With the rise of online dating, there are now many different dating apps to choose from. Some dating apps are known for facilitating casual relationships, while others aim to help singles find long-term, committed relationships that lead to marriage. But which dating app actually results in the most successful, long-lasting relationships?
Tinder
As one of the most popular dating apps, Tinder is often associated with hookup culture. However, some studies show that a significant number of Tinder users are actually seeking relationships. In one survey, over half of Tinder users said they had never had a one-night stand.
According to Tinder, the app facilitates over 1.5 million dates per week. And research suggests that over half of Tinder users want their matches to turn into long-term, exclusive relationships. However, only about 20% of users actually end up in relationships from the app.
Bumble
Bumble was founded by Whitney Wolfe, one of the co-founders of Tinder, in an effort to empower women in online dating. On Bumble, women have to make the first move when messaging a match. This feature is meant to reduce unwanted advances and encourage meaningful connections.
According to a study by WeddingWire, Bumble results in more marriages than any other dating app. Over 10% of Bumble users who got married met their spouse on the app. Bumble seems to attract relationship-minded singles looking for something real.
Hinge
Hinge brands itself as the dating app “designed to be deleted.” It focuses on helping singles find meaningful, deeper connections through its prompts and interface. You build your profile around answers to questions and personal photos instead of just photos and a bio.
Hinge claims that 75% of first dates set up through the app lead to second dates. Research shows that over half of Hinge users are seeking a serious relationship and feel hopeful about finding a lasting partner on the app.
Match
As one of the first online dating platforms, Match established itself early as the go-to for singles seeking serious relationships. Users have to fill out an extensive profile and can use filters to narrow down matches by relationship goals.
Match claims responsibility for the most dating starts, relationships, and marriages of any dating app. Studies indicate that Match users are predominantly interested in exclusive dating and serious relationships. Over 30% of users find a long-term relationship on Match.
eHarmony
Known for its compatibility algorithm, eHarmony aims to connect relationship-minded singles based on core values and personality traits. Users must complete an in-depth questionnaire when signing up. The app then provides a select number of curated matches each day.
According to a survey by Statistic Brain, eHarmony is responsible for approximately 5% of all marriages in the U.S. eHarmony users have one of the highest rates of turning online matches into marriages compared to other dating sites and apps.
Comparison of Relationship Success Rates
| Dating App | Users Seeking Relationships | Users Who Met Spouse on App |
|---|---|---|
| Tinder | 50% | 20% |
| Bumble | Majority | Over 10% |
| Hinge | Over 50% | Data not available |
| Match | Majority | Over 30% |
| eHarmony | All users | 5% of all US marriages |
Factors in Successful Relationships
While dating apps can connect compatible people, there are other important factors that contribute to whether those matches develop into satisfying, lasting relationships:
- Compatibility – Having shared values, similar personalities, and relationship goals.
- Timing – Being ready for the same type of relationship and desire for commitment.
- Communication – Developing emotional intimacy through self-disclosure and expressing needs.
- Compromise – Finding solutions to conflicts and disagreements in a constructive way.
- Trust – Building trust in each other by being dependable, honest, and loyal.
- Chemistry – Having that ineffable “spark” that includes physical and emotional attraction.
The degree of compatibility provided by dating apps is just the starting point. Singles still have to put in effort to build relationships that go the distance. Apps that foster more meaningful connections through profiles and messaging tend to lead to higher chances of success.
The Importance of Shared Values
Research indicates that relationships are more satisfying and stable when there is a strong alignment of values between partners. Apps that facilitate compatibility matching based on values, personality, and goals tend to result in more relationships.
For example, eHarmony focuses on connecting singles who share core values and beliefs. Users must answer an extensive questionnaire when signing up. eHarmony then provides a limited number of matches per day that have high compatibility scores based on dozens of factors.
The time and effort eHarmony’s process requires means users tend to be more invested and serious about finding a real relationship. The compatibility matching results in shared values that lay the groundwork for relationship success.
Communication Strategies
How singles communicate once they connect on a dating app also impacts the likelihood of transitioning to a committed relationship. Here are some tips for building emotional intimacy through communication:
- Ask open-ended questions to learn about your match’s interests, values, and life experiences.
- Listen actively by giving your full attention and asking follow-up questions.
- Share details about your own life, thoughts, and feelings to build mutual understanding.
- Express appreciation, affection, and responsiveness verbally and through body language.
- Bring up any concerns, conflicts, or needs directly but empathetically.
- Discuss relationship goals and desires when the time feels right.
By continuing meaningful communication outside of the app, singles can establish emotional intimacy necessary for lasting commitment.
Transitioning to Exclusivity
An important milestone that indicates a dating app match has real relationship potential is when both people want to transition to dating each other exclusively. Here are some signs it may be time to have the commitment talk:
- Spending more time together consistently
- Opening up emotionally and sharing deeper thoughts and feelings
- Meeting each other’s family and friends
- Discussing future plans or dates with each other
- Stopping use of the dating app
- Bringing up exclusivity and defining the relationship
Being on the same page about exclusivity and labels is important for matching expectations. Don’t be afraid to communicate your desire to stop using dating apps and focus energy on each other.
Maintaining Lasting Relationships
Once in an exclusive relationship, there are additional steps couples should take to strengthen the bond and keep the spark alive, including:
- Making quality time for each other a priority
- Trying new activities and experiences together
- Expressing affection and intimacy through words and actions
- Supporting each other’s personal growth and goals
- Sharing household duties and financial responsibilities
- Having fun together and nurturing playfulness
- Working through problems as a team
A strong relationship foundation from shared values and emotional intimacy makes maintaining long-term commitment much smoother.
Conclusion
While no dating app can guarantee relationship success, some apps are more likely to lead to a commitment than others. Dating sites that focus on thoughtful matching like eHarmony tend to foster deeper connections between users. Apps like Bumble and Hinge that emphasize profiles over just photos also help singles find compatibility.
But a dating app is just the starting point. Singles must still nurture growing relationships through ongoing communication, compromise, and trust. When two people are dedicated to understanding each other, share values, and work together, couples can form meaningful relationships that stand the test of time, no matter which app they met on.
