Facebook Dating Tips: Ins & Outs for Success

Key Points

• Facebook Dating is a service that uses your main Facebook profile without needing an additional dating app.

• Facebook users over 18 and in good standing can create a dating account and use the service in eligible countries.

• Facebook Dating tips help users deepen their understanding of how the platform works, making it easier to land dates.

• Facebook Dating has at least 10 symbols worth understanding and memorizing to use the service effectively.

• Reddit is home to many Facebook Dating tips (especially for men) that make using the app a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Once upon a time, when two parties were interested in getting to know one another, they met in person, determined each other's compatibility, and went steady. Thanks to technology, dating in 2023 is more complex than ever. Single and mingling means reviewing dating app profiles and swiping left or right from the comfort of your bed. Now more than ever, Facebook Dating tips help get singles off the couch and back in action.

Facebook Dating is a new match-making platform designed to enhance the ease of finding your next mate. With the below-mentioned Facebook Dating tips, you are well on your way to understanding how it works, learning a few tips, and ultimately doing what anyone utilizing this service wants to do — finding a suitable paramour.

Facebook Dating Overview

If you're in the dating phase of your life, you want to explore all your options, especially those requiring technology. Unsure of where to start? Try Facebook Dating.

What Is Facebook Dating?

Facebook Dating is a service offered by Meta, Facebook's parent company. It allows users to create a profile centered around their Facebook account. The chief goal is convenience, as the dating elements weave into your main profile, which you've already spent a great deal of time creating.

Facebook Dating makes it simple to start meaningful relationships based on personal interests, past and upcoming events, and any of your groups. As a result, you don't have to worry about creating an additional profile and fleshing out details.

Information like your interests, groups, and hobbies transfer to your dating profile, where you can add additional information if you want. You're essentially creating a digital version of who you are. 

Facebook Dating App

Unlike other dating services, no additional app is necessary to use Facebook Dating. It's already connected to your Facebook app but is only available for Android and iPhone devices. There is no web version to date.

Who is Eligible To Use Facebook Dating?

Any users over 18 years old residing in a country participating in Facebook Dating are eligible to use the service. As of March 2023, there are approximately 50 countries where Facebook Dating is available.

To verify your age, you either submit a selfie that Facebook will use to determine your age or submit a copy of your driver's license or state identification.

Additionally, you must have a Facebook account that is in good standing and at least 30 days old.

How To Find Facebook Dating?

To access Facebook Dating from your Android or iPhone:

• Open the Facebook app.

• Tap on the symbol that looks like an equal sign (=) with three parallel bars instead of two. Find this symbol in the top-right-hand corner under the search bar, where messages appear.

• From the menu list, click on the "Dating" option. It's a red and purple heart (if you can't find it there, type "dating" into the search bar).

• From there, create your profile. Click on "Get Started" to begin the process.

How To Activate Facebook Dating

To activate the dating feature, head to the Facebook Dating home page. Once there, click on "Get Started." You follow a series of prompts to set up your account completely.

Customizing your profile is possible, helping you stand out by adding more information and photos. Even connect to your Instagram to share posts.

Once you're done and satisfied with the changes, click "Done." Facebook will now recommend your profile to other users on Facebook Dating. It's important to note that you can only engage in back-and-forth messaging if you and your love interest match.

Matches are primarily based on the content of your profile and whether other users like what they see.

Using Facebook Dating

How to use Facebook Dating starts with the customization process. That process, as mentioned above, is not painstaking. The majority of the data for your profile comes from your main Facebook page, but you have room to add additional info to help you come across as unique.

The survey asks questions about focal points, such as your height and whether you have kids. It also delves into interests such as sports and hobbies. Finally, it asks about your match preferences, with questions ranging from age preferences and gender identity to education level and religious beliefs.

Additionally, you need to note what characteristics you're looking for in a match. The cool thing here is, unlike other popular dating apps such as Bumble and Tinder, Facebook Dating allows you to select more than one option at a time, making it more likely to meet a broader range of people and potential matches.

The relationship options included are chatting, friendship, something casual, long-term relationship, and prefer not to say. Select more than one of these to diversify the profiles you see.

Facebook Dating Features

Facebook Dating offers free built-in features. For example, it's possible to match with people who have participated in the same events as you (without being their friend) and people who have groups in common with you. 

There's even a second-look feature, allowing you to take another look at people whom you've passed over accidentally or intentionally. None of these features require an additional subscription; they're all standard, as Facebook Dating is completely free!

Privacy

It's worth noting that while Facebook Dating connects to your main profile, any content you share (such as photos) will not appear on your regular account. Likewise, conversations you have on the platform are also kept separate.

Current Facebook friends won't be able to see that you're also on Facebook Dating, helping to keep your love life private. Hide your profile from individuals you don't want to see or match with by blocking them.

To do this, tap on the dating icon (a red and purple heart), go to matches, then click on the profile you want to block. Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right-hand corner, then follow the steps to block that profile.

When you're ready, the app will recommend potential matches one at a time via your dating page. To see more than one, toggle over to the dating section of the Facebook app, then click on "Matches" to see the rest of those recommendations.

Secret Crushes

With this feature, Facebook Dating allows you to match with your Facebook friends and Instagram followers. To use it, you only have to scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see suggested match profiles. From there, click on "Secret Crush."

If that user is active on Facebook Dating, they get a notification that someone has a crush on them but will not know who that person is. If they add you to their secret crush list, voila — you now have a match! You only have up to nine secret crushes available at a time between your Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Adjust Dating Settings

Changing the settings will inevitably change how the app works for you. To access settings, tap the gear icon on the screen where the recommended profiles appear. Two tabs now appear: "ideal match" and "general" (the more basic settings).

From here, change the settings related to prospective matches, such as distance, age range, gender identity, etc. These options are for ideal matches.

The general tab has more to do with account settings, like linking your Instagram account, setting up notification settings, and even taking a break from the platform or deleting your dating profile.

Facebook Dating Symbols

Anyone new to Facebook Dating will undoubtedly have more than a few questions about its features. One such feature, the symbols, requires an explanation to ensure you know what they mean and how to use them effectively. There are at least 10 symbols you need to know.

• The Heart

  This symbol signifies a simple like. It means you encountered someone interested in getting to know you better or who wants to date. Tapping on it yourself is your way to let someone know you also find them interesting. Instead of swiping right or left, click the heart to like a person.

• The X

  The cross (or x) button is usually next to the heart. Use the heart to like someone and the cross to pass on a profile for whatever reason — lack of interest, compatibility, or coming across an individual you may know and dislike. Like other dating apps, with Facebook Dating, the people you pass up on are never notified.

• The Smiley Face/Smile Symbol

  Occasionally, a third symbol is between the heart and the cross. That symbol is the smiley face. This button lets you send a message to someone who interests you. Once that profile owner gets a notification of the news, they can choose to match you and respond. It's worth noting that this feature is only available in some countries.

• Double Heart

  This symbol allows you to access the secret crush feature. As mentioned earlier, you get up to nine secret crushes between your Facebook and Instagram accounts (if you connect your Instagram to your Facebook Dating profile). Once you add them to your list, they receive a notification that someone secretly admires them. If they add you to their list, the two of you match and can start getting to know each other better!

• The Semi-Heart Symbol

  This symbol represents the second look feature. On other dating apps like Bumble and Tinder, you have to pay for that feature to go back to a profile you may have unintentionally swiped left on; it isn't available with the free version. However, Facebook Dating's second look feature makes it possible to go back to a profile you may have mistakenly passed on (or want to look over again) and like that individual.

• The Three-Person Icon

  This icon represents common groups. The common group's feature will show you a list of people on Facebook Dating who belong to the same groups as you. The whole point of groups is to connect you to people with similar interests, bridging the gap between strangers to bolster your dating prospects.

  

• The Calendar

  Like in common groups, this feature is for common events. It shows you a list of people on Facebook Dating attending the same events as you in the future. It's also possible to find people who've attended the same events in the past.

• Chatbox

  The chatbox is for messages and messaging. That's where you find your matches and review the messages you've sent.

• Liked You

  Like the Hinge dating app, Facebook Dating shows users who liked your profile with the liked you symbol. These are profiles you passed up on or users you have yet to come across who saw your page and liked what they saw.

• The Gear

  This symbol represents the settings page. From here, change general settings (focused on account settings and whatnot) and ideal match characteristics.

What Does the Purple Dot Mean on Facebook Dating?

The purple dot on Facebook Dating resembles the excellent swipe feature on the popular dating app Tinder. It's essentially Facebook Dating's version of the super swipe. Use it to express a deep interest in someone you want to date.

Head to your dating profile's search bar or enter "Discovery Mode" on the app to use it. After that, all you have to do is tap the purple dot option. You've now super-swiped on a prospective match!

Compliments

Facebook Dating allows you to compliment other users who are on the platform. Compliments are positive comments or remarks about a person's personality, characteristics, outward appearance, etc.

The cool thing is you don't have to match with someone to leave them a compliment. If you're feeling bold, craft your best message and try to win the affection of your love interest.

To make sure your comment sticks out from the pack, it should accomplish three things:

1. Be unexpected or unique.

2. Elicit positive emotions.

3. Tell the person something about themselves.

Receiving compliments is a whole different beast in itself. Various strategies work, but some tried and tested ones will help you receive the most compliments possible.

Use Photos That Show Your Best Self

Blurry photos, bathroom selfies, gym selfies — these pictures make you seem boring, trite, or like you're just another average profile. Photos highlighting your face in a well-lit environment or showcasing your unique personality are your best bet. Will they attract everyone? No, but they will attract more people than using the same basic snapshots.

Remember, the first impression you create is usually the most lasting impression you make.

Have a Great Opening Line

Great opening lines, whether a thought-provoking question, a unique compliment, or some other approach, make you more likely to receive a prompt response. "Hey" isn't an effective opener.

Use Conversational Compliments

Conversational compliments are words or phrases you casually insert into your vocabulary to make a big impact. The goal is to make your prospective partner feel warm inside, doing their best to avoid blushing because of your smooth talking.

Conversational compliment words used by women toward men include handsome, cute, and beautiful, while conversational compliment words used by men toward women include gorgeous, pretty, and sexy.

Look Over Their Facebook Profile

If you like someone, it's best to look over their Facebook profile to understand why they're on Facebook Dating. This will also help you learn something about them that isn't on their dating page, positioning you to know as much about them as possible.

If you do your job well, they may look over your Facebook profile to find something unique to compliment you.

Hacks For Succeeding on Facebook Dating

Facebook Dating is still relatively new, so it makes sense that users will encounter various issues and have questions about how to use the platform best. Below are a few hacks that make getting quality matches much more likely.

Update Your Actual Facebook Profile Often

Simply put, your Facebook profile is a representation of your personal brand. The more current and up-to-date it is, the more accurately it reflects you. Updating areas such as where you live, your hobbies, past jobs, education, and your favorites ensures that the individuals you end up matching with are as close to compatible with you as possible.

Make sure you're honest here. All too often, people try to make themselves seem like a cooler, more put-together version of who they are online. Don't overpromise and underdeliver. Instead, underpromise to deliver more than expected. Translation? Be the most authentic version of yourself to attract the right type of partners.

Make the Most of "The Digital Divide"

The digital divide is the space that exists between you and your match. When getting to know someone, sometimes people do or say things that cause us to take a few steps back, like making inappropriate, ill-advised jokes. Other times people end up losing the affection of that individual.

With the digital divide, you have extra time to think about your words and actions. Make the most of this, and don't rush to respond to matches. Instead, take that time to ensure your responses, gifs, jokes, and images accurately reflect who you are and what you represent. Your responses will be much more appreciated when thought out versus spur-of-the-moment.

Join Groups

Groups provide you access to people you may otherwise not be able to connect with. Facebook is home to millions of groups, all with different focal points and interests. The more you join, the more people you meet. The more people you meet, the more prospective partners you encounter. The more prospective partners you encounter, the more likely you are to find "the one."

Remember That Your Posts are Public

Everything you put on your Facebook becomes public, even if deleted. When getting ready to post something, ask yourself if it's a good reflection of who you are and what you want your personal brand to be.

Do you want potential dates to see that post? If not, you may need to reconsider its content or delete it entirely.

Use Facebook as a Post-Date Follow-Up

Talking on Facebook is a fun way to stay in contact after a date. You may end up Facebook friends with that person in the aftermath. Tell your date you had a great time in a short yet pleasant message. If they respond promptly, consider asking them for a second date.

The whole point is to use all that Facebook offers, not just Facebook Dating. After all, your main Facebook page content moves into your dating profile. You might as well use it to your advantage.

Messages

While on Facebook Dating, you will get a notification whenever someone likes your dating profile or decides to message you. You can only continue messaging that individual once they send another message in response or like your profile.

Any conversations you have in Facebook Dating will appear in the matches tab. These messages don't appear in Facebook Messenger, so you won't have to worry about sorting through every message you get to find the one(s) you're looking for.

Not Getting Any Hits on Facebook Dating?

There are a couple of reasons why someone using Facebook Dating isn't getting any hits on their profile.

The App Isn't Up to Date

To update, go to the Apple or Google Play store. From there, you can see which (if any) apps installed on your phone require an upgrade.

Notifications Are Off

If your notifications aren't on, you won't be able to see any matches, likes, messages, etc.

Go to the settings app on your smartphone, toggle over to notifications, and then ensure they're set to "on" for Facebook and Facebook Dating. Most smartphones have advanced features for apps (like allowing them to display over other apps) to ensure you never miss a notification.

Your Profile Is the Problem

If neither of the issues mentioned above resolves why you aren't getting any hits on Facebook Dating, the problem is most likely your actual profile. Knowing how to craft an appealing dating app profile takes thought.

Have you made it as unique as possible? Do your pictures reflect your personality — or do they align more with the status quo for dating app pictures?

Questions like these will make or break your Facebook Dating account. For helpful strategies to stand out, refer to the hacks listed above.

Can You Get Caught on Facebook Dating?

There are two interpretations here for the word caught: 1) caught by a potential match and 2) caught by your current partner.

Regarding prospective matches, it's very challenging for them to find you without actually matching with you. With the privacy settings, Facebook Dating has you determine who sees your dating profile.

By default, anyone joining Facebook Dating has access to your profile, except your Facebook friends and anyone you decide to block. However, if you become friends with someone after matching, they can still see your profile.

Regarding people already dating or in committed relationships, Facebook Dating has a feature that makes it possible to embrace infidelity. After creating a Facebook Dating account, your current relationship status — regardless of what that status is — automatically deletes from your dating profile.

That makes it possible to use the service if you're already in a relationship. Additionally, it only matches you with friends if you want to match with them, so you're less likely to be spotted by someone you know.

Whether or not this is a good thing is up to you.

Facebook Dating Tips

As a relatively new dating app (launched in 2019), Facebook Dating still has much room for growth. When it comes to individuals using the platform, a few tips and tricks have proved themselves useful.

According to Jeremy Nicholson, aka "The Attraction Doctor," no matter who you are, "it's important to remember that online dating is best used as a resource to meet individuals for eventual face-to-face dating." Don't lose sight of that purpose. Achieve your desired goal of going out with potential life partners.

Tips for Guys

There are many tips for guys concerning Facebook Dating, but a few have been tested and yielded positive results.

Don't Ignore the Profile Traits Section

This is an area that men often overlook. Why is this a problem? Because anyone interested in learning more about you won't be able to. You're essentially turning down matches before they even have a chance to get to know you.

The more detailed this section is, the more insight you provide future paramours about yourself, making it more likely you match with the type of people you want to date.

Add Photos to Your Prompts

Answering the prompts Facebook Dating offers provides even more detail into who you are. Adding photos to those prompts helps you stand out entirely.

Your main goal should be to showcase yourself without being overly verbose. Let the pictures and brief responses do the talking for you.

Use the "More To Explore" Feature

"More to Explore" encompasses shared interests, second looks, and common groups and events. This section is critical because you uncover more potential matches than usual. You connect to people you might have overlooked and those with something in common with you.

The "More to Explore" feature helps you meet people who have things in common with you, which makes breaking the ice with a compatible partner much more likely.

Reddit

Reddit is a social networking and discussion website for those unfamiliar with it. Users create an account on the site and submit content in various forms, such as links, messages, videos, etc. These forms of media are then upvoted or downvoted by members.

There are several threads with numerous topics, covering everything from health and fitness to video games to dating, sex, and relationships. There's also a space devoted to questions, comments, and insights about Facebook Dating for guys. If the tips above aren't enough for you, check out Reddit. You won't be disappointed!

Final Thoughts

There are various dating apps out there for anyone to use. Regardless of what platform you call home, it's important to understand the ins and outs of it.

Now that you know what Facebook Dating is, how to navigate it, and how to avoid common pain points, make the most of it. Reread this article as often as necessary to let the content seep in and become second nature.

Want more than Facebook Dating? Interested in joining more than one online dating community? Learn more about the best video dating apps to help jumpstart your romantic life. There are numerous apps mentioned, all geared toward improving your dating life.

Until next time, have fun shooting your shot!

CupidsLight is the go-to for advice and info on dating, relationships, sex, and wellness.