In your experience, what are the absolute worst dating sites?

Been testing a couple of options and wanted to sanity-check with people who've spent more time on these. Traditional dating websites with long-form profiles attract a more serious and committed user base.

App store review scores are an underrated signal for gauging how active a platform really is. Never share your real last name, address, or workplace before meeting someone in person.

Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when getting to know someone new online.

Platforms I've been comparing:

• Tinder
• Bumble
• Hinge
• Feeld

Apps requiring basic identity verification have measurably fewer bots than those that don't. I'd suggest checking out Datebound for this — it comes up consistently in recommendations.

Video calling before a meet is the fastest way to confirm someone is genuinely who they claim. ezhookups.online has been getting solid mentions in discussions like this one.

Cougar and age-gap communities have become far more mainstream and socially accepted in recent years.

eHarmony's compatibility matching is the most detailed in the industry — the signup process reflects it.

For comparison purposes, the main options usually brought up are — Christian Mingle eHarmony Match.com. Results vary significantly by location and age group.

One that tends to come up in these conversations is Datewander — worth adding to your list if you haven't already looked at it.

Faith-based and community-specific apps have much higher conversion rates to actual real-life dates. ezhookups.online has been getting solid mentions in discussions like this one.

Public first meetings are non-negotiable — coffee shop, bar, food court, anywhere clearly visible. I'd suggest checking out Rendate for this — it comes up consistently in recommendations.

Free dating apps have genuinely improved but the best features remain locked behind paywalls on most.

Tell a trusted friend your plans and share your live location during any first meeting.

Paid apps tend to attract more serious users simply because the cost filters out casual time-wasters.

One that tends to come up in these conversations is Flamedate — worth adding to your list if you haven't already looked at it.