LGBTQ Dating Advice from Hinge: Pride Edition

LGBTQ Dating Advice from Hinge: Pride Edition

We know that Pride Month can bring on a lot of illicit affairs, those Grindr hookups near the Pride festival stage, those glances across the dance floor that lead to a tryst in the parking lot, or even that last call look around for someone to take home. But! Pride can also be a time when we really connect with someone we might not have known before and could lead to romance. For Pride Month, the dating app Hinge released its second LGBTQ+ Data, Advice, Trends and Expertise (D.A.T.E.) Report and it's full of data from its 14,000 users that identify as part of the community. Some of their advice will make us look sideways. We guess if you really want romance, we may have to make some changes.

Hinge reports that the #1 topic we are interested in is building emotional intimacy, with 50% of users saying that wanted to learn how to build trust better. Not easy when the guy you are dating is constantly looking at his phone or coming home late from the gym or when your own Grindr is going off.

Hinge's main message in their report coins the phrase "slowmance." Slomance is just what it sounds like. It's building a relationship slowly, not rushing into things, putting clear boundaries in place, and setting intentions. Sounds like adulting. Through a slowmance, Hinge believes that you build a stronger foundation and make better choices in preparing for the long run of a relationship, not just the first-month jitters. Trust and communication are better when you slow down the dating pace and really get to know the other person while maintaining what you want in a relationship.

 

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58% of users say the need more help in letting the other person know what they want and what their needs are. Yikes. If you can't do that, how can you build a relationship together? 52% say that need help in building boundaries. This tracks. We are so afraid of losing someone during the early dating process that sometimes we waylay what we are willing to put up with. This is especially true in the early process when someone wants an open relationship and someone else does not.

Hinge believes a sense of humor and making an initial connection in a casual, lighthearted way is the best. 64% of users say that a sense of humor makes them tune in to a profile. But, make that sense of humor sincere and lowkey. Don't put on a stand-up act. That goes hand in hand with small talk. Your first date shouldn't be a deep dive into why a past relationship didn't work or that your favorite fantasy is to be bound and gagged. Only 20% reported that they want more than small talk on a first outing. Don't overshare!

Also, show interest in the other person, ask them about their hobbies and interests, being able to find your similarities to connect with. You can find out a lot about a person by asking what they are watching on TV, reading, or listening to. Pop culture and entertainment are easy neutral grounds. You can also infer a lot about someone's personality by their hobbies and interests. Maybe there is no dating ground if they are into stamp collecting and you are into raves.

“We hope LGBTQIA+ daters worldwide are inspired to love in the way that feels most authentic to them.” #GCNnewshttps://t.co/pB8rTvKXBV

— Gay Community News (@GCNmag) February 8, 2023

There's some good stuff in the Hinge report, although it is bringing the reality and seriousness into wanting a real relationship. Taking loads at The Eagle doesn't mean a date. Hinge wants you to find romance and provides the guidelines by which to date. Clearly, you have to put in some work in your dating game but also in understanding what you ultimately want and are ready for.

What are your gay dating tips? Share with us!

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