Facebook Dating is a new way to find love through Facebook. It allows you to match with friends of friends and people who share your interests. But where exactly do you go to access Facebook Dating? Here’s a quick overview of how to get to Facebook Dating and start matching with potential partners.
From the Facebook App
The easiest way to access Facebook Dating is directly from the Facebook app. Here’s how:
- Open the Facebook app on your phone.
- Tap on the menu icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and tap on “Facebook Dating.”
This will open up the Facebook Dating section within the Facebook app. From there you can complete your dating profile and start matching with people.
From Facebook.com
You can also access Facebook Dating from the desktop site at Facebook.com. Here’s how:
- Go to Facebook.com and log in.
- Click on the arrow icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Dating” from the dropdown menu.
This will open the Facebook Dating section on the desktop site where you can update your profile and match with people.
Setting Up Your Facebook Dating Profile
Once you’ve accessed the Facebook Dating section, the next step is setting up your dating profile so people can start matching with you. Here’s an overview of how to create your profile:
Add Photos
The first thing you’ll need to do is add some photos. You can add up to 9 photos or videos to show off your interests and personality. Be sure to use clear, recent photos of just you (no kids or exes!).
Answer Profile Questions
Facebook will have you answer some basic profile questions to get started like your gender, preferred pronouns, location, height, relationship status, religion, job, education, and whether you have children.
Describe Yourself
You’ll get to write a short bio about yourself. Use this to showcase your personality and what makes you unique. Feel free to add emojis too!
Choose Interests
You can select interests about your hobbies, entertainment, activities, and more. This helps Facebook recommend profiles you may be compatible with.
Preferences
You can set preferences for the gender(s) you’re interested in matching with and age range you’d like to see. You can also opt into Facebook’s Secret Crush feature.
Matching and Messaging
Once your profile is all set up, it’s time to start matching and messaging potential partners. Here’s how matching works:
Discovering Matches
You’ll be presented with a list of recommended matches based on your preferences, interests, and other factors. You can review their profiles and secretly crush on them or “like” them if you’re interested.
Mutual Matching
If someone you liked also likes you back, it’s a match! You’ll be notified of any mutual matches so you can start chatting.
Sending the First Message
Once you’ve matched with someone, either person can make the first move and send an initial message. Feel free to say hi, ask a question about their profile, or make a witty joke to break the ice.
Read Receipts
Like other messaging apps, Facebook Dating has read receipts so you can see when your match has read your message. This helps take some of the guesswork out of messaging.
Facebook Dating Safety Features
Facebook Dating has several built-in safety features to provide protection and peace of mind.
Identity Verification
Facebook requires dating profiles to be connected to an existing Facebook account with your real identity. This prevents fake accounts from being created.
Reporting Users
You can easily report any user who is behaving inappropriately or suspiciously right from their profile.
Blocking Users
If needed, you can block users so they can no longer view your profile or contact you on Facebook Dating.
Unsending Messages
If you make a mistake in a message, you can “unsend” it to remove it from the conversation. You’ll have up to 10 minutes to unsend a dating message.
Private Sharing
Your Facebook Dating profile and conversations will only appear within the dating service. Nothing will ever be shared to your regular Facebook profile without permission.
Pros and Cons of Facebook Dating
Facebook Dating has some great things going for it, but there are also a few drawbacks to consider:
Pros
- Large pool of potential matches from Facebook users
- Robust profile allows you to showcase your personality
- Mutual friends feature connects you with friends-of-friends
- Events and Groups sections helps match people with shared interests
- Secret Crush option allows you to match with Facebook friends
- Free to use with no subscription fees
Cons
- Less users than more established dating apps like Tinder
- Have to create a Facebook account if you don’t already have one
- Some users may not love having their dating profile tied to Facebook
- Primarily focused on heterosexual dating
- Limited swiping and matching mechanisms compared to other apps
Is Facebook Dating Right for You?
Here are a few key things to consider when deciding if Facebook Dating is the right choice:
You’re Looking for Something Serious
With its connection to Facebook profiles, Facebook Dating tends to attract users looking for relationships rather than casual flings.
You Prefer a More Customized Experience
The robust profiles and shared interest matching system creates a more tailored experience than simple swiping apps.
You Have an Active Facebook Account
Since it’s integrated with Facebook, this platform works best for active Facebook users. If you’ve abandoned Facebook, it may not be a good fit.
You Trust Facebook with Your Data
Facebook certainly has a spotty reputation regarding privacy. If you’re comfortable sharing your dating profile on their platform, then great! But some may want to keep these activities separate.
You Like Meeting Friends of Friends
One unique aspect of Facebook Dating is the ability to match with friends of friends from your extended social network. If you think that sounds intriguing, check it out!
Tips for Success on Facebook Dating
Here are some top tips for creating a standout profile and having the best experience on Facebook Dating:
- Choose photos that capture your personality – ditch the gym selfies!
- Messaging first increases your chance of getting a reply.
- Pay attention to profile prompts as conversation starters.
- Don’t be afraid to be selective with your likes.
- Turn off Secret Crush if receiving matches from friends feels awkward.
- Report any suspicious behavior immediately.
- Meet in a public place if taking an online connection offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about Facebook Dating:
Is Facebook Dating free?
Yes, Facebook Dating is completely free to use. There are no premium subscriptions or in-app purchases.
Can friends see your dating profile?
No, your Facebook Dating profile and conversations are separate from your main Facebook account and not visible to friends.
Is Facebook Dating safe?
Facebook Dating includes several safety features like identity verification, reporting/blocking capabilities, and keeping profiles private. However, users should always exercise caution when meeting strangers online. Meet in public first and tell a friend where you’re going.
How is Facebook Dating different from Tinder or Bumble?
The main differences are the connection to your Facebook account, friends of friends matching, and interest-based recommendations over quick swiping.
Is Facebook Dating for hookups or relationships?
Users are on Facebook Dating for all different reasons, but overall it seems more geared towards relationships compared to apps known for casual dating.
The Bottom Line
Facebook Dating provides a unique way to find potential partners through your existing Facebook community. If you’re serious about finding a meaningful connection, create a high-quality profile and be actively engaged. While any online dating comes with some risks, exercising caution and common sense will maximize your chances for success. With its large user base and robust matching tools, Facebook Dating is worth a try for singles looking for a modern way to spark romance.