Skip navigation! Story from Living. Last Updated 9March, , am. Whilst we all fantasise about having a meet-cute with that super hot barista at our local coffee shop, we're also painfully aware of how out of step our dating expectations are with reality. Cue, dating apps. Love them or hate them, dating apps have become a cornerstone in how we approach modern love. And what app you're on can make the difference between a steamy hookup, a long-lasting relationship, or a nightmare date that'll be etched in your mind for years to come.
I'm someone who has felt the best and the worst of dating apps. I've had two really successful relationships sprout from Bumble, but I've also experienced a slew of horrible dating experiences, as is a rite of passage. If you're looking to dive into dating apps for the first time or have just been out of the game for a while, we're here to help you figure out which dating app might best suit you, inclusive of your sexuality, goal or relationship style.
Best for: Women-centred dating. Just entered the dating game and haven't been on Bumble? Your life's about to change. Bumble is a women-first app where chicks make the first move. You swipe right, get a match, and have 24 hours to send the first message. You control your experience, weed out time-wasters, and find people you gel with sooner. I've met two of my long-term boyfriends on Bumble β it just works, especially in Australia.
It also has a pretty strong same-sex dating scene, making it ideal for queer women. But it's not just a dating app. Bumble has three swipe settings you can choose from β date, BFF, or bizz β so you can find some new girlfriends to hang out with or even network with other like-minded women.
Best for: Finding the love of your life. Hinge is quickly becoming the default dating app for young people in Australia. While Bumble and Tinder are arguably photo-first, Hinge prioritises the whole profile. Each user needs to add a minimum of six photos and answer three question prompts of their choosing, creating an experience where you really get to know a person before you make a decision.
