How to Keep a Conversation Going on Dating Apps? 18 Texting Rules

First impressions count, even in the digital world. Instead of a bland “Hey,” start with something more interesting. Referencing something from their profile shows you’ve taken the time to read it.

A comment on a shared interest or a witty remark can set the stage for a lively conversation. The goal is to stand out from the countless “Hi” and “Hello” messages they likely receive.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

To keep the dialogue going, ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Instead of “Do you like movies?” try “What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?” This encourages your match to share more about themselves and provides more material for the conversation. PrestigePairs has even more suggestions for you to check out!

Share a Little About Yourself

While it’s important to show interest in your match, don’t forget to share snippets about your own life. Balance is key. Sharing stories or experiences related to the topic can make the conversation feel more like a natural back-and-forth rather than an interview.

Be Genuine

Authenticity is attractive. Be yourself and let your personality shine through your messages. Trying too hard to impress or pretending to be someone you’re not can backfire. People appreciate honesty and can usually tell when someone is being sincere.

Keep It Light and Fun

Dating apps are meant to be enjoyable. Avoid heavy or controversial topics early on. Keep the conversation light-hearted and fun. Share a funny story, talk about hobbies, or discuss favorite TV shows and music. Humor is a great way to build a connection and keep things interesting.

Use Emojis Sparingly

Emojis can add a playful tone to your messages, but use them sparingly. Overloading your texts with emojis can make you seem immature. A well-placed smiley or wink can enhance your message and convey your tone more effectively than words alone.

Be Responsive, But Not Overly Eager

Timing is important in text conversations. Responding too quickly can make you seem overly eager, while taking too long might suggest disinterest. Aim for a balanced approach, showing that you’re interested but also have a life outside of the app. If you’re busy, a quick message to let them know you’ll respond later is considerate.

Pay Attention to Their Responses

Good conversation involves active listening. Pay attention to what your match says and build on it. If they mention they love hiking, ask about their favorite trails or share your own outdoor adventures. Showing interest in what they say makes them feel valued and encourages them to share more.

Keep It Positive

Positivity is attractive. Avoid complaining or being overly negative in your messages. Even if you’re having a bad day, try to keep the conversation upbeat. A positive attitude can be contagious and make the interaction more enjoyable for both of you.

Use Proper Grammar and Spelling

While this might seem trivial, using proper grammar and spelling shows that you’re putting effort into your messages. It makes you come across as more intelligent and considerate. Avoid using too much text speak or abbreviations, as this can be off-putting to some people.

Avoid Talking About Exes

Bringing up past relationships can be a major turn-off. Focus on the present and getting to know your match. Talking about exes can make you seem hung up on the past and not ready to move forward. If the topic does come up, keep it brief and neutral.

Flirt, But Don’t Overdo It

Flirting is a natural part of dating, but it’s important to strike the right balance. Light teasing and playful comments can be fun, but avoid being overly suggestive or making your match uncomfortable. Gauge their responses and adjust your approach accordingly.

Know When to Move the Conversation Offline

The ultimate goal of a dating app is to meet in person. If the conversation is going well, suggest taking it offline. Propose a casual meet-up, like grabbing coffee or going for a walk. This shows you’re serious about getting to know them better and can move the relationship forward.

Be Patient

Building a connection takes time. Don’t rush the conversation or pressure your match into meeting before they’re ready. Patience shows that you’re respectful of their pace and comfortable with the process. Enjoy getting to know them and let things develop naturally.

Know When to Let Go

Not every match will lead to a great conversation or a date, and that’s okay. If the conversation feels forced or one-sided, it might be best to move on. Recognize when it’s time to let go and focus your energy on matches with more potential.

Mastering the Art of Humor

Humor is a powerful tool in conversation. A well-timed joke or witty comment can break the ice and make you more memorable. However, humor is subjective, so it’s essential to gauge your match’s sense of humor. Start with light, non-offensive jokes and see how they respond. If they engage positively, you can gradually incorporate more humor into your messages. Remember, the goal is to make them smile, not to offend or make them uncomfortable.

Share Your Passions

Talking about your hobbies and interests can spark interesting conversations. When you share your passions, you give your match a glimpse into your world and what excites you. Whether it’s a love for cooking, traveling, or playing a musical instrument, discussing these topics can lead to engaging exchanges. Moreover, your enthusiasm can be contagious, making the conversation more lively and enjoyable.

Discuss Future Plans

While it might be too early to talk about long-term goals, discussing short-term plans can be a fun way to keep the conversation going. Ask about their weekend plans or upcoming vacations. This not only provides more topics to discuss but also shows that you’re interested in their life outside of the app. Sharing your plans can also reveal common interests and potential date ideas.

Use Multimedia

Incorporating photos, gifs, or voice notes can add variety to your conversation. Sharing a picture of your latest culinary creation, a meme that made you laugh, or a voice note can make your interaction more dynamic and personal. Multimedia can break the monotony of text and offer new ways to express yourself and connect with your match.