Are you curious about how does Facebook dating work?

If you’re single and looking for love, this feature may be worth exploring.

Facebook Dating is a free dating service available to Facebook users, and it operates within the Facebook app.

In this article, we’ll explain how Facebook Dating works and what you can expect from the experience.

To use Facebook Dating, you’ll need to create a separate dating profile.

This profile is not visible to your Facebook friends or anyone else who isn’t using Facebook Dating.

You’ll fill out basic information about yourself, such as your gender, location, and interests.

You can also include photos and answer prompts to show off your personality.

Once your profile is complete, Facebook will suggest potential matches based on your preferences and location.

How Does Facebook Dating Work?

If you’re looking for a new way to meet people online, Facebook Dating might be the perfect solution for you.

Launched in 2019, Facebook Dating is a dating service that is built right into the Facebook app.

Here’s how it works:

To get started with Facebook Dating, you’ll need to create a separate dating profile that is not visible to your Facebook friends.

You can do this by accessing “Dating” from the menu screen in the Facebook app.

From there, you can set up your dating profile by providing information about yourself, such as your gender, the gender(s) you’re interested in, your location, and more.

Once your dating profile is set up, Facebook will suggest potential matches for you based on your preferences and location.

You can browse through these matches and either “like” or “pass” on them.

If you “like” someone and they “like” you back, you’ll be matched and can start messaging each other through the Facebook Dating app.

You can also send a “like” or a message to someone even if they haven’t liked you yet, but this will only be visible to them if they also decide to “like” you.

Facebook Dating also has a feature called “Secret Crush,” which allows you to select up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers that you’re interested in.

If any of these people also have a Facebook Dating profile and add you to their Secret Crush list, you’ll both receive a notification and be matched.

In terms of safety and privacy, Facebook Dating takes several measures to protect its users.

For example, your dating profile is separate from your regular Facebook profile, and your activity in the dating app will not be shared with your Facebook friends or appear on your newsfeed.

Additionally, you can block or report any users who make you feel uncomfortable or violate Facebook’s community standards.

Creating a Profile

To get started with Facebook Dating, you need to create a separate dating profile within your Facebook account.

Here’s how you can do it:

Open the Facebook app and tap on the three-line menu icon in the upper or lower-right corner.
Tap on “Dating” and then tap on “Get Started.”
Follow the prompts to set up your dating profile. You will need to share your location and choose a photo.
Your dating profile will be generated using information from your Facebook profile, but you can edit it to add more details.

Your Facebook Dating profile is separate from your regular Facebook profile, so you don’t have to worry about your friends and family seeing it.

You can also choose to hide or show your Facebook Dating profile to your Facebook friends.

When creating your Facebook Dating profile, you’ll have the opportunity to add a bio, which is a short description of yourself.

This is a great way to showcase your personality and interests to potential matches.

You can also add photos and answer prompts to give others a better sense of who you are.

One thing to keep in mind is that your Facebook Dating profile will only show your first name, and your regular Facebook profile won’t be linked to your dating profile.

This is to protect your privacy and keep your personal information secure.

Finding Matches

To find matches on Facebook Dating, you need to set up your profile first.

Once you have created your profile, Facebook Dating will suggest potential matches based on your preferences and information from your profile.

Your preferences for potential matches can include height, age, education, and more.

Apart from suggested matches, you can also look for matches in events and groups that you have in common with other users.

To do this, go to the Facebook app, tap the Dating icon, and scroll down to Events or Groups in common.

When suggested matches in groups or events are turned on, others in that group or event may see you as a suggested match.

Facebook Dating also offers a feature called Match Anywhere, which allows you to match with people who are not in your dating pool.

This feature lets you match with users from other cities or countries, expanding your dating pool.

It is important to note that Facebook Dating takes safety and privacy seriously.

You can report and block users, and your dating profile is separate from your Facebook profile.

Facebook Dating also does not allow users to send photos, links, payments, or videos in messages, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable dating experience.

The Secret Crush Feature

Facebook Dating’s Secret Crush feature allows you to select up to nine of your Facebook friends or Instagram followers as secret crushes.

When you add someone to your Secret Crush list, they will receive a notification that an anonymous person has a crush on them.

Your name will only be revealed if you both added each other as crushes.

To add or remove someone from your Secret Crush list, simply go to your Facebook Dating profile and select the Secret Crush icon.

You can also access your Secret Crush list from the Facebook Dating home screen.

It’s important to note that you can only have up to nine people on your Secret Crush list at a time.

So, choose wisely! If you reach the maximum number of crushes and want to add someone new, you’ll need to remove someone from your list first.

Another thing to keep in mind is that adding someone to your Secret Crush list doesn’t guarantee a match.

If the person you added doesn’t add you back, you won’t be matched.

However, if you both add each other as crushes, you’ll be notified and can start chatting in the Facebook Dating app.

Interacting with Matches

Once you’ve found some potential matches on Facebook Dating, it’s time to start interacting with them.

Here are some ways you can do that:

Messaging

Messaging is the primary way to communicate with matches on Facebook Dating.

You can send text messages, photos, and even videos to your matches.

To start a conversation, simply tap on the match’s profile and then tap the “Message” button.

Conversations

Facebook Dating conversations are similar to those on other dating apps.

You can see your conversation history with a match, as well as any photos or videos that have been shared.

You can also block or report a match if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Facebook Messenger

If you and your match both have Facebook Messenger installed, you can choose to continue your conversation there.

This can be useful if you prefer using Messenger’s features, such as voice and video calls.

Facebook Dating Openers

Facebook Dating offers a feature called “Openers” that suggests conversation starters based on your match’s profile.

These can be a great way to break the ice and start a conversation with someone you’re interested in.

Overall, interacting with matches on Facebook Dating is straightforward and easy.

Whether you prefer messaging, using Messenger, or using Openers, there are plenty of ways to connect with potential partners on the platform.

Integrating Instagram

Facebook Dating now integrates with Instagram, allowing you to connect your Instagram account to your Facebook Dating profile.

This feature gives you the ability to showcase your Instagram posts and stories on your Facebook Dating profile, providing potential matches with a more comprehensive view of who you are.

To connect your Instagram account to your Facebook Dating profile, you first need to add your Instagram account to an Accounts Center.

Once you have added your Instagram and Facebook accounts to the same Accounts Center, you can turn on Dating and Instagram as a connected experience.

By integrating Instagram with Facebook Dating, you can add more personality to your profile.

You can share your favorite posts and stories with potential matches, giving them a better sense of your interests and hobbies.

This integration also allows you to see the Instagram profiles of potential matches, providing you with more information about them.

One of the benefits of integrating Instagram with Facebook Dating is that it helps you to stand out from the crowd.

Your Instagram posts and stories can help you to showcase your unique personality and interests, making it easier for potential matches to connect with you.

Exploring Events and Groups

Facebook Dating allows you to explore potential matches based on your interests and activities.

One way to do this is by looking for matches in events and groups.

Here’s how:

Open the Facebook app and tap on the Dating icon.
Scroll down to “More to Explore” and tap on “Events in Common” or “Groups in Common.”
Choose to include all of your events or groups, or specific ones.
You can change which events or groups will show suggested matches at any time.

By exploring events and groups, you can find people who share similar interests and hobbies.

For example, if you’re a fan of hiking, you can join a hiking group on Facebook and look for potential matches who are also interested in hiking.

When you find a potential match in an event or group, you can like or comment on their profile to show interest.

If they like you back, you can start a conversation and get to know each other better.

It’s important to note that Facebook Dating only suggests matches who have also opted into the dating feature and have created a dating profile.

So, you don’t have to worry about accidentally matching with someone who isn’t interested in dating.

Safety and Privacy Features

When it comes to online dating, safety and privacy are top concerns.

Facebook Dating has implemented several features to help ensure a safe and secure dating experience.

Firstly, when setting up your dating profile, you can choose to share only the information you feel comfortable with.

Your Facebook Dating profile is separate from your Facebook profile, so you have control over what information is shared between the two.

If you encounter someone who makes you feel uncomfortable or violates Facebook’s Community Standards, you can report or block them.

To report someone, simply go to their profile and click the three dots in the top right corner.

From there, you can select “Report” and choose the reason for your report.

If you choose to block someone, they will no longer be able to see your profile or contact you.

Facebook Dating also offers live location sharing, which can be helpful when meeting someone for the first time.

You can choose to share your live location with a friend or family member, so they can keep track of your whereabouts during your date.

In terms of privacy, Facebook Dating has implemented several measures to protect your personal data.

For example, your dating activity will not be shared with your Facebook friends or appear on your News Feed.

Additionally, Facebook Dating does not use your location services to suggest matches.

Managing Your Account

When using Facebook Dating, it’s important to manage your account settings to ensure that your experience is enjoyable and safe.

Here are some tips for managing your account:

Settings

To access your Facebook Dating settings, simply tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of your screen and select “Dating.”

From there, you can access your profile, preferences, and other settings.

In your preferences, you can set your distance preferences, gender preferences, and age range for potential matches.

You can also choose to show or hide your profile from your Facebook friends and people you’ve blocked on Facebook.

General

In addition to your preferences, there are other general settings you should be aware of.

For example, you can choose to receive notifications for new likes, messages, and matches.

You can also choose to turn off notifications for specific types of activity.

Take a Break

If you need to take a break from Facebook Dating, you can do so by selecting “Take a Break” in your settings.

This will pause your account and hide your profile from potential matches.

You can choose to come back to Facebook Dating at any time.

Delete Profile

If you decide that Facebook Dating isn’t for you, you can delete your profile by going to your settings and selecting “Delete Profile.”

Keep in mind that this will permanently delete your profile and all of your matches, messages, and other information.

Facebook Dating Around the World

If you’re wondering whether Facebook Dating is available in your country, you’ll be glad to know that it’s currently available in various countries around the world.

As of July 2023, Facebook Dating is available in the US, UK, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Uruguay, and Vietnam.

When you create your Facebook Dating profile, your dating location is automatically set to your most recently confirmed dating location.

This means that you’ll see matches who are located near you or in the same city.

You can also turn off Facebook Location Services and continue to use Dating.

It’s worth noting that Facebook Dating is a free service, so you don’t have to pay anything to use it.

However, you will need to have a Facebook account to use Facebook Dating.

If you don’t have a Facebook account, you’ll need to create one before you can start using Facebook Dating.

If you’re worried about your Facebook friends seeing your Facebook Dating profile, don’t be.

Your Facebook Dating profile is separate from your Facebook profile, and your Facebook friends won’t be able to see it unless they’re also using Facebook Dating.

Comparing Facebook Dating to Other Apps

When it comes to dating apps, there are many options available, with Bumble, Tinder, and Hinge being some of the most popular.

However, Facebook Dating stands out in several ways.

Firstly, Facebook Dating is integrated into the main Facebook app, so you don’t need to download an additional app.

This is convenient if you’re already using Facebook regularly and don’t want to clutter your mobile device with too many apps.

Another advantage of Facebook Dating is that it’s free to use, unlike some other dating apps that require a subscription to access certain features.

This makes it accessible to a wider range of people who are looking for love.

In terms of features, Facebook Dating has a unique “Secret Crush” feature that allows you to add up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers to a list of people you’re interested in.

If they add you to their list as well, you’ll both be notified and can start chatting.

Compared to Bumble and Tinder, which require mutual swipes to match and start a conversation, Facebook Dating’s Secret Crush feature can be a more subtle way to express interest in someone you already know.

Finally, Facebook Dating emphasizes privacy and safety.

Your dating profile is separate from your main Facebook profile, and your matches won’t be shared with your Facebook friends unless you choose to do so.

You can also block and report anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.

Potential Concerns and Criticisms

As with any online dating platform, Facebook Dating has its potential concerns and criticisms.

Here are some of the things you may want to consider before diving in:

Romance Scams: Romance scams are a real concern when it comes to online dating. While Facebook has implemented safety and privacy features, it’s always important to be cautious when interacting with strangers online. Be on the lookout for red flags such as requests for money or personal information.
Relationship Status: One of the unique aspects of Facebook Dating is that it allows you to connect with people who are already in your social circle. However, this can also lead to potential complications if you’re not careful. Be mindful of your current relationship status and make sure you’re not unintentionally sending mixed signals to your Facebook friends.
Dating Experts: Some dating experts have criticized Facebook Dating for not offering enough unique features to differentiate it from other dating apps. While it does have some unique aspects, such as the ability to connect with people who share similar interests, it may not be enough to win over users who are loyal to other platforms.
Industry Experts: Industry experts have also raised concerns about Facebook’s ability to handle user data and privacy. While Facebook has stated that it has designed Facebook Dating with privacy and safety in mind, some users may still be hesitant to trust the platform with their personal information.

Key Takeaways

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when using Facebook Dating:

Facebook Dating is a separate feature within the Facebook app that allows you to create a dating profile and connect with other Facebook users who have also opted into the feature.
Your Facebook Dating profile is separate from your regular Facebook profile, and your activity in the Dating feature will not be shared with your Facebook friends.
To use Facebook Dating, you must be 18 years of age or older and have the most recent version of the Facebook app installed on your device.
When setting up your Facebook Dating profile, you can choose to include information such as your gender, location, and interests, as well as answer prompts provided by the app to help showcase your personality.
Facebook Dating uses an algorithm to suggest potential matches based on factors such as your preferences, interests, and activity within the feature.
You can like or pass on suggested matches, and if both you and another user have liked each other, you will be matched and can start messaging each other within the app.
Facebook Dating also offers safety features such as the ability to block and report users, as well as the option to share your location with a trusted friend while on a date.
Remember to always use caution and good judgement when using any online dating platform, and never share personal or sensitive information with anyone you meet through the app.