Safety Tips For Your Next Tinder Date

Spring is around the corner; love will be in the air! As warmer breezes start blowing in, so does the dating scene. However, ladies and gentlemen, let’s not forget about dating safety because you never know who is on the other side of the screen until you finally meet.

Especially after hearing just how out of hand Tinder dates can be on Netflix’s documentary The Tinder Swindler, we created a list of simple, yet helpful suggestions on how to be protected as you try to connect with your online suitor.

1. Keep Your People in the Loop

The first tip we are going to talk about is keeping your people in the loop. Whether it's your family or your closest friends, just make sure someone you trust knows where you are going, who you are meeting with, and any other information you may have on your date.

There are various location tracking apps that can allow access to your location with one click, it has to be downloaded to someone’s phone. For example, Life360 is a quick way to stay connected with your friends so they can have your back. Plus, apps like these are very helpful not only when you are going on dates but also on a daily basis; why not have that extra support, especially since it can be quite dangerous nowadays.

2. Choose Location Wisely

When it comes to the meeting location, try to steer clear of any personal spots. We suggest never meeting at their house and vice versa, as it can open doors for unsafe situations but rather shoot for neutral ground. Also, try to meet in the middle of the day or early in the evening, you don’t want to be caught off guard in the darkness.

Preferably, try to choose a public place where there are a lot of people around. Here’s a list of date ideas that you and your date can go, all within the public eye:

A museum is a perfect place for dates because there are always people around and a lot of security guards. . MoMa also has a lot of space to sit down and have a conversation with your date.
The skating rink is a unique dating spot that is fun while also having quite a large crowd.
Going to gardens like Brooklyn Botanical is another amazing and safe option where you and your date can enjoy a peaceful environment together to connect.
We could help but add an Amusement park to this list. If you are close to one we highly suggest it—it is such a fun experience.

3. Better Safe Than Sorry

Don’t forget to grab your self-defense tools like pepper spray or personal safety alarm, just in case! This is nothing new for the girls, but we have to remember that life, regardless of who you are, is not always a safe space.

Even if you never use or need it—we hope you never do—you can never be too careful. The bright side is that it is fairly easy to access these tools, and can be easily ordered on Amazon and many other online stores.

4. Watch Out for the Red Flags, Boys and Girls

Now, we’ve all heard of various different red flags to look out for in our Tinder dates, but there are a few more subtle—and potentially more dangerous—red flags you should always keep in mind.

Keep an eye on your drinks and food, make sure your “ideal date” is not adding anything in it. If a person is also interfering with your personal space, and being too touchy or talks aggressively it might not be a good idea to continue the date. Below is a chart of possible signs that something was slipped into your drink, and what to do.

When you have high hopes and the person who you are meeting with ends up not being as dreamy as you thought they would be, don’t get discouraged! There are always ways to find love and your other half is somewhere waiting for you.

Remember, you don’t have to do things that you aren’t comfortable with! The main thing is to remember that no matter how much you like that person, you have to first and foremost prioritize your safety. Let us know about your Tinder date experiences in the comments below.

If you or someone you know is a victim of a sexual assault, you can contact a 24/7 hotline:

1 (800) 656-4673