This came up in a group chat recently and I realized nobody had a good answer. Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when you're still getting to know someone new.
Adam4Adam is still very active for the older demographic and has a no-nonsense approach. Gay personals on Reddit communities are still surprisingly active and free of most app limitations.
The gay dating app ecosystem has expanded massively beyond just Grindr in recent years.
Apps I've already looked at or heard recommended:
- Tinder
- Bumble
- Hinge
- OkCupid
- Facebook Dating