diverse user base

Cons:

• Strict censorship.
• Bot accounts.

Pricing: 

• Free to download. 
• Premium plans start at $9.99/month

 

Where to find it: the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

 

Conclusion

It’s a great time to be single with all of these awesome dating apps available. Many of these apps offer a free basic plan, so it’s easy to sign up and find matches. If you have a specific relationship style in mind, don’t let that hold you back! Choose from the list above and you’ll definitely be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.