“has earned an international reputation as a trustworthy platform for singles seeking short-term and long-term relationships.“ (Apr 2025)
“has earned an international reputation as a trustworthy platform for singles seeking short-term and long-term relationships.“ (Apr 2025)
Introduction to Online Gay Dating: 6 Things You Need to Know to Ensure Success
When it comes to the world of gay dating, there are many things one needs to know. Whether you are wondering what to wear on your first date or are just looking for gay online dating profile tips, here is our list of the top 10 things to consider when you take the plunge into the world of gay dating.
1. Gay Dating Online Has Great Benefits
While gay dating online dating has numerous benefits, the most important is the ability to connect with someone on an intimate level. At a dance club or a smoky bar, you cannot enjoy simple conversations—the type that allow you to pick up on someone’s sense of humor or their general level of intelligence. Online dating allows you to take the time to get to know people.
Another great benefit is that you can easily reject people you have no interest in talking to. At the bar, some don’t accept being brushed off well (or they just can’t take a hint). On the internet, all it takes is a simple click, and you are on to the next guy.
2. Profiles Lacking in Content
While smartphone apps are extremely easy to setup and use, they leave everything to the imagination. Other than a few characters, maybe two or three sentences, you won’t get much information from browsing profiles on apps like Grindr.
Often, the desire to fill your profile with the minimum requirements is hard to overcome. You want to do as little as possible so that you can immediately start to see other users in the dating pool; however, take the time to properly fill out your profile so that you can connect with those that share your interests.
If you’re looking to date and make a love connection, try an online dating website like Match.
3. Profile Pictures
Nothing is more disheartening than showing up to a date and finding that your date’s profile picture doesn’t live up to expectations. It is not fair to you and it wouldn’t be fair of you to do the same to someone else. Unfortunately, it’s a constant reality in the online dating world – one that you have to be aware of. Use a current picture. Do not photoshop your picture. And by all means, use an appropriate picture.
4. Online Dating isn’t Dating
We mentioned earlier that there were numerous benefits to online dating. While this is the case, it is important to remember that online dating is not the same as dating. Even though you may spend hours in deep, intimate conversation, this does not constitute a date. You have to get out, meet new people in person, and try new experiences. If you find someone interesting online, take the plunge and ask them out on a date.
5. Unexpected Money Conversations
A problem you might not expect to have in online dating is in regards to money. Because of the different dynamics that are present in gay relationships, there are often significant differences in assets and income. As many men are interested in relationships, career and personal finance questions are bound to pop up in conversation, so be ready to handle them appropriately.
6. The Number of Gay Online Dating Users is Growing Exponentially
A recent study published that 70% of gay couples are now meeting online. With numbers so high, it is hard to ignore the facts; online dating is the wave of the future. After reading the aforementioned nine facts--and given the simplicity of online dating--it is hard to fathom a future in which we don't all participate in online dating.
Whether this is your first time researching gay dating sites online or you are just dusting off the cobwebs after a long-term relationship, just remember to be true to yourself, be honest and open, and be willing to try new experiences. Often, the biggest obstacle in gay dating is getting out of your own way.
There’s no shortage of apps for gay men looking to find a partner. Whether you’re looking for a long-term relationship or a one-night fling, there’s likely an app that will find you suitable matches. That leaves the choice up to you. If you’re looking to enhance your chances at finding someone, it could be time to invest in one of these top dating sites for gay men.
You Don’t Have to Settle—to Settle Down
These days there are more gay dating site options than ever before, and they have the know-how and experience to help you make a meaningful connection. Whether by sophisticated matching algorithm or location-based app, by searching for your specific type and tribe or waiting to see who pops up on your screen, the options are making it easier for men to connect. All you have to do is figure out what you’re looking for, open your mind, and take the plunge.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 1Trusted site with millions of users
- Pricing - As low as $19.99
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 25-55
Trusted site with millions of usersRead Match ReviewMatch - Best for finding a variety of relationship styles
Match is one of the most popular online dating platforms out there, with millions of users in over 60 countries. This site is a fantastic choice for those seeking serious relationships because profiles include many prompts to learn about users' personalities, lifestyles, and interests.
After creating a profile on Match, you'll get access to limited free functionality. However, you need to become a paying member to send messages. Plus, you'll need to devote time to this app by uploading photos, writing a detailed bio, and answering a lot of questions.
Users seem very happy with Match's customer service, particularly the expert dating coaches who are available to all paying members.
Why we chose Match: Match has an inclusive user base, which allows its users to identify as various genders and sexual orientations and connect with a lot of different people. In addition, social media and phone verification keep fake users to a minimum.
Our experience: We enjoyed taking advantage of the features that make Match stand out from other dating apps and sites, such as read receipts on messages and unlimited video chatting.
Match Pros & Cons
PROS
Experienced, well-trusted dating siteHigh-percentage of success storiesAllows up to 26 profile photosCONS
30-minute sign-up processMore traditional than other sites - 2Digital matchmaking for seniors
- Pricing - As low as $7.49
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 50 and up
Digital matchmaking for seniorsRead Ourtime ReviewOurtime - Best for singles over 50
Ourtime is geared toward giving the 50-and-up crowd a chance at love. But you don't have to be in your 50s to sign up; anyone interested in dating people who are 50 and over is welcome to join.
With a premium plan, you can send messages, virtual gifts, or even "flirts" to show interest, but you won't have access to these features unless you pay for a monthly subscription.
Ourtime users say they like the focus on user privacy and security. The site ensures its members stay safe while exploring possible connections by providing safety tips for both online and in-person dating. However, some have complained about technical problems and a lack of racial diversity among its active members.
Why we chose Ourtime: Singles over 50 are a large and growing demographic. Ourtime gives singles a way to date without worrying about being rejected because of their age.
Our experience: We saw many profiles with generic bios on other apps. We liked Ourtime's unique prompts that ask users to answer three quirky questions so others can get to know them better. These questions include: "What's your favorite kind of date?", "Which do you prefer - morning or night?" and "Which do you prefer - sweet or savory?" We also appreciated the option to search for various match criteria, including religion and zodiac signs, to find people whose beliefs and interests were compatible with ours.
Ourtime Pros & Cons
PROS
Large user baseHelpful customer supportReal-world singles events and outingsCONS
Limited matching technologyNeed paid membership to send messages - 3
Premier site for black singles- Pricing - As low as $2.99
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 30-50
Premier site for black singlesRead BlackPeopleMeet ReviewBlackPeopleMeet - Best for black singles
BlackPeopleMeet has been around since 2002 and, as the name suggests, is catered primarily toward members of the black community. But it's also designed for people of other races who are interested in finding a black partner. In fact, it's suitable for anyone looking for a serious relationship, travel partner, or friendship.
BlackPeopleMeet makes it easy for users to locate others whose desires match theirs with a wide variety of search features. The most unique is the keyword search option, which locates profiles that contain specific words or phrases. But there aren't any questionnaires so you won't get match scores as you might with other apps.
The free version has all the standard functions you'd expect and all members can view profiles, match, send messages to "Top Picks" and rate daily matches. A premium membership is required to access the messaging feature, but the cost is relatively low at just $2.99 per week if you purchase a six-month plan, compared to other apps.
Why we chose BlackPeopleMeet: Given the racism some people experience on general-interest dating apps, it's invaluable to have a space where African American singles can meet one another—and others who are open to exploring interracial relationships.
Our experience: We thought the "Message Ideas" feature, which provides conversation-starter suggestions for tongue-tied users, was super helpful. We also liked how the site prompts users to write what kind of relationship they're interested in on their profile, with options including "travel partner" or "pen pal." But we thought it was sketchy that there were many profiles without photos.
BlackPeopleMeet Pros & Cons
PROS
Prioritizes people over algorithmsEasy to sign up and useReach out through message, chat, or flirtCONS
Limited compatibility matchesOnly paying users can communicate
