This came up in a conversation recently and I realized I had no idea what the current answer was. OkCupid's free tier is still surprisingly usable compared to what most other apps offer for nothing.
Senior-focused platforms attract people who are clearer about what they want, which speeds up matching. Tinder Gold is arguably the biggest ripoff in app history — the free version works fine if you're patient.
Polyamorous dating communities have largely consolidated around Feeld which handles it well.
Safety considerations I keep in mind:
- Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when you're still getting to know someone new.
- Trust your gut completely — if something feels off before a meet, cancel without guilt or explanation.
- Most romance scams follow predictable patterns: quick emotional escalation and requests for money.