Facebook Dating is a relatively new dating app that integrates directly with a user’s Facebook account. It aims to help Facebook users find romantic matches from within their own social circles and extended networks. One of the key features of Facebook Dating is that users can only message each other if they have mutually liked (or “matched” with) each other first. But can you actually message someone on Facebook Dating before matching with them? Let’s take a closer look.
How Messaging Works on Facebook Dating
On Facebook Dating, messaging is designed to only occur between users who have mutually liked each other’s profiles. This is different from some other dating apps like Tinder or Bumble, where users can message each other before matching.
Here’s a quick rundown of how messaging works on Facebook Dating:
- User A “likes” User B’s dating profile
- If User B “likes” User A back, it’s a match
- Once matched, a private messaging thread opens up for User A and User B to communicate
- Users who have not mutually liked each other cannot message
So in short, you must match with someone before you can message them on Facebook Dating. Messaging prior to matching is not a built-in feature.
Why You Can’t Message Before Matching
There are a few reasons why Facebook Dating is designed this way:
- Safety and comfort: Requiring mutual liking before messaging prevents unwanted messages and helps users feel more in control.
- Build anticipation: Not allowing pre-match messaging creates excitement and encourages users to match quickly if they want to talk.
- Reduce spam: Stopping unsolicited messages helps avoid spam and bots.
So in summary, not allowing messaging before a match helps create a better, safer, and more streamlined user experience on Facebook Dating.
What Happens If You Try to Message Before Matching
If you do try to message someone on Facebook Dating who you haven’t matched with yet, here is what will happen:
- You will not see any options to message the person in the app.
- If you try sending a message through Facebook Messenger, the person will not receive it unless you are connected as friends.
- Even if you are Facebook friends, they will not know the message came from you through Dating unless you match.
In essence, messaging someone before matching on Facebook Dating is simply not possible within the app itself. And any messages sent through other channels will not be associated with Dating.
How to Communicate Interest Before Matching
While you cannot directly message potential matches before liking each other, you do have a few options to show your interest and hopefully lead to a match:
- Like their profile: This notifies them that you are interested and hopes they will like you back!
- Comment on their profile or photos: Leave flirty or positive comments to break the ice.
- “Wave” at them: Waving is a way to signal interest and stand out.
- Fill out your own profile: Show your personality to attract matches.
Using these features can help you make a connection and start a conversation once you do finally match together.
Can You Message on Facebook Dating Website?
Facebook Dating is a mobile experience and is not available on Facebook’s desktop website. So unfortunately, there is no way to message anyone – matched or unmatched – through the Facebook Dating website at this time.
Facebook Dating is designed specifically for mobile dating and can only be accessed through the Facebook mobile app. Any messaging must occur within the app after matching with another user.
Messaging Unmatched Users
Generally, you cannot directly message people who you’ve unmatched with on Facebook Dating either. Here is what happens when you unmatch someone:
- Your past messaging history with that person will be deleted.
- They will be removed from your matches list in the app.
- You will no longer be able to see each other’s profiles or communicate.
However, if you are also connected as regular Facebook friends, you may still be able to message them through Facebook Messenger normally. But there will be no traces left of your Facebook Dating match or conversations.
Messaging After Unmatching
If you unmatched someone by accident and want to message them again, here are your options:
- If you are Facebook friends, you can try messaging them through Messenger explaining the mistake.
- Otherwise, you will need to match with them again in Facebook Dating app to regain messaging ability.
- Your previous messages will unfortunately not be recoverable.
To avoid this situation, be careful when deciding to unmatch with someone in the future.
Tips for Messaging on Facebook Dating
Once you have matched with people on Facebook Dating, here are some tips for making the most of messaging:
- Personalize your first message – don’t just say “hey.”
- Bring up something specific from their profile to break the ice.
- Ask open-ended questions to fuel a back-and-forth.
- Compliment them on their pictures or interests.
- Inject some humor into your messages when appropriate.
Following basic messaging etiquette goes a long way towards having successful conversations that could lead to dates!
Can You Message on Desktop Site?
Unfortunately, Facebook Dating is currently only available through the Facebook mobile app. There is no desktop website version that allows you to view profiles or message matches.
Facebook has indicated that this is intentional – they want to create a mobile-first dating experience that is integrated into the main Facebook app.
So for now, messaging on Facebook Dating is limited to just the iOS and Android apps. Any desktop access is focused on setting up your profile only.
Third-Party Apps
While you can’t message before matching within Facebook Dating itself, some third-party apps claim to offer this ability:
- Dating Mate: Allegedly lets you message unmatched Facebook Dating users.
- Zitier: Claims to enable messaging without matching first.
However, it’s important to note that these third-party apps violate Facebook’s policies and your use would be at your own risk. There is no guarantee they work as advertised.
Facebook Dating Profile Tips
To improve your chances of getting matches and messages, here are some key tips for your Facebook Dating profile:
- Choose photos that show your interests and personality.
- Write a detailed bio highlighting your best attributes.
- Fill out all the profile sections thoroughly.
- Refresh your photos and answers regularly.
- Toggle on Badge features relevant to potential matches.
An engaging, attractive profile makes people more likely to message you after matching!
Is Facebook Dating Free?
Yes, Facebook Dating is completely free to use. You don’t need a paid subscription or upgraded account to access any features, including:
- Creating a dating profile
- Viewing and liking other profiles
- Sending unlimited messages to matches
- Matching with new people
Facebook makes money off Dating through advertising and data, so they have no need to charge users. This makes it more competitive with free dating apps.
Does Facebook Dating Notify Screenshots?
No, Facebook Dating does not currently send any notification if you take a screenshot within the app. You are free to screenshot profiles, photos, or messages without the other person being notified.
However, it’s good etiquette to only screenshot with consent from the other user. Keep in mind screenshots can always be shared externally.
Conclusion
In summary, you cannot directly message someone on Facebook Dating before mutually matching with them first. Messaging prior to matching goes against Facebook Dating’s core design principles around safety and consent.
While you can show interest and attract potential matches in other ways, messaging itself is limited to users who have indicated mutual interest by liking each other’s profiles.
This system aims to create a comfortable environment for finding romantic connections within your extended social circles. So match with someone first before trying to start a conversation!