Buzz
You've matched with someone on Hinge—how exciting! This is your first step towards building a meaningful relationship. So, what’s your next move? Starting a conversation on Hinge becomes a breeze once you're matched and know exactly what to do. In this article, we’ll share the best strategies for starting and keeping a conversation going on Hinge.
Steps
Like their profile
To begin a conversation, you need a like from both sides. Like other dating apps, the only way you can message someone on Hinge is if they've also liked your profile. So, go ahead and like their profile!
- You can see who has liked you under the 'Likes You' tab.
- To match with someone who has liked you back, simply hit the Match button, and their profile will appear in your Matches section.
Comment on their answers to the questions on their profile
Each Hinge profile features interview-style questions you can respond to. In addition to general background info, Hinge lets users personalize what they share on their profiles. This unique feature sets Hinge apart from other dating apps and provides you with something to start a conversation with.
- “Wow. I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t tried a sandwich.”
- “You’re looking for someone who loves you as much as you love pizza, right? Well, lucky for you, I’m a pizza enthusiast!”
- Don’t forget to add more questions to your own profile! These will also help your match start a conversation with you.
Comment on their profile pictures
Let them know that one of their photos says a lot to you. A Hinge profile typically includes at least 6 pictures, so there will be plenty to comment on. Try asking where a photo was taken, inquiring about a skill shown in the picture, or complimenting their outfit.
- “I love your hat! Where did you get it?”
- “That mountain trail looks pretty steep. Have you ever made it to the top?”
- The other person will get a notification when you comment on their photo or question, so be ready to respond to their replies!
Respond to their interests and hobbies
Use suggested prompts to spark a conversation. When browsing through someone else's profile, send them messages about shared interests, hobbies, or dislikes. It’s a great way to show them, “Hey, we have something in common!” and start a deeper conversation.
- “I totally agree. Fruit on pizza is just weird.”
- “I see you’re riding a camel in your photo. Where did you travel to?”
- Talking about shared interests can help you both connect and ease that initial awkwardness.
Ask an open-ended question
Open-ended questions require more detailed answers, making it easier to keep the conversation going. When you’re talking to your match for the first time, stick to questions that need more than a “yes” or “no” answer. This will help you get to know them better and build a stronger connection. Try asking questions like:
- “Who’s your favorite celebrity?”
- “What are your favorite toppings for ice cream?”
- “What do you like to do in your free time?”
Give them a compliment
Start the conversation by mentioning what you like about them. There must be a reason why they caught your eye. Maybe it’s their sparkling eyes, bright smile, or witty way of speaking. Pick something about them that you find appealing and start the conversation with a compliment. You can try saying things like:
- “Your smile is so infectious.”
- “Your taste in literature is impressive.”
- “I’ve never seen a profile as fun to read as yours!”
Play the “would you rather” game
The “would you rather” questions can help you avoid having to come up with small talk. This simple yet fun game will give you more insight into your match and help you gauge how compatible you are. Plus, each answer leads to a follow-up question, keeping the conversation going beyond the introduction! You can start with questions like:
- “Which superpower would you rather have: controlling the future or changing the past?”
- “If you had the choice, would you prefer unlimited time or unlimited money?”
- “If you had two options for the weekend - stay home watching movies or go on a countryside adventure, which would you choose?”
Say hello and ask about their day
Sometimes, a simple greeting can help you start the conversation. If you're feeling nervous and unsure of what to say when texting the other person, don't worry! Begin with a hello, share what happened in your day, and then ask about theirs. Their response will give you something to expand on, and the conversation will naturally flow. Here are some ways to kick things off:
- “Today got so much better after you commented on my photo! How was your day?”
- “Hi there! Your like really brightened up my gloomy day. What do you plan to do on a rainy day like this?”
- “Hey! A beautiful day like today is even better because we matched! What about you?”
Share a funny quote
Start a conversation with a witty comment. If your match seems humorous, why not share some of your own jokes? Humor is an easy and fun way to reveal a little bit of your personality and make them laugh – even better if you can incorporate details from their profile into the joke. Try kicking off the conversation with one of these funny lines:
- "Two stubborn people making a perfect match. Do you agree?"
- "Can you guess this: tired but still taking your partner to watch the sunset? It's called 'the evening haze'."
- "Want to hear a rainy-day story? Never mind, it’s too wet."
Keep the atmosphere positive
An optimistic attitude is incredibly helpful when starting a conversation on Hinge. Instead of focusing on the annoyances of life, try to concentrate on the positive aspects. Since it’s your first time chatting with your match, you should steer clear of complaints and focus on the positive.
- Everyone has different experiences with dating apps, so why create a negative experience for someone else?
- Online dating can often leave you feeling more disappointed than hopeful, so try to foster a positive experience by being friendly, even if things don’t work out as you hoped.
Show respect
Your match will be more likely to engage in conversation if you show that you care about their feelings. No one wants to talk to someone rude or inconsiderate. An optimistic, polite, and open attitude when talking to a new person can leave them with a positive impression of you.
- Show respect so they can feel your genuine interest, and if they express disinterest, politely end the conversation.
- If you want to keep chatting, think about how you would like to be treated and extend the same courtesy to them.
Suggest moving the conversation off the Hinge app
If you feel a strong connection with your match, ask for their phone number. Calling or video chatting takes the conversation beyond texting on the app, providing an opportunity for a deeper, real-time interaction. It can also be a step toward dating in the real world. Try saying:
- "It would be fun to meet in person! What's your phone number?"
- "I really want to hear the rest of that story. How about we swap numbers and chat more?"
- "I bet you have a great smile! Why don’t we switch to phone and continue chatting?"
