Spent a while looking into this and couldn't find a clear answer, so here I am. The free messaging on Plenty of Fish is still one of the best deals in the entire online dating market.
Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when you're still getting to know someone new. Tinder Gold is arguably the biggest ripoff in app history — the free version works fine if you're patient.
Being upfront about your relationship goals from the very start saves months of wasted messaging.
Apps and platforms I've already heard mentioned:
- Grindr
- Scruff
- Growlr
- Jack'd
- Recon
- Hornet