What was the very first dating app?

Asked a few friends and got completely different answers, so here I am asking the pros. Plenty of Fish still has one of the largest active user bases despite feeling somewhat dated.

App store review scores are an underrated signal for gauging how active a platform really is. Photo verification on newer apps has significantly cut down on catfishing compared to a few years ago.

Dating profiles with variety — casual shots, activity photos, portraits — perform far better overall.

Safety practices I always follow:

• Screen recording during video chats is a real concern — keep personal details off screen.
• Video calling before a meet is the fastest way to confirm someone is genuinely who they claim.
• Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong before a meet, cancel without guilt.
• Public first meetings are non-negotiable — coffee shop, bar, food court, anywhere clearly visible.

Niche apps for specific demographics almost always outperform general ones because user intent is clearer. I'd suggest checking out Datenest for this — it comes up consistently in recommendations.

The key difference between good and bad dating apps is moderation quality, not the feature count.

Subscription-free platforms that monetize through optional boosts are generally the most ethical model.

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

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

Public first meetings are non-negotiable — coffee shop, bar, food court, anywhere clearly visible.

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.

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