Facebook Dating is a feature within the Facebook app that allows users to match and chat with other Facebook users who have also opted in to using Facebook Dating. When two people both swipe right on each other’s profiles, they “match” and can begin messaging each other through Facebook Dating. So what does it actually mean when you match with someone on Facebook Dating? Here’s a quick overview:
It means you both expressed interest in each other
By swiping right on each other’s profiles, you have both indicated that you are interested in the other person and open to chatting and getting to know each other better. Matching is the first step toward making a connection on Facebook Dating.
It allows you to message each other through Facebook Dating
Once you’ve matched, either person can initiate a conversation through the Facebook Dating chat feature. Messaging your match is the next step after matching to start building a relationship.
It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll go on a date
While matching means you’re both open to the possibility, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll end up meeting up in real life. The conversation you have after matching will determine if you feel enough of a connection to exchange phone numbers or go on a date.
It doesn’t notify your Facebook friends
Your Facebook friends will not be notified when you match or chat with someone on Facebook Dating. All your dating activity through the feature is private.
What happens when you match on Facebook Dating
Here is a more detailed walkthrough of what happens when you match with someone on Facebook Dating:
You both swipe right on each other’s profiles
For two people to match, they both have to individually swipe right (indicating interest) on the other person’s Dating profile. This can only happen if you both meet each other’s age and location preferences.
You’ll get a notification that you’ve matched
Once you both swipe right, you’ll each get an in-app notification letting you know that you’ve matched with that person. The notification will include a preview of their profile photo and name.
The match appears in your list of matches
All of your current matches are visible in the Matches tab within Facebook Dating. You can scroll through the list and initiate a chat with any of your matches.
You can message each other through Facebook Dating chat
After matching, either person can make the first move and start chatting. Sending an engaging opening message is important to get the conversation started on the right foot.
You can keep swiping for more potential matches
Matching with one person doesn’t prevent you from continuing to swipe right or left on other dating profiles. You can match and chat with multiple people at once.
What to do after matching on Facebook Dating
So you’ve matched with someone appealing on Facebook Dating. Here are some tips on what to do next:
Initiate a chat if they haven’t already
Don’t wait too long for your match to make the first move – if a day goes by without a message, start the conversation yourself. Say something personal about their profile to stand out.
Suggest meeting for a date within 5-10 messages
If you’re really hitting it off chatting, move things offline by asking them on a date. A coffee, drink or meal is a low-pressure first date.
Exchange phone numbers before meeting up
Before your first in-person date, share phone numbers. This lets you text and arrange the date details smoothly. It also builds more trust.
Unmatch if you lose interest or don’t feel a connection
It’s fine to unmatch someone if the chat goes cold or you didn’t feel chemistry. Don’t force conversations with matches that aren’t right for you.
Report and unmatch if someone seems suspicious
Don’t hesitate to report then unmatch any match who violates Facebook Dating rules or makes you feel uncomfortable. Your safety comes first.
What does it mean if you never message after matching?
Sometimes you match with someone but the conversation never gets going. Here are some potential reasons if you never send an initial message after matching:
You got busy and forgot to start the chat
Life happens! You may have matched and then got distracted by work or personal matters before you had a chance to reach out to your match. Don’t fret – it’s never too late to send a first message.
You lost interest in your match
Upon revisiting your match’s profile, you may have realized you mis-swiped or are no longer interested in pursuing the connection for whatever reason. It happens! But do unmatch so you’re not leading them on.
You’re waiting for them to message first
Some prefer their match to initiate the conversation after matching. But take initiative if you’re really interested! Reversing gender roles is more accepted in modern dating.
You changed your mind about using Facebook Dating
Perhaps you temporarily deactivated your Facebook Dating profile after matching with that person. If you’re no longer using the feature, unmatch your pending connections.
You got into a relationship with someone else
If you started seeing someone from Facebook Dating or elsewhere, be sure to unmatch all your other connections out of respect for your new partner.
What to do if your Facebook Dating match stops replying
It’s disappointing when you seem to hit it off with a match only for them to then ghost and stop responding. Here are some productive ways to handle it if a Facebook Dating match stops messaging you:
Don’t take it personally and beat yourself up
In most cases, their lack of reply likely has little to do with you. Maybe they lost interest or met someone else. Avoid overanalyzing why they stopped responding.
Don’t lash out or send angry messages
As tempting as it may be, do not send bitter messages demanding a response. Take the high road, unmatch them, and move on.
Consider gently checking in if it’s only been 1-2 days
A quick “Hey, how’s your week going?” could restart the chat if they simply forgot to respond. But don’t keep messaging repeatedly without a reply.
Unmatch them so you don’t keep waiting
If it’s clearly a lost cause, there’s no need to keep them lingering in your matches. Unmatching removes their access to your profile too.
Refocus your energy on other matches and prospects
One ghosted chat isn’t worth your time and emotional energy. Get back out there – you have tons more potential matches and dates!
Is it worth paying for Facebook Dating?
Facebook Dating has both a free version and paid subscription option called Facebook Dating Premium. Here are the pros and cons of paying for premium Dating:
Pros
- See everyone who has liked your profile
- View profiles while keeping your profile private
- Increase chances of matching with people you’re interested in
- Unlimited likes (free version limits likes per day)
Cons
- Premium auto-renews monthly for $9.99 USD
- Need to manually cancel subscription to avoid being charged
- Still no guarantee you’ll meet the right match
For some, the benefits like unlimited likes may be worth paying. But the free version offers plenty, especially if you use it actively rather than passively waiting. Only you can decide if upgrading makes sense for boosting your dating life.
Tips for matching with more people on Facebook Dating
Here are some tips to increase your odds of successfully matching with lots of promising prospects on Facebook Dating:
Fill out your Dating profile fully
Write a detailed bio showcasing your personality, interests, what you’re looking for, etc. Add a variety of clear photos that capture the real you.
Use all your preferences filters
Filter for age, location, religion, height, education, relationship goals, and other preferences important to you. This shows more relevant profiles.
Send messages promptly to matches
Initiate a chat within 24 hours of matching. Quickly establishing a rapport keeps the momentum going.
Like lots of profiles to increase potential matches
Don’t be too selective in only swiping right on a few profiles. Broaden your horizons for more options. You can always narrow it down later.
Schedule Dating notifications so you don’t miss matches
Turn on push notifications within the Facebook Dating tab. You don’t want to leave a match waiting because you didn’t see their message.
Common concerns when matching on Facebook Dating
For some, matching with strangers on Facebook Dating can cause some anxiety at first. Here are tips to ease some common concerns:
Worried about safety? Take precautions.
Meet first dates in public places, tell a friend where you’re going, look up their social media beforehand, and drive yourself to and from the date.
Nervous about conversation? Come prepared.
Break the ice by asking engaging questions about their interests, job, travels, and more based on their profile. Having topics planned takes the pressure off.
Unsure about meeting up? Go at your own pace.
Only suggest meeting up once you feel truly comfortable chatting through Dating messenger first. It’s ok to talk more before meeting IRL.
Want to unmatch? You’re free to.
If a match’s behavior seems suspicious or inappropriate, unmatch them immediately. You’re in control.
Feeling insecure about your looks? Own it.
The right match will be interested in the whole you, not just your appearance. Have confidence in the qualities that make you amazing.
Conclusion
Matching with someone on Facebook Dating signals you’re both open to getting to know each other better. Where it goes next depends on the conversation you have and the connection you feel after exchanging messages. Matching alone doesn’t solidify a date or relationship. Be proactive, unmatch and report unsavory matches, and remember real chemistry can’t be forced. With a candid profile, smart screening and a confident approach, Facebook Dating can help you meet someone special.