The Most Surprising Types of Dating Apps Available for People Trying to Find the One
TL;DR: People looking for the One can try their luck with social media-themed dating apps, apps based on astrology, events, career-focused, faith-based apps, and more.
Social media-themed dating apps
5.56 billion people were using the internet as of February 2025, comprising 67.9% of the world population. Of this total, just under 64% (5.24 billion) of the world’s population used social media. Social network-based or themed dating apps match users based on their history with the respective platform, enabling them to connect with others sharing that interest.
These online apps require users to log in with their social media account data and potentially match with other users. The app Reddate built matches based on the subreddits each user subscribed to. Some apps have geolocation features to match users based on distance in addition to their history on the platform. They are suitable for existing users of a social medium who might not want to look for a potential partner on a separate dating platform.
Dating apps based on astrology
Astrology-based dating apps consider zodiac compatibility first and foremost. They suggest a limited number of astrological matches to users per day, doing away with prolonged swiping. The tailored results encourage careful decision-making beyond a banal “dating a Taurus – yes or no?” The apps generate reports on how a pair will get along to make the suggested matches more interesting.
ENM dating apps
Ethical nonmonogamy (ENM) entails multiple intimate, loving, and frequently long-term partnerships with all other partners’ full consent. A recent survey revealed that 10.7% of people had engaged in polyamory at some point in their lives, almost 17% wanted to try this form of ENM, and 4-5% were currently in a consensually non-monogamous relationship.
In 2023, Tinder reported that 41% of Gen Z users were seeking or open to such relationships, and more than a quarter of all users (26%) were open to hierarchical polyamory. Men were three times as likely as women to express the desire to engage in polyamory and twice as likely to have engaged.
Event-based dating apps
These apps eschew superficial aspects, instead aiming to connect people who like doing similar things. You can search for events you’re interested in attending, ranging from sports and talks to art and classical music. The sites offer editor’s picks, highlighting exciting things going on in the city. They suggest places to go and meet like-minded people. This encourages users to meet face-to-face, providing a better idea of chemistry and compatibility.
Career-focused apps
Some people prioritize their careers over romantic partnerships. It follows that they might only want to date people working in the same field. These apps help them find dates with people based on their profession. They can also view potential matches in their area if the app is GPS-based. An early example of such an app depicted users based on their LinkedIn profiles. These apps reveal alma maters, professional backgrounds, and mutual workplace connections. If you want to find someone who shares career interests or ambitions, career-focused apps can help you find the perfect match.
Faith-based apps
An example of a successful faith-based dating app is JSwipe, sometimes referred to as the “Jewish Tinder.” Visually, it reminds one of Tinder, but it focuses on helping Jewish singles find romance and true love. It also facilitates serious relationships with singles who are interested in Jewish culture and customs.
JSwipe features an option “explore view” to widen search options and swipe-style dating and is available in more than 70 countries.
Final thoughts
Interest in traditional, general dating apps is waning, but niche apps are making up for it. These platforms facilitate bonding based on mutual interests, which 49% of Gen Z singles consider a form of intimacy, no matter how quirky.