Just matched on a dating app? Here's how to spot red flags

You just matched with someone on a dating platform—how exciting! You feel like there's flow in the conversation, their pictures seem appealing, and you're even thinking about how to start planning your first date. 

But before you get too far ahead of yourself, it's time to hit the brakes! Not every match is worth your time, and you want to notice potential red flags before you waste time, energy, or in the worst case, put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Here are five major red flags to watch out for when matching with someone online:

Their profile looks shady or too perfect

A profile that has little to offer in a biography, plus only one or two pictures, might just be a red flag that the person isn’t serious, or it could indicate that they are a bot or a catfish. Similarly, if their profile seems overly staged with model-looking photos and vague captions, they may not be who they say they are. Find someone authentic! When there is little substance to the profile or it feels manufactured, run away!

They avoid answering basic questions

If you’re talking to someone and they don’t answer questions about their job, interests, or personal life, that’s a sign that something isn’t right. A vague reply or refusal to answer basic questions could suggest dishonesty. 

A partner who is real will be open and engaged, without you feeling like you are asking questions just to get an idea where they are from. Someone overly private is scary; it’s time to move on! 

Well, that said, not every match is a red flag, and recognizing and working through these warning signs can help you have a better experience and avoid unnecessary frustration. (Credit: Freepik)

The person wants to move things too fast

You have only been talking for a little while, and they are already calling you their soulmate or asking to hang out right away. 

Rushing things can be a way to manipulate feelings or skip some of the necessary steps in getting to know someone. Developing a legitimate connection takes time, and someone who values and respects you will not pressure you to do anything too fast.

Their energy is inconsistent and all over the place

They are sending you long messages and replying right away one day, and then the next they ghost you for three days without any explanation. This hot-and-cold dynamic is a sign that the person is either uninterested or that they are juggling multiple matches without the desire for anything serious. Regardless, consistency matters in any potential relationship. 

If the person’s effort is inconsistent, don’t waste your time trying to figure out their level of interest. 

Revealing too very soon is also a red flag. (Credit: Freepik)

They won’t video call and meet you in public place

If they continually refuse to video call or keep asking to meet in a non-public place rather than a secured location, this is a big red flag! A legitimate match will have no issue verifying themselves or meet in a safe and public venue. 

If they make excuses about being unable to perform video calls, or offer a reason why they cannot meet in the public location you mutually agree upon, they may not be who they say they are. 

Well, that said, not every match is a red flag, and recognizing and working through these warning signs can help you have a better experience and avoid unnecessary frustration. 

Trust your gut, consider safety first and keep in mind, when it comes to online dating you will always have much better connections if you choose quality over quantity. Happy swiping!