Here’s what queer dating is like, according to dating app Hinge

Hinge spills the tea on LGBTQ+ dating trends.

With the introduction of dating apps, finding the one (two or more) is as simple as a click of a button. Well, it might not be that easy, but Hinge has a few findings that shed light on what queer and trans people are seeking in the dating scene. So whether you’re into a coffee dates or want to dive into deep questions on the first date, Hinge’s 2024 LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. Report has some insights for you.

On Thursday, “the dating app designed to be deleted” released its second annual LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise) Report. The new study, which was conducted among over 14,000 Hinge users, highlights LGBTQ+ dating trends, firsthand perspectives from queer and trans daters, and practical tips from Moe Ari Brown, Hinge’s Love & Connection Expert and a licensed therapist. The report guides readers through what Hinge calls a “slowmance.”

Slowmance refers to slowing the pace one takes with a budding connection to “enjoy the ride,” build trust, set intentions, and establish clear boundaries. Not surprising that Hinge would highlight this when the study showed that “50% of LGBTQIA+ daters want to learn how to build trust better” and “58% of LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters want to learn to bring up their wants and needs in relationships.” Ultimately, creating emotional intimacy was top of mind for Hinge daters.

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“Dating can be especially complex for queer daters for many reasons. Opting for a slowmance helps LGBTQIA+ daters cultivate emotional intimacy and build the strong foundation necessary to navigate those complexities,” Moe Ari Brown says for Hinge. “The 2024 LGBTQIA+ Hinge D.A.T.E. report sees, hears and supports queer daters worldwide with a resource that offers advice and tools to build the connection, vulnerability and trust they desire in relationships.”

Yet getting to that point might be challenging. The study showed that 10% of the survey respondents “prefer someone to start a conversation with them by asking them about their dating intentions,” with most daters preferring to get know their date a bit more before those intentions are set. So, don’t think about skipping the small talk yet, as only 20% preferred “someone to start a conversation by skipping the small talk and asking a deep question.”

While good conversation is critical to a date going well, so is the environment. Low-pressure dates, or spots with relaxed environments that foster open, meaningful conversations, allow for daters to get to know each other at their pace. The top low-pressure date location was a coffee shop, followed by a bar (21%) and a restaurant (20%), whereas the top first-date topics were personal growth (58%), identity (51%), family dynamics (32%) and societal issues (32%).

But when dating is done, there’s the popular partner reveal. The “soft launch,” or the subtle posting of photos of a romantic partner (without revealing their full face/identity) on a public platform, is actually helpful for queer daters who may not be “out” to family, friends, and coworkers. Therefore, Hinge daters’ top reasons for a hard launch were to “enjoy the early stages of the relationship before involving others (58%), protect their own privacy (44%), and understand each other’s boundaries (40%).

Dating just got a little easier with the 2024 LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. Report. Check out the full report on Hinge’s blog.

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