They are designed to help you easily connect with people who share yourromantic interests.
Research suggests about half of American adults who are under 30 have used dating apps.
Also, always exercise caution and be sure to pick a public location for your first meeting.
Oscar Wong / Getty Images
Why Use Dating Apps for Casual Relationships?
For many people looking for casual connections, dating apps have become a go-to.
With a dating app, you could often avoid the awkwardness of mismatched expectations.
Convenience is one of the biggest reasons people use dating apps.
It allows you to gauge whether youre on the same page and want to take things further.
Diversity is another perk.
Lastly, theres no pressure to make things serious.
Tinder
Tinderis the go-to destination for those looking to keep it casual.
Tinder is ideal for anyone looking to mingle without getting caught up in a committed relationship.
Most users are in their early 20s and arent ready to settle down for various reasons.
With Tinder, it’s possible for you to sift through potential matches quickly.
Its fun, fast-paced, and straightforward to use.
Grindr
Most people in theLGBTQIA+ communitymay already be familiar with Grindr.
It shows you whos nearby and available to meet with just a few taps.
The app is straightforward.
Grindrs biggest perk is its efficiency and simplicity.
For those looking for casual connections, it lets you find people who are interested without any fluff.
Its a favorite for anyone who loves on-the-fly meetups.
Additionally, while Grindr is free, accessing premium features for an improved experience requires a subscription.
Its designed for people looking for adult fun and casual flings.
If youre adventurous, AFF has various features youll enjoy.
People who use AFF like to keep things light and breezy.
The range of features surpasses many other platforms and will enable you to engage indifferent connection levelswith potential matches.
However, if youd prefer a more wholesome experience, AFF might not be for you.
Users can often get graphic, and theres a clear emphasis on casual and erotic meetings.
Also, while free, the most valuable features require a paid membership.
Ashley Madison
OnAshley Madison, discretion is the name of the game.
The apps slogan is Life is short.
On the downside, the platform is primarily geared towardextramarital relationships,which might not align with everyones values.
Additionally, men have to purchase credits to initiate conversations, which can add up in terms of cost.
Pure
IfPurewere a food service, itd be a drive-through restaurant.
Its quick, to the point, and has no frills.
Its designed for people who want to cut to the chase and have a spontaneous and casual hookup.
It does have a unique twist: Everything disappears after 24 hours.
Pure simplifies the dating process.
If someones interested, theyll connect with you, and you both get to chat.
The great thing about Pure is its simplicity and focus on privacy.
Its perfect for those spur-of-the-moment days when youre looking for quick and casual fun.
You wont find long winding profiles or slow-burn connections on Pure.
These are wordsPOFlives by.
On the app, there are a whole lot of choices and potential connections.
Its one of the older dating platforms out there and has a wide user base and laid-back vibe.
And while its packed with features, the interface can feel cluttered compared to more modern, minimalist apps.
Her
Heris tailored for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary folks.
The app encourages deeper engagement right from the start.
Users can like and comment on each others photos or responses, creating a more interactive and engaging experience.
It provides a safe space for users to express themselves and connect with others with similar experiences and interests.
Additionally, while the app is free, accessing some premium features requires a subscription.
Raw
Rawis perfect for those who dislike beating around the bush.
Raws main draw is its no-nonsense model, which lets users get down to business quickly.
The app is focused on helping you arrange meetups without long conversations or complicated matchmaking algorithms.
The advantage of using Raw is its efficiency and clarity.
Raw delivers just that if youre looking for casual fun without the bells and whistles.
However, the straightforward nature of the app might not suit everyone.
Some users might find it too blunt or miss other apps deeper engagement.
Plus, depending on your location, the user base might be more limited than popular apps.
Our Final Review
Each dating app detailed above offers something different for those interested in casual connections.
Its straightforward and user-friendly, and it has a broad audience.
Its also easy to use.
Grindr is specifically tailored to the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on immediate, location-based connections.
Its very effective for quick meetups, and its users appreciate its efficiency and directness.
Adult Friend Finder is upfront about its focus on adult dating and casual experiences.
Its great for those who want a space that understands and respects their identity.
And finally, Raw is all about immediacy and clarity, with a no-frills approach to arranging casual encounters.
Its the app for users who want to cut through the chatter and get straight to the point.
Keep in Mind
Theres no blueprint to follow when it comes to casual dating.
Casual dating means something different to everyone, says Abel.
Understand what this person is looking for before investing in them.
If your dating goals dont align, it might be best to find your lovin elsewhere.
Many a casual relationship has turned into something different.
Be mindful that feelings may change and that youll have to adapt or move on.
2012;13(1):3-66.
Bryden L.Online dating applications and the uses and gratifications theory.EWU Masters Thesis Collection.
Published online January 1, 2017.
