Methodology: Hinge’s D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise) Report, Love Beyond Labels, based on research from more than 14,000 LGBTQIA+ and heterosexual-identifying Hinge daters. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. The data also shows that half of LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters have felt the need to present as more masc or femme to attract someone, with 29 per cent regretting not presenting their true self.
Beyond it being misleading to one’s identity, some daters find labels can lead people to overlook them as well as set false expectations about dating styles and the type of relationship they’re looking for.
Three decades later, Teena’s story continues to shape how North America talks about gender, justice, and who deserves protection
Hinge Answers 5 Key Questions About Navigating Queer Dating in 2025
In May, Hinge released our 2025 LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. Introducing their industry-first feature Match Note, the dating app will now allow users to share personal information about themselves with matches before starting a conversation.
If you’re tired of sharing the same private details – such as your boundaries with intimacy or relationship preferences – you may want to check this out.
Opting for a slowmance helps LGBTQIA+ daters cultivate emotional intimacy and build the strong foundation necessary to navigate those complexities,” says Moe Ari Brown. “While labels can be valuable tools…they don’t always capture the full complexity of identity and attraction.”
The report, which surveyed 14,000 global LGBTQIA+ and heterosexual Hinge daters, found 28 per cent of LGBTQIA+ daters feel this fatigue, calling the need to label themselves as limiting and inauthentic.
By including this in your Dating Intentions Backstory, you can easily and successfully let people know you’re open to dating beyond your type.When you name your openness clearly, you create space for genuine chemistry to unfold, especially with people who may have wondered whether someone like you would be interested in them. I’d love to continue this energy in real life.”
“I’m enjoying this—want to grab a coffee or go for a walk sometime soon?”
Q: Who is expected to pay for the date?
LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters are 90% more likely to prefer splitting the bill than heterosexual daters
Moe Ari: Instead of assuming who will pay or waiting until the end of the date, check in before.
I’d love to hear more.”
“You seem like someone who values presence. “The 2024 LGBTQIA+ Hinge D.A.T.E. Queer daters have to establish clear communication and mutual boundaries to smoothly introduce the relationship in a way that feels comfortable for everyone involved.
The top reasons LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters prefer a soft launch over a hard launch are to: enjoy the early stages of the relationship before involving others (58%), protect their own privacy (44%), and understand each other’s boundaries (40%).
77% of LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters believe that people should have a conversation with a romantic partner first before posting about them on social media; preferring to soft launch.
53% of trans daters and 42% of queer daters who said they prefer to never launch their relationships make this choice due to privacy and safety concerns.
“Dating can be especially complex for queer daters for many reasons.
The top first-date topics Hinge’s LGBTQIA+ daters want to discuss are: personal growth (58%), identity (51%), family dynamics (32%) and societal issues (32%).
91% of LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters are open to continuing the first date and going to another place if it’s going well.
#3 Rolling Out the Soft Launch: Subtly releasing photos or videos on social media of their romantic partner without sharing their full face/identity.
The way we handle the bill is never just about the bill. Using data from underrepresented groups such as LGBTQIA and neurodivergent daters, Hinge’s new feature aims to help people to be their authentic selves online.
So how does it work? Eighty-two per cent said they are prioritizing finding life partners with 58 per cent of them saying they want to get married.
“With our D.A.T.E. LGBTQIA+ Hinge Users Are Redefining Dating
The third annual D.A.T.E. LGBTQIA+ daters, in particular, are forging paths that prioritize emotional connection, mutual support, and shared vision over outdated scripts.
If you’re unsure how to bring up long-term desires, try:
“What does a meaningful relationship look like to you?”
“Do you see partnership as a path toward marriage or something else?”
“I value a connection that evolves over time.
Just wanted to say that.”
Q: Who should initiate a first date?
48% of LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters have faced gender-based assumptions about date planning, and 63% have no preference about who plans the first date
Moe Ari: If you’re enjoying the conversation, don’t be afraid to be the first to suggest a meeting in person.
The report outlines how LGBTQIA+ daters can achieve greater emotional intimacy and build trust in relationships through an unexpected approach—embracing what Hinge has identified as a "slowmance,” meaning to slow the pace down to enjoy the ride rather than rushing things, putting clear boundaries in place and setting intentions.
To help the queer community build emotional intimacy and trust, Hinge’s 2024 LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E.
Try:
“Your answer to [Prompt] really resonated. Too many connections stall because someone’s waiting for “permission” to reach out first.