Guaranteed a Reply: 100+ Opening Lines for Dating Apps

Key Points

• Dating app opening lines are the initial hook that determines whether or not you and your match are going to get to know each other.

• Catch your future boo's attention with a unique message right after matching to avoid your profile getting lost in their inbox.

• The best dating app opening lines spark conversation by finding common ground, asking personal questions, or encouraging laughter.

Love the rush of swiping right and seeing a new match across your screen? This easy and fun first element of using dating apps is addictive. Sure, the swipe is exciting, but what about the follow-through? Are you a serial swiper but lack conversations? Freshen up your stash of dating app opening lines and stop letting hot matches go to waste. 

After finding the perfect dating app for you, create an attractive profile and start swiping. You’re matched with a cutie, and there is an immediate attraction. Now one person messages the other, and maybe a conversation starts, but the future depends on the perfect dating app opening line. A boring opener loses your matches’ attention, and your profile gets lost within their sea of matches. Send an opening line that sparks their interest and guarantees a reply.

Timing Is Key

The timing of a message makes or breaks the chances of a response. Whoever swipes second and gets the instant match notification should send a message first. This increases your chances of a reply while initial excitement is fresh, and before your profile moves down in their list of other matches. 

Answer a message as soon as possible to keep the conversation flowing and maintain your match’s interest. Don’t be discouraged if you miss the early window. Shoot your shot anyway, and turn those notifications on so you’ll be ready to respond.

According to a study by Hinge, men are 25 percent less likely to respond to a woman that doesn’t message within six hours. Women are more patient with their matches and are only 5 percent less likely to answer after six hours. 

Base It on What You Want

Orient your approach to matches based on what you want from dating. Dating apps are used to find hook-ups, flings, situationships, relationships, marriages, and everything else in between. Decide what you are looking for and send an initial message that steers the conversation toward your dating goals.

Stating your goals in your bio attracts others that are open to the same type of relationship. Choose to disclose this on your profile, upon matching, or when you meet. Regardless of your timing, the right opening message leads the relationship in the direction you want.

Hook-Up

When you’re looking for no-strings-attached sex from a match, a straightforward and playful approach keeps things casual. Getting personal by finding out about family or goals gives someone the wrong impression that you want something more serious. Add some banter to your opening to spark the sexual tension.

• “Help me choose what to make for dinner? I’ll buy you breakfast after our first date in return…”

• “I’m vaxxed, waxed, and ready for a date. Where are we going?”

• “You look like you're a good kisser.”

• “I’m shy, so you should give me credit for starting a conversation with the sexiest person on this app.”

• “I’m new in town, would you mind giving me directions to your bed?”

• “Hey, wanna make out in public? You can pick the movie.”

• “I’ll be back at my place in 20 minutes with a chocolate milkshake for each of us. Meet me there?”

  

• “You're coming over tonight to watch Game of Thrones and make out, right?”

• “You look like trouble.”

• “Roses are Red, Violets are Blue. We’re a match on Tinder, so I think we should screw.”

• “Your smile is so nice, your eyes are so blue. I do it with my hand, but I would rather do it with you.”

Fling

In need of a summer fling to spend days on the boat, splash around at the beach, or enjoy a backyard beer with your friends? Set the tone for a fun, friends-with-benefits this season with the right opener.

• “I bet you a drink that your personality is even better than your looks.”

• “If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would buy me?”

• “Your smile is gorgeous. I bet the rest of you is, too.”

• “Red or white? Which type of wine is waiting for me in your fridge right now?”

• “You’re too cute to be single. What’s the catch?”

• “If you could only eat one snack for the rest of your life, could it be me?”

• “Do you snore? I need to know before I ask you to stay the night.”

• “I am dreaming about you. Don’t wake me up.”

• “I can feel you staring at my profile from here.”

Relationship

When looking for a relationship, there are many approaches to take in your messaging. Being playful, dropping a compliment, or starting a conversation is a solid way to catch a potential boo’s attention. An opening line for a prospective relationship can go in many directions. Try catching their attention while suggesting that you’re good relationship material.

• “If I made you dinner, what’s a meal that’d make you fall in love with me?”

• “Your [a quality about them] really caught my eye. You’re stunning!”

• “When our kids ask us how we met, what lie are we going to give them?”

• “What do I have to do to make you fall madly in love with me?”

• “Would you rather go bowling, get coffee, or watch a movie on a first date?”

• “Your profile says you don’t like one-night stands. Which is too bad because I can make you two nightstands and a table.”

  

• “You have no idea how many times I swiped left before I found you.”

• “Is your shirt made out of boyfriend material?”

• “I like to binge-watch romantic movies over the weekend. Will that be a problem?”

• “The weather forecast calls for a bright and sunny weekend. How do you think we should enjoy it?”

• “Before I say anything about myself, know that I am willing to get rid of every spider that crosses your path.”

Utilize Their Profile Content

One of the best ways to start a conversation with a new match is to lean into a common hobby or something on their profile that piques your curiosity. People are more likely to connect over shared interests, so mention if you attended the same college, grew up in the same area, or also love pineapple on your pizza.

• “I’ve always wanted to meet someone that [insert activity from their profile]. How did you get into that?”

• “I love the photo of you [insert experience from their profile]. What was your favorite part of that experience?”

• “I love [their listed favorite food] too. Have you ever been to [local restaurant]?”

• “Small world, I also went to [their university]. What did you study?”

• “I noticed you have pics in [location]. I went there last year. Did you visit [landmark or attraction]?”

• “Favorite Game of Thrones character, actor, and episode?”

• “I couldn’t help but notice your bookshelf. What are you reading right now?”

• “Where’s the coolest place you’ve ridden your motorcycle?”

Ask a Question

Everyone loves to talk about themselves to someone they are interested in. Flatter your match by opening with a message inquiring about them. Combine skills of utilizing their profile content and asking a personal question to start a conversation.

Preferences

• “When you vacation, do you prefer the mountains, the beach, or a staycation?”

• “I’m looking for a good movie tonight. What’s your favorite film of all time?”

• “If you could only watch one TV show for the rest of your life, which would it be?”

• “Cheese, pepperoni, or Hawaiian?”

• “What’s the best place you’ve traveled to?”

• “What’s your go-to karaoke song?”

• “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?”

Deeper Meaning

• “If you could blink and teleport anywhere, where would you go?”

• “What’s the weirdest thing you find attractive in a person?”

• “If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?”

• “What is the best advice you ever received?”

• ‘If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?”

• “What’s your most controversial opinion?”

• “What is the one topic you can talk about for hours and not get tired?”

• “Where do you wish to see yourself five years from now?”

• “Which romantic movie storyline would you like to be your own?”

• “You have only one day left on Earth. What would you do?”

Get a Little Personal

• “What secret talent do you have that nobody knows about?”

• “What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?”

• “How would you describe yourself in three words?”

• “What’s the worst mistake you’ve made when traveling?”

• “What is the first thing you do in the morning?”

  

• “What does your ideal day look like?”

• "What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory?”

• “What are you most passionate about?”

• “What is something you have always wanted to try?”

• “What is that one secret you wouldn’t mind sharing with a non-judgmental stranger?”

• “​​What is one thing people assume about you that isn’t necessarily true?”

Be Silly

• “Random question: What mythical creature do you wish existed?”

• “What’s your theme song?”

• “When I complain that I don’t know what I want for dinner, what would be your suggestion?”

• “How many types of pasta can you think of?”

• “What reality TV show would you be on?”

• “Were Ross and Rachel really on a break?”

• “Before we get too serious, I need to know: Do you put the toilet paper over the top or under the roll?”

• “I judge a person by their Netflix queue. So, what shows are on your to-watch list?”

• “[Insert a funny GIF] This GIF describes me pretty well. Which one best represents you?”

• “What would your entrance song be at a party?”

Cheesy Pick-Up Lines

Pick-up lines are a total hit or miss. Stray away from worn-out classics and whip out something unique to make your new match giggle while looking at their inbox. Be careful not to drop the ball after your kick-ass opener. You need to keep the fun coming.

A cheesy pick-up line encourages cheeky banter and builds sexual tension. This is ideal if you are swiping for hook-ups and casual flings, or transitioning into a solid conversation when searching for a deeper connection. 

• “Are you a country road? Because I’d love for you to take me home.”

• “I would take you to the movies, but you aren’t supposed to bring your own snacks.”

• “Are you interested in lowering your standards and going on a date with me?”

• “How are you tonight? Have you dined with us before? Let me know if you have any questions about the menu, and I’d be glad to help.”

• “I was waiting for you to message me, but I’ll take one for the team.”

• “What’s a queen/king like you doing on an app for peasants?”

• “Thank goodness we matched, my thumb was getting tired. What are you up to today?”

• “I’m headed to Whole Foods. Do you need anything?”

• (If they have a pet in their pictures) “You have the most beautiful fur and whiskers I’ve ever seen, and your human is pretty cute too.”

  

• “I was going to play hard to get,  but I couldn’t stop myself from messaging you.”

• “If your star sign is [insert their star sign], then we must talk to each other because our stars have aligned.”

• “Did you have Lucky Charms for breakfast? Because you look magically delicious!”

Be Direct

Cut to the chase and transition quickly to a third-party app or a real-life interaction to eliminate the games people tend to play in a dating app. Avoid getting lost in the pile of someone’s matches and pop up on their messages instead, where they’ll actually check their notifications. 

• “Can we cut to the chase? Here’s my number. I would love to hear from you.”

• “Do you have any plans this weekend? I was hoping to take a beautiful woman/handsome guy named ______ out for a drink.”

• “Favorite thing to do on a Friday night? Drinks and dancing? Cuddling and a movie? Or a sunset picnic in the park?”

• “Tinder is a luck and numbers game, so am I lucky enough to get your number?”

• “Are you free tonight? I know a spot for great [enter their favorite food listed on their profile].”

• “I believe in following my dreams. Can I have your Instagram?”

• “I’m free Friday if you want to skip the awkward online convos and take me out for a coffee.”

• “Do you want me to talk first or cut the formalities and take you out on a romantic date?”

  See also

  

  Relationships

  Exploring Non-Monogamous Relationship Types

• “One simple question: Does your dog like men with beards? If yes, then I think we should meet up first before I become best friends with your doggo.”

Second Chance

A first message doesn’t always work. If your first attempt didn’t warrant a reply, there’s no shame in sending another message to shoot your second shot. Perhaps the first message got lost in the chaos of their inbox, they forgot to reply, or they haven’t checked their notifications. Redeem yourself with a playful second attempt.

Review your profile and make sure you show enough about yourself to keep your matches interested. Start by tailoring your profile to stand out. Men outnumber women on most dating apps and need to spice up their profiles to set themselves apart from the crowd. 

Spruce up your profile, remind yourself there is nothing to lose and send that second message!

• “Our conversations are cute. I message, you read, and then forget to reply.”

• “What would you do if you had the power to be invisible for an entire day, other than ignoring my first message?”

• “I have a confession. I love double-dipping my chips in guac. I figured I might as well double-dip in your inbox, too.”

• “I should win an award for the world’s worst flirt. I distracted myself by cooking a kick-ass [insert meal you can cook]. What’s the last amazing meal you made for yourself?”

• “Still haven’t thought of a text back to wow me? I thought you were better than this, [name].”

• “Playing hard to get? It’s working. I want you even more. Is this your go-to tactic?”

Study By Hinge

Hinge conducted a study to see what messages people are most likely to respond to. Copywriters at Hinge offered their crafted openers to nearly a quarter of their users and recorded their reactions as field research. The results vary by gender, age, and location. 

This study also uncovered the promising truth that sending a double text is well worth the risk on dating apps. When an initial message isn’t answered, but you send a second after about four hours, there’s a one in three chance that the person replies. This is even higher than one in 500 chances of a first message being answered.

Even though a second message is well worth risking your pride, you won’t need them with the following data-backed openers Hinge provided based on the gender you're sending to, the city you're in, or your age group.

Top Three Opening Lines Overall

• "Two truths and a lie; ready, set, go!"

• "Sunday priorities: exercise, sleep, or aggressive mimosas?"

• "Breakfast preference: pancakes, waffles, or sleeping till lunch?"

Men

Men prefer a more direct and assertive approach from women according to this study. Even though women are less likely to answer something short and direct, 98 percent of men are most likely to respond to these types of messages.

• “Free this week?”

• “Drinks soon?”

Women

Women prefer a conversation starter rather than jumping the gun with an invitation. They are 40 percent more likely to respond to a message about food than any other topic.

• “Chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti?”

• “Best discovery: Netflix or avocados?”

Boston

• “Hey, what’s up?”

• “Please confirm you are not one of those people who claps when the plane lands.”

New York

• “How was your 2004?”

• “Choose one: adult treehouse or the ability to talk to animals?”

Washington D.C.

• “Do you string your string cheese or bite it?”

• “Choose a dream job: puppy photographer or pizza critic?”

Chicago

• “What 90s song would you use as the title of your autobiography?”

• “Who’s your go-to Mario Kart character?”

San Francisco

• “What movie scared you the most when you were little?”

• “What was the first CD you ever bought yourself?”

Los Angeles

• “Do you think Leo will ever get that Oscar?”

• “You can only keep one: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, or John Oliver?”

Ages 18-23

• “You’re having your portrait painted. What backdrop do you choose?”

• “Pain reliever personality: Advil, Tylenol, or complaining?”

Ages 24-28

• “Sunday priorities: exercise, sleep or aggressive mimosas?”

• “Better adventure: rock climbing or scuba diving?”

Ages 29-34

• "Two truths and a lie: ready, set, go!"

• “Could you date someone that orders plain bagels with plain cream cheese when they have other options?”

Ages 35+

• “Katy Perry or Taylor Swift?”

• “Bears, beets, or Battlestar Galactica?”

Ice Breakers from Relationship Expert

According to relationship expert Susan Winter, these are the best icebreakers to use as your dating app opener:

• “When was the last time you had a really great laugh? You know, the kind where your eyes are watering and you’re doubled over? And what was it that made you laugh so hard?"

• "What moment or moments of your life have had a memorable impact?"

• "Have you ever dated a contortionist before?"

Clear Your Calendar

Experiment with these hooks to find which lines work best for your personality and secure the most replies. Remember to message right after matching to increase your chances of a reply and avoid a lost connection. 

These dating app opening lines are guaranteed to fill your inbox with replies from the hottest matches. Be ready, though, to keep your conversations flowing to maintain their interest once you get started. Ask to transition to a third-party app when things are moving along smoothly and avoid staying on the dating app too long.

Your calendar will fill up with dates before you know it!