Remember Lava Life? Neither do we. And while you won’t see us running home to create a profile on Christian Mingle or troll the casual encounters on Craigslist, it’s nice to connect with people you don’t already know. However, many of us don’t have the time (or bravery?) to go out and snag that date the old fashioned way, so we resort to creating connections a la mobile dating apps.
It gives us great pleasure (perhaps more than it should) to introduce you to these 5 mobile dating apps that you can download right now. There’s literally something for everyone out there – gay, straight, bisexual and yes, even a dating app for stoners.
Online dating sure isn’t what it used to be.
Coffee Meets Bagel
I feel like his app should go over well in Montreal, particularly because we have the best coffee AND bagels in North America. This dating app allows users to create meaningful connections with people who take dating more seriously.
What it does
Matches you up with a carefully curated list of people who match your interests and personalities – taking it a step beyond the generic age, gender, location etc. Every day at noon, you log in and see who your prospective matches are. Each time you log in or send a ‘bagel’ to a friend, you get beans. Yup, virtual beans that can be used for more matches.
Who should use it
Busy singles who would like to input little to no effort into making a more meaningful connection. Not to say you shouldn’t use this app if you are looking for a booty call, I mean heck, your match might be on the same page. Only one way to find out!
Cost
Free to download, but you can purchase beans that will ‘unlock’ more features and give you more potential bagels to choose from
Bonus: you might even be able to snag a date with this doctor:
We suppose everything after Dr. Love seems irrelevant, but the next 4 apps definitely have their merits.
Happn
Our personal favourite (by a long shot), making that serendipitous encounter more accessible via your smartphone. How many times have you crossed a complete stranger and pondered whether or not they either A) played for your team, B) were available or C) fancied you back? With Happn it’s possible, so you don’t need to check the Craigslist missed connections as obsessively as you used to.
What it does
Like Tinder, you enter your info, synch it with your Facebook (which we personally hate) and select the age range you’re interested in. Everytime you cross paths with a possible match, it will show up on their profile. You can X them out if you are not interested. Who knows, that cutie you keep bumping into at the market might Happn to be on Happn.
Conversations can only be initiated once you match. If you want to get the attention of someone you find attractive, send them a charm. A charm is equivalent to a Facebook poke, but use it wisely and non-repetitively. You don’t want to be ‘that’ person.
Who should use it
Public transit users, folks who travel fair distances to get to work, and romantic comedy die hards (namely those who loved the Christmas flick Serendipity). Do yourself a favour and download this app.
Since Happn only reveals potential ‘dates’ and crush interests who you actually cross paths with, some may consider this to be creepy, and worry for potential stalkers.
Ok, settle down! There is no exact location given, just an intersection or landmark. Chill, swipe, repeat.
Cost
Free, like your single soul.
Bumble
Who runs the mobile dating world? For Bumble, it’s definitely girls. This is one of those mobile dating apps that allows women to run the show. Perhaps one of the few. Bumble refers to their app as “social pollination”, which we find cute.
What it does
Much like it’s sister app, Tinder (ugh, we know!) Bumble is another example of mobile dating apps that allow users to swipe left or right and chat once there is a match, but here’s the kicker. Women initiate the conversation, and only have 24 hours to do so before the connection vanishes. That’s right, these dudes will need to be super crafty if they wanna send you a dick pic.
Who should use it
Ladies who prefer to be in control of the connections they make in the mobile dating app world are definitely the target audience. Of course everyone can use it, but this particular app is definitely engineered with the ladies in mind.
Cost
Free, as in free to choose (holler, ladies!)
Tastebuds
Have you ever found yourself so smitten with someone and were convinced that they were THE ONE for you, until they made you a playlist that made you question life? It’s OK, music means a LOT to some people. If you are searching for that musical soulmate, Tastebuds is definitely for you.
Who should use it
Music buffs, artists, and folks of a musically soulful feather. If you are looking to meet fun, new people who share a passion for music, this is one of the best mobile dating apps on the market for you.
What it does
Connects you with people nearby who share common interests and musical taste.
Cost
Free, so you can pocket that coin for the next Coldplay concert.
HighThere!
Are you on the hunt for a date who is 420 friendly? Then this is the app for you (yes, they really have thought of everything). If you are in the stoner zone, look no further (if you are squinting, grab the Visine).
Bonus: they have an online store that sells T-shirts with the HighThere! logo – which we find adorable.
What it does
Provides matchmaking opportunities between 420-friendly peeps who are looking for someone to share the experience with.
Who should use it
To point out the obvious, people with ideologies on Mary Jane which are aligned with those of the Liberal Government. And of course would like to share this similar interest with their date.
Cost
Free, so you can spend more money on your stash.
Then, of course, there’s good old-fashioned dating sites. Get advice and read about how to ask a girl out for a date.