Raw and Dirty Guide to Niche Dating: 11 Apps to Check Out |

Today’s dating isn’t like your grandmother’s dating at all. And it’s certainly not your mother’s dating either. Let’s face it, dating is light years ahead of where it was when the very first online dating site (Match.com) launched in 1995.

According to a survey conducted by One Poll/Forbes Health45% of people today believe that dating apps are the best place to meet someone, and around 70% of people who have met someone on an app say it led to a romantic and exclusive relationship.

But what about those of us who aren’t just looking for romantic or exclusive relationships? What about those of us who are looking for people who share our inclinations, lifestyles, sexual orientations, or cultural communities? Traditional dating apps can be quite limited in this regard.

Enter the world of niche dating apps. Unlike traditional dating apps, which have a broader reach, these sophisticated platforms go beyond convenience to target narrower demographics. And they’re gaining popularity because they offer tailored experiences, providing space for diverse needs.

Piqued your curiosity? Take a look at some of these niche platforms to see which ones resonate on a deeper level. Hey, looking in the right place is half the battle, right? While not all apps are available everywhere, many are widely accessible.

1. Feel

For: People who explore ethical non-monogamy

Founded on the belief that “nothing is more fluid or less binary than human relationships,” Feel‘s settings include over 20 sexual orientations and a wide range of gender identities. It also offers couple accounts that allow couples (or lovers) to date, as well as group chats that allow you to create a polycule.

2. Pure

For: People who want to explore specific topics folds Or fantasies

Pure Pure bills itself as a “shameless dating” site, encouraging you to post an “ad” about yourself so you can get likes, chat, and meet people. In short, Pure is very conducive to openly sharing sexual fantasies and connecting with people who have similar ones. The bottom line: you get to say what turns you on and what you’re looking for (i.e. casual, long-term, virtual, whatever).

3. SHE

For women, lesbian, intersex, transand agender encounters (FLINTA)

HER is a safe and supportive space to connect without fear, created by queers, for queers. It welcomes all lesbians, bisexualqueer, non-binary, trans and gender non-conforming people to join, share their stories and hopefully meet their match(es). Please note: HER can be used to to make friends Or nowadays.

4. MEET

For: Players looking for love

For many, video games may not seem like the common ground on which to build a relationship, but for true gamers, it is a passion and it is the key to their lifestyle. Many gamers are looking for someone who wants to explore these virtual worlds with them, without judging them for, well, the game. Come in LFGD MEETING: game changer.

5. Dinner

For: those who want to avoid online chats and just go on a date

Dinner is a unique dating platform designed to inspire “more dates, not swipes.” The site is free and makes it easy to meet in person by giving everyday matches the opportunity to invite each other to dinner instead of engaging in endless, fruitless chats.

6. Matrimony.com

For: Indian singles who want to get married

If you are single, indianand you want to enter into a traditional marriage without depending on the traditional matchmaking system (your family?!), Wedding.com has been designed especially for you. It is entirely intended for people whose top priority is to land a happy marriage.

7. The League

For: Ambitious professionals looking for the other half of their power couple

The leagueThe bold beginning of: “You’re told your standards are too high? Keep them that way.” The idea with this one is to filter “prospects” within a network of high-performing and desirable professionals. The League offers matches based on a deep combination of personal and professional interests, even taking into account your LinkedIn and Facebook information.

For: Mature singles looking for age-appropriate or age-gap relationships, without judgment

Our time is for anyone who finds the experience appealing. Its members include experienced people looking for meaningful romantic and sexual relationships later in life. While standard members can respond to messages sent by premium members, only premium members have full access to contact anyone, as well as access to extensive search filters.

9. Interracial Dating

For: People who want to date partners of a different race only

Interracial Dating has a reputation as the best dating site for singles looking for partners of a different race than their own, and the site is full of success stories. It sets itself apart by allowing everyone to contact each other for free, as well as sending and receiving messages anonymously at first if you wish.

10. DateFit

For: Fitness enthusiasts looking for other fitness enthusiasts

DateFit is a unique singles community for gym-goers, hikers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts. The platform seeks to eliminate the barrier of trying to get to know someone over text by hosting in-person events/mixers for its active users so they can get to know each other IRL as soon as possible. application brings people together around a common desire to move and sweat.

11. NIGHT

For: Those who believe that love is written in the cosmos

Night brings singles together by harnessing the power of the stars. This online dating platform uses members’ astrological charts to match people, compare their strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits, and ultimately find the best match for each member. Bonus: having access to a love interest’s astrological chart makes for a fantastic icebreaker!

Bottom line: While human beings and human desires can’t be sorted, categorized, and compartmentalized as easily as dating apps (which is a good thing!), it never hurts to have access to dedicated, intentional niche communities that were designed to help us figure out what we’re really looking for.WHO we are actually looking for.

It’s definitely worth a try. <3