Important Dating App Safety Precautions for Women

Are you just beginning to explore the world of online dating?

With so many dating apps and websites out there, it can be both exciting and daunting.

While meeting new people through these platforms can certainly be an enjoyable experience, it’s important to keep your safety in mind at all times.

As women, we face higher risks of violence and abuse. This doesn’t mean you should hide away in your home, but it does mean you should practice caution when you date.

Below you’ll find safety precautions for dating apps that you should take into account when using Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, or other platforms.

1. Don’t use the same photos that are on your social media accounts for your dating profile

Using the same photos on a dating app that you use on your public social media profiles can be dangerous.

Someone can easily do a reverse image search and find your Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

Instead, it’s safer to upload photos that aren’t publicly available on the internet.

2. Get to know someone before meeting them in person and do some preliminary research online

Watch out for men who ask to meet in person before you’ve even had the chance to exchange a couple of texts.

While I don’t recommend texting someone you’ve never met for days, you should at least have a casual conversation over text before you arrange a date.

Ask them about their career, hobbies, interests, traveling adventures – anything that helps you get a sense of who they are.

If you know their last name, spend a few minutes looking up their social media accounts or doing a quick Google search. This will help you confirm they are who they say they are.

In the US, it’s also possible to do an online background check to see if someone has a criminal record. This will protect you against potential scammers or dangerous people who may be posing as someone else.

3. Avoid giving out personal information before meeting in person

It’s important to be cautious when it comes to sharing personal information on dating apps.

Even if you “click” with someone over text, don’t let your excitement get the best of you.

By holding back on giving out your address, phone number, social media handle, or other personal information until you feel comfortable, you’re giving yourself time to evaluate the other person and make sure they’re trustworthy.

If things go south and they turn out to be manipulative or even dangerous, you can unmatch without worrying about them showing up at your house or harassing you over the phone.

4. Set up an initial meeting in a public space

Under no circumstances should you ever go to someone’s place on a first date.

The first date should always be in a public space where you won’t be isolated from other people.

A restaurant is an excellent choice. It allows you to get to know each other with minimal interruptions, and you can also observe the other person’s manners and body language.

If the date doesn’t go as planned, it’s easy to make a polite exit. The restaurant staff can also help you if you feel unsafe.

I don’t recommend the following as a first-date option:

• Going on a walk.

It’s a lazy, low-effort date. And when you walk with someone, it’s also more difficult to focus on the conversation and observe the other person.

You constantly have to watch where you’re going, so you might not pick up on important body language cues that are just as important as verbal communication.

• Hiking or any other activity in an isolated location.

You want to be in a public setting where other people are present. You will feel safer and it will be easier to leave if something goes wrong.

For an extra level of safety, I recommend doing a quick video call before committing to a first date.

By video chatting, you can pick up on subtle nuances in their body language and expressions that can tell you a lot about the other person. And you can confirm they’re not catfishing you.

5. Keep an eye out for red flags and report someone if they act suspicious

When it comes to online dating, it’s important to be aware of potential red flags that could signify an unsafe situation.

If someone starts asking for money or any other type of financial help, this should be a major warning sign.

Also, be wary if they try to get you to leave the platform and use another app before you’ve even met.

Lastly, don’t forget to report anyone who gets verbally abusive or makes you uncomfortable in any way.

6. Don’t let him pick you up on the first date

Women should never let a man pick them up in his car on the first date.

While it may seem like an innocent gesture, allowing someone to pick you up in their vehicle on the first date could potentially lead to uncomfortable or even dangerous situations.

For instance, if something goes wrong during the date and you need to leave quickly, being stuck without your own transportation can make this difficult or impossible.

When you get into a stranger’s car, there’s also no guarantee that they won’t drive you to a completely different location, putting your life in danger.

7. Let someone know where you’re going and who you’ll be with

It’s always a good idea to let a friend or a family member know you’re going out on a date with someone new.

By sharing where you’re going and who you’ll be with, you can create a safety net for yourself and ensure that someone can check in if they don’t hear from you.

This doesn’t mean you have to provide a detailed itinerary of your every move, but simply informing someone you trust can give you peace of mind and an added layer of protection.

Simply take a screenshot of your date’s profile, forward it to your friend, and let them know where and when you’ll meet.

8. Trust your instincts

Trust your instincts; it’s a mantra that people often hear but don’t always follow.

When your gut is telling you that something isn’t quite right, it’s important to listen.

I’m a firm believer that women’s intuition is a powerful tool in helping us avoid abusers.

Whenever I had a bad dating experience, it always came with a strange feeling that something wasn’t quite right.

Our intuition is a result of years of evolution, helping us to avoid danger and make quick decisions.

Sometimes, it may be difficult to put your finger on exactly what’s wrong, but what matters is that you noticed something is off.

If you get a strange feeling about your date, don’t be afraid to end it early. Unmatch people who seem off.

Be firm in your boundaries (manipulators hate that) and don’t entertain anyone who doesn’t meet your standards.

9. Use a reputable dating app

When it comes to dating apps, it’s important to do your research before signing up for one.

It’s worth taking the time to find a reputable platform that you feel comfortable using and that aligns with your values and goals.

Make sure to read reviews from past users to get an idea of their experiences with the app.

Depending on your location, different apps might have different “reputations”. For example, Tinder could be the hook-up app while Bumble attracts a more commitment-oriented crowd.

Knowing what kind of audience each app attracts will help you have a better and safer experience.

Once you download an app, make sure to read my guide on dating app dos and don’ts to make sure your profile stands out!

Hopefully, these tips will keep you a little safer. Dating online can be a great experience when done right, so make sure you prioritize your own safety – even when it inconveniences others.