5 Dating App Tips to Ensure They're Real & Than Just a Swipe

Team MyMuse - Sep 30, 2024

Worried your match is a catfish or scammer? These 5 dating app tips will help you spot the red flags and ensure your date is more than just a risky swipe.

My trust issues run so deep that I’ve never even touched a dating app. No swiping right, no judging people by their profile pics, and definitely no excitement when getting that match notification. If you’re anything like me—cautious about who you let into your world—we should be friends. You’re probably wondering, “Why is she writing this blog if she’s never been on a dating app?” Good question.

Here’s the thing: my legendary trust issues have turned me into a bit of a pro when it comes to spotting red flags from a mile away. And according to my friends who do use dating apps, I’ve saved them from more than a few sketchy situations. So let’s dive into dating app tips and dodge the fakes when it comes to online dating.

P.S. If nothing works out, you can always have a good time with a handheld personal massager.

1. Meet Virtually Before You Meet IRL

This is definitely the No. 1 dating app tip. So, you've been chatting with this potential date for a few days now, and everything seems perfect—maybe even a little too perfect. The easiest way to confirm that they’re legit? Hop on a quick video call! Trust us, it's better to feel awkward over FaceTime for five minutes than to show up to a date night and realize you've been duped. If your match keeps dodging your FaceTime request with weird excuses, it’s time to raise that red flag. "My camera is broken"—sure, and I'm Deepika Padukone!

2. Research, Don’t Just Swipe

Before you dive headfirst into date territory, do a little background check. That’s the most important dating app advice. Find them on social media, check their posts, and see if they’ve got any mutual connections. If their Instagram is full of only one picture or seems a little too curated, be cautious. A little bit of research never hurt anyone—and no, we don’t mean full-on stalking! Think of it as your digital first impression. You can also use prompts from AntiDate card game for couples to gauge if you’re really compatible.

3. Trust Your Gut

When we’re talking about dating app tips, we can’t leave this one out. Ever get that weird feeling that something’s off? Like when someone’s answers just don’t add up or they avoid talking about certain topics ("Where do you work?"—“Oh, just at a place…”). Listen to that feeling! Your gut instinct is like your personal BS detector. If their vibe feels sketchy, don't ignore it. It’s better to swipe left than get caught in a web of lies.

4. Reverse Image Search is Your Friend

Got a hunch that your match's profile pic looks a little too polished? Save the photo, pop it into Google’s reverse image search, and see if it pops up somewhere else—like a stock photo site or another person's profile. If you find out your match has been "borrowing" photos, it’s time to say buh-bye!

5. Avoid Oversharing Personal Information

Sure, you’re hitting it off, but that doesn't mean you need to start sharing your life story. This is a very important online dating advice for women. Scammers often use flattery and smooth talk to fish for personal information like your address or even your credit card number. So, until you've met them a few times and you’re 100% sure they're real, keep things light and fun, and save the personal details for later.

And as you consider how to slide into someone dms, remember: starting a conversation with genuine, light-hearted banter can be much more effective than diving in with too much too soon. Whether you're on a dating app or reaching out through social media, take it slow and let things develop naturally.