How to use hookup dating app

Tinder

Our love/hate relationship with Tinder notwithstanding, we can't ignore the fact that it's a tried-and-true option when all you want is some casual sex.

• Free version: Yes
• One month of Tinder Plus: $9.99
• Six months of Tinder Plus: $37.99 ($6.33 per month)
• 12 months of Tinder Plus: $49.99 ($4.17 per month)
• One month of Tinder Gold: $29.99
• Six months of Tinder Gold: $112.99 ($18.83 per month)
• 12 months of Tinder Gold: $149.99 ($12.50 per month)

Maybe you've heard of this dating app already — in fact, we'd bet money that you've downloaded it at least once in your life. Tinder, otherwise known as the dating app everyone and their mother downloads after a breakup, sees 1.6 billion swipes per day and is available in 196 countries. "Tindering" has become just as much of a verb as "swiping" at this point, so you know it had to make this list.
Tinder may not want to advertise as such, but we all know what it's mostly used for. Yeah yeah, we know the amount of success stories of happy couples who met on Tinder is growing rapidly, but it's way easier to find a date for the night than it is to find someone looking for a long term relationship. Using Tinder for the latter just wouldn't be smart — you're quite literally deciding if you want to interact with someone based on nothing but profile pictures and a quote from The Office, so yeah, you can see how getting laid would be the main goal of most users. 
It's fast, easy, and if there's one app that even the shyest, most skeptical people will be on, it's Tinder. Hell, even celebrities can now have verified profiles on there — meaning yes, you could match with one of the if you're really lucky. Sure, you may get carpal tunnel from swiping so much, but I guess that also means that it's nearly impossible to not find like-minded people who are also DTF.
Though it's pretty much free for general use, Tinder does offer two upgrades: Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold. These like the opportunity to undo a left swipe (bless), send "Super Likes" to people you're really into, and in the case of Tinder Gold, see which Tinder users have liked your profile. 

OkCupid

While you probably won't find an instant hookup, you will find a compatible one.

• Free version: Yes
• OkCupid Basic: $19.99 per month
• OkCupid Premium: $29.99 per month

Psst, people who are over Tinder but not yet ready to join the ranks of marriage-crazed eHarmony: OkCupid is your new best friend. This hip, LGBTQ-friendly site has won the hearts of millennial and mature singles alike, and we'd give it the crown for being the smartest combo of spontaneous and serious. It's the place for, well, pretty much everyone who takes dating seriously, but still wants to have fun.
Here's the thing about OkCupid: Their advertising is outstanding. They deserve endless applause just for that, but I realize many people on dating apps care about more than the aesthetics. Though OkCupid's advertisements may have "DTF" plastered all over them, the site's intentions and matchmaking process are no joke. The site takes compatibility factors into account that other sites haven't even thought of. 
First thing's first: and its user base are pretty liberal (which can also translate into "sex positive"). The ads with same-sex couples are an obvious giveaway, but OkCupid has . For instance, they'll ask questions about whether you're for or against the defunding of Planned Parenthood or same sex marriage, and if you feel obligated to help fellow human beings — all as a way to tell right off the bat if your potential match leans left or right. (This can help you avoid awkward date conversations in the future.) , as OkCupid released statistics showing that liberal-leaning answers to those questions made you 80% more likely to find love on the site. Other sites don't go into this type of stuff much past religion, but with politics being more of a hot topic now than ever, you can imagine how torturous it would be to sleep with someone who wants to argue about human rights after.
It might take some time and genuine effort to make a profile, but that's what you want if you're looking for something real — you can desire compatibility even if it is just a hookup. You'll fill out a questionnaire with your answers as well as what you would like your ideal match to answer. This makes the application-building process a lot more fun than other dating apps, making it feel like an online quiz. It asks a range of questions, from simple stuff to if you smoke and drink to more intimate things like how many dates you typically wait before having sex with someone. Pro tip: The app says the the more questions you answer, the better your matches will be. The deeper you go, the more accurate your profile is — and in turn, OkCupid will have a way easier time finding matches for you. The downside? This question answering can get pretty tedious. You can for sure find a hookup here eventually, but don't come here if your only goal is sex within a few hours.
Read our full review of OkCupid.

Hinge

While Hinge is geared toward relationships, being upfront about intentions can score you a hookup.

• Free version: Yes
• One month of Preferred: $19.99
• Three months of Preferred: $39.99 ($13.33 per month)
• Six months of Preferred: $59.99 ($9.99 per month)

OK, Hinge is geared more toward relationships, but if you're upfront with your intentions, it's definitely a useful hookup app as well. Profiles are pretty robust with both pictures/videos and written prompts, so you can actually find someone you're at least a little bit compatible with to be your fuck buddy.
Hinge is especially good if you're looking for an ongoing casual hookup. Even if they're not looking for something serious, Hinge users typically seem to be looking for something more than just a one-night stand. Make it clear from the start that you're just looking for someone to hang out and hook up with and you can find some nice partners.
On Hinge you get to send 10 likes per day with the free version (unlimited with the paid version) and set preferences like age, ethnicity, and religion. You can filter by even more preferences with a paid membership if you're looking for a specific height, drug usage, and more. If you're just in search of a hookup, this level of compatibility might not be necessary, so you're probably good with the free version.

Grindr

Grindr is the go-to hookup app for gay men.

• Free version: Yes
• One month of Grindr XTRA: $27.99
• Three months of Grindr XTRA: $39.99 ($13.33 per month)
• Six months of Grindr XTRA: $66.99 ($11.16 per month)
• 12 months of Grindr XTRA: $99.99 ($8.33 per month)

Grindr is the go-to hookup app for gay guys. It's one of the only mainstream dating apps for gay men and you can truly find a range of relationship types through the platform — yes, obviously, this includes casual hookups.
On the surface, Grindr is a hookup-oriented app, so it won't be too much work to find another guy who's also looking for a one-night stand or friends with benefits. Don't be surprised if you're greeted with an unsolicited dick pic or two.
That's not to say that Grindr isn't also a place to find serious relationships, but that's not what you came here for, is it? Grindr is technically for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, but you'll mostly find men on there

HER

HER is made specifically for queer women to find a hookup, relationship, or platonic friend.

Made by and for queer women, HER is a space where women can feel safe looking for other women to hook up with without worrying about being sexualized by skeevy men. HER isn't designed just for hookups, so if you're looking for a hookup-turned-relationship, you might find that here with the more than 4 million active users.
The app isn't even solely focused on romantic/sexual relationships — it's also just a space carved out for the LGBTQ community where women can connect with other queer people. This is a great breeding ground for friends with benefits.
HER requires a Facebook account to create a profile, which adds a nice level of security as you know that all the people you're seeing on the app are real. The app even sort of runs like Facebook with a feed filled with events, media, and more specifically tailored to the LGBTQ community.

Match

If your age makes you feel like a certified creep on Tinder, Match is a more mature place to find an experienced booty call.

• Free version: Yes
• One month: $35.99
• Three months: $59.97 ($19.99 per month)
• Six months: $107.94 ($17.99 per month)
• 12 months: $191.88 ($15.99 per month)

We know what you're thinking: "How TF am I gonna find a hookup on a relationship site?" Yes, we know Match isn't the raunchiest place, but it also has a massive user base (7.4 million paid users, to be exact) so even if you're not looking for a long-term relationship like many members, there's a pretty high chance you'll find a ton of users also looking for something risqué. (Like we said earlier — anything can be a hookup app if you want it to be, right?) 
One main difference between Match and most of the other sites we've listed (other than AdultFriendFinder maybe) is that Match sees a way more diverse age range. Sure, there are a ton of young people on Match who are probably on Tinder as well, but Match also attracts significantly more older, more mature (and probably more experienced in bed) users. If you're at an age where you feel nothing but creepy on Tinder, Match is a perfect alternative. 
You'll obviously have to fill out some survey questions about your likes and dislikes, so this isn't the place for impatient people. However, it would be a good idea to let the public know exactly the type of relationship you're looking for in your bio, just to make sure it doesn't get awkward if someone wants a second date. Don't worry, it's less serious than eharmony and gives you much more freedom to clown around — we'd just suggest that you at least be open to the idea of a serious relationship after a hookup if you're gonna be on Match. You have to test drive the car before you buy it, right? (Douchey, but true.)
Match is also clutch because you're pretty much in control: You'll get a certain number of matches that they think you'll like per day, but you also have free rein over the search bar and can see who's nearby. This means you're able to feel out the selection and see if there are any certified hotties in your area, rather than waiting for them to give you choices or going one by one (like on Tinder). They might not have as much in common with you as your suggested matches would, but hey, does that really matter when it comes to a one night stand?
Read our full Match review here and sign up here.

PURE

It's like Snapchat for sex, where hookups are spontaneous and impersonal.

• Free version: Yes
• Weekly Pure membership: $14.99
• Monthly Pure membership: $29.99
• In-app purchases: Varying prices

When we think PURE, we think purely physical. If you're tired of getting signals crossed or dread being asked "What are we?" by a friend with benefits, PURE is the place to find a booty call who won't try to text you earlier than midnight. App rules urge you to "pretend like you're strangers afterwards," making no-strings-attached sex the only name of the game here. This minimalistic and hella millennial app is fast, no nonsense, and the blueprint of what a hookup app should be. (They quite literally refer to themselves as "The Hookup App," so you know exactly what you're getting into here.) 
Small talk and all that mushy shit? Ain't nobody got time for that. No, seriously — your uploaded selfies, personal info, and conversations with others self destruct every 60 minutes, promoting spur-of-the-moment and borderline anonymous hookups. The app will ask for your phone number, but that's just to make sure you're a real person. There aren't even any profiles — it's just a feed of personal ads that let you get directly to the point of what you're looking for. You can attach photos to your ads, but nudes are only allowed within chats, and Pure would like to remind you to only send nudes with consent. You can delete recently sent photos or set your pics to self destruct after opening.
The app uses your geolocation and sends out the sex version of an Uber request, so you won't have to worry about finding out your match actually lives across the country. There's a seriously fun "less talking, more touching" vibe that ramps up the fast-paced atmosphere, taking things to a whole new level. 
PURE gives all the feels of a hookup-only site without the obnoxious naked parts everywhere, AKA you won't have to be scared for someone to glance at your phone or computer screen as you would with AdultFriendFinder. AskMen mentions that it "seriously challenges the status quo," and we agree — the surge of blatant sex positivity is a breath of fresh air when compared to other dating apps that try to convince you that you'll find your soulmate. There's no fancy algorithm, no crappy bio jokes, and best of all: no waiting. It will ask for your credit card info, but we promise it's all free.

Feeld

Find people looking for a non-monogamous hookup on this inclusive app.

• Free version: Yes
• 30 days of Majestic: $15.49
• 90 days of Majestic: $30.99

Sometimes a hookup includes more than one other person, but finding people who are down for a threesome (or more-some) isn't always the easiest task. Don't be that asshole who goes on a dating app and matches with someone only to later reveal your intentions of finding a third.
Feeld is where everyone on the app is on the same page about what they're seeking. It's an open-minded community that allows you to choose from more than 20 sexual and gender identities, pair your profile with your partner's, list your desires, and create group chats. So yeah, you'll be able to narrow down exactly what you're looking for.
The app is sex positive without looking like a computer virus popup. You can sign up for Feeld as a couple or as a single to practice consensual polyamory (AKA, people openly participating in non-monogamous relationships rather than people secretly cheating on their partners). 
Feeld is free to use, but has a paid Majestic membership with bonus features like seeing people who liked you and sharing private photos.

Clover

Clover wants to do more than give you an anonymous hot single to bang — and why not actually be friends with your friend with benefits?

• Free version: Yes
• One week: $14.99
• One month: $29.99
• Three months: $59.99 ($19.99 per month)
• 12 months: $119.99 ($9.99 per month)

OK, but what about the other type of hookup? You know, the one where you know more about your booty call than just their name? Clover is a fun, millennial-driven app that pairs physical attraction with shared interests. It's totally still fast-paced enough to give you a spontaneous hookup. Not all hookup apps have to be anonymous or borderline porn. Even if it's just a one-night or not-earlier-than-midnight-thing, I know a ton of people who would prefer to ensure that their booty call isn't a raging psychopath. Yes, you can actually be friends with your friends with benefits hookup partner.
Aside from the usual physical appearance, location, and sexual preference questions, Clover also gives you the option of answering 20 profile questions in a similar manner to OkCupid. (If you're impatient, just stick with Tinder or PURE.) There is an option to check that you're only looking to hook up, so you can at least ensure that you won't be giving the wrong idea. While you can swipe to match, you can also request to go on a date (and even suggest a place and time), or create mixer events for multiple users to meet up. (AskMen's Clover reviewer saw a mixer titled "Lol why am I using this app," and we love that.) Note: There is a free version of Clover, but the premium memberships allows for unlimited chatting, plus you'll be able to unlock all photo, video, and badge features. You pretty much need the paid version to do anything on the app.
Our main point? Sometimes it's nice to not be strangers with the person you're having sex with. A lot of hookups usually end in being kicked out of bed at 3 a.m. or leaving before the other person wakes up — but what if you're both lonely and just really like brunch foods? It's nice to know you can hold some sort of conversation and use them for their company as well as their private parts. You can easily get laid and find a a no-strings-attached situation, just with a friendlier dynamic. Does that take the passion and mystery and spontaneity of a random hookup away? Hell no. Plus, if you're also open to a relationship if you meet the right person, Clover is a great happy medium. Sign up here.

Zoosk

Zoosk learns your behavior to present you with matches you'll truly vibe with.

• Free version: Yes
• One month: $29.99
• Three months: $59.99 ($20 per month)
• Six months: $75.99 ($12.50 per month)
• 12 months: $149.99 ($12.50 per month)

Ever heard of "behavioral matchmaking?" Well, you have now. Zoosk sports a flirty "pick up and go" philosophy when it comes to online dating, so they won't make you answer a torturous string of questions about yourself. Instead, Zoosk monitors your on-site activity and attempts to give you better matches based on what you already like. Zoosk offers ease and practicality and is pretty far from the Tinders of the world.
Specifying the age range and gender that you're looking for in a partner does squat to narrow down your options. That might be fine for a strict hookup, but finding something past friends with benefits will require a little more help. Considering Zoosk sees a user base of about 40 million members, getting through all profiles that match your requirements could take ages. By monitoring your swiping behavior, Zoosk can tap into your subconscious (okay, not really, but sorta) and give you what you want deep down, even if you don't even know why you're saying yes or no to those profiles.
There is one downside we need to mention, though: The amount of fake or dead profiles makes this place seem like the dating site version of The Walking Dead. Of course, all dating sites have their fair share of duds, but Zoosk is just feeling that plague a bit more intensely (we've heard it's mostly female profiles). Luckily, you can weed these out by looking for a "currently online" or "recently online" status.
Like most sites, there is a free version, but it's worthless — AKA you're gonna need to pay to do anything. It's not wildly pricey, and as with any dating site that you need to pay for, it's kind of nice to know that other users are somewhat serious if they're spending their money on it. Zoosk also has a coin system that allows you to boost your profile and get access to other special features, which you can read about in our full review here.

eharmony

Though it's pricey, eharmony can help you find an ultra-compatible partner.

• Free version: Yes
• One month: $59.95
• Three months: $89.85 ($29.95 per month)
• Six months: $179.40 ($29.90 per month)

Some people are trying to marry the next person they date and that's cool, too. eharmony sees about 5 million of those people each month. In 2013, eharmony ranked first in creating marriages, and is apparently responsible for 4 percent of marriages in the U.S. They’re pretty confident in their matchmaking abilities, too, because they make a guarantee that if you’re not satisfied in three months, they’ll give you another three months for free. If that's not promising, I don't know what is. 
After their debut in 2000 and 20 years of matchmaking, you can guess that the algorithm really knows what it's doing. eharmony has an intense 29-dimension compatibility system with a lengthy quiz that focuses on your long-term success as a couple. (People just looking for a hookup probably won't put themselves through that.) There is an option for local dating; however, many of eharmony’s success stories feature couples who were living states apart before they met (if you want to cry happy tears, read those). Once you’ve completed your questionnaire, eharmony will provide you with matches so you don’t have to browse profiles. For some, this may not be enough freedom, but for those who aren’t great at choosing partners or have no clue what they need, this may be a breath of fresh air.
The questions are pretty standard and are similar to what most other in-depth dating sites will ask. You'll give yourself a rating on prompts like "I'm an honest partner," with sliding scale responses. On paper, asking deep questions like these right off the bat makes total sense when pairing two people together — but they're so basic and annoying. As much as you'd like to lie to feel better about yourself, you know deep down that's not the way to a healthy relationship. Admitting that you're not as mature in a certain area is key to eharmony matching you with someone who complements you. SO DON'T LIE.
This all sounds pretty nice, right? You're just about on track to finding a spouse. Oh, except, we're sorry to drop this bomb on you, but eharmony does not offer up their romance services for cheap. (We understand why, but still.) Their prices fluctuate regularly, with one month coming in at around $60 — but like with most subscription websites, the longer you stay, the cheaper it gets.
Read our full eharmony review here.

EliteSingles

A space for ambitious people to connect with like-minded singles who don't have time to sit down and swipe.

• Free version: Yes
• Three months: $113.85 ($37.95 per month)
• Six months: $167.70 ($27.95 per month)
• 12 months: $239.40 ($19.95 per month)

Are you a picky person looking for something super specific in a partner? Good, you've come to the right place. A word to the wise though: this is not the place for the younger millennials. EliteSingles loves to brag that 82 percent of their members are college grads, and with most of its members at 33 to 50 years old, we can pretty surely say that the main target is mature, working professionals rather than the Tinder-using generation. Sorry college kids.
Rather than being thrown into an endless pool of profiles, EliteSingles lets you pick out exactly what you're looking for. You'll be given a limited number of matches curated for you using 29 extremely detailed, professional-level algorithms based on the popular Five Factor Personality Test. They'll even show you your own results in comparison to those of potential matches to see how you stack up. Like eharmony, the stuff to fill out is pretty lengthy, which can be a bit annoying if all you're looking for is a hookup. But sometimes hookups can turn into relationships — hey, it happens! — so at least it'll be nice to know that you're shacking up with someone who shares your interests.
Another unique thing is that there are separate pools based on location, religion, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation. You can even break it down by profession if — for example, if you are or were a teacher, you might only want to date someone who was also a teacher. All profiles are also verified manually with an upscale Fraud Detection System.
As you could have expected from the fancy-sounding name, EliteSingles is kind of pricey (but we say worth it). 
Sign up here and read our full review here.