Not everyone’s looking for the commitment that comes with many online dating sites. Long-term relationships are great, but sometimes, you just want to keep it casual. If this sounds like you, you may be searching for Craigslist casual encounters.
Craigslist used to dominate the online hookup scene. But nowadays, using the website to find a lowkey adult connection is not as easy. But don’t lose hope. Plenty of other casual dating sites stepped up to fill the void CL left.
Whether you’re looking for wild sex or just want a no-pressure connection with someone, the internet has your back. Wondering what happened to casual encounters on Craigslist, what to use instead, and the benefits of a casual dating site? Then get comfy and keep reading.
Defining a Craigslist Casual Encounter
Craigslist casual encounter refers to a classified sites subsection where people would find casual sex and dating. Unlike a “serious” or “committed” relationship, a casual encounter is any kind of light, intimate relationship with a no-strings-attached attitude. If you don’t know Craigslist, it’s a site where users post and reply to ads. This includes anything from selling a futon, adopting a dog, finding a hookup or casual encounter ads.
CL divides its classified platforms into different sections based on what people want or advertise. For a time, there was an adult forum known as Craigslist Personals. This is where people would try to find relationships, casual partners, one-night stands, or other sexual interactions. Think of it as an early, online, free dating site. However, most personal ads in that section sought casual hookups or situations.
Can You Find Sex on Craigslist?
No, you cannot find sex on Craigslist anymore. The personals section on Craigslist, designed for casual meet-ups, shut down in 2018. Allowing the posting of adult personals became too risky for the company. But if you’ve spent time on the internet, you know that wouldn’t stop people from trying. The community found a way around not having a Craigslist personals tab or an adult services tab.
These casual daters looking for a good time now post in other sections like Missed Connections. The main problem is that it makes those sections function less effectively. They’re now filled with a deluge of horny posts that have nothing to do with their original subject.
Picture surfing the site for an acting gig but coming up empty because of the sea of sugar daddy requests. The other problem is finding fun-loving and casual connections this way is inefficient. If you’re asking, “Can you find sex on Craigslist?” You can’t. However, with so many great hookup apps and premium places online, it’s okay to leave Craigslist in the past.
Are Casual Encounters on Craigslist Safe?
If you’re wondering if a casual encounter Craigslist is safe, the best answer we can give you is no, not entirely. For one thing, no online site is completely, one hundred percent safe. Even without sex, intimacy, etc. Data leaks and privacy breaches happen all the time. Plus, you only have to watch one episode of Catfish to know how easy it is to lie on the internet.
One of the reasons that Craigslist’s original Personals and Adult Services forums no longer exist is due to safety. There were broader concerns about possible trafficking happening on the site. But even on a smaller level, these pages didn’t have a way to keep users safe from scams or predators. Now that there isn’t a specific space for Craigslist encounters, it’s even riskier. We suggest searching for a CL Personals alternative so you have a friendly corner to cum in peace.
Safe Sex and Casual Encounters (Craigslist and Other Sites)
Whether from a sex ed lecture, an after-school special, or a stern parent, most of us learned one thing. Sex = Bad. Need we remind you of that famous Mean Girls scene? On top of that, casual sex gets a bad rap as it‘s associated with risky behavior and STIs. On the surface, this might sound true. After all, if you’re seeking out Craigslist casual encounters (or on other sites), you may be looking for anonymous sex. Or, generally, sex with people you don’t know.
However, if you don’t have any real link to this person, you’re less likely to know their sexual history and habits. But the truth is that unsafe, unprotected sex is the real link to STIs, STDs, and other health risks. Avoid this by always using protection and requesting proof of STI/STD testing and HIV status from sexual activity partners.
Benefits of Casual Hook-Ups and Encounters
Have you ever heard the expression, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water? Well, don’t throw casual encounters out with Craigslist. We’re all about casual hook-ups, encounters, and the benefits of casual sex and dating. For one, there are more good than bad outcomes to casual sex, according to a 2020 systematic review.
These hookups generally left a feeling of fun, boosted self-esteem, and sexual pleasure. It’s also a way for people who don’t want or aren’t ready for a serious, committed relationship to explore sexuality. Even in a non-sexual casual encounter, there are positive outcomes. Many struggle to connect with others or find people to interact with daily. Going online and meeting with someone else is a low-pressure way to wade into the social pool. That’s why we want you to find a new online space for hookups and to get off.
Craigslist Casual Encounters Alternative Sites
At last, it’s time to talk about Craiglist casual encounters alternative hook up and casual dating sites. Since CL no longer caters to hookups, many other sites have taken up the mantle. The most famous places that pop up when you search “casual encounters Craigslist” are Ashley Madison and Adult Friend Finder.
To be honest, we don’t recommend either for casual encounters. We’re nixing Ashley Madison for their famous scandal back in 2015. A massive customer leak revealed detailed profiles of people cheating on their spouses using the site’s services. In our opinion, that’s not the best reputation to associate yourself with. Plus, it doesn’t exactly scream “private and safe.”
Similarly, AdultFriendFinder experienced a massive security breach in 2016. If there’s one thing you want a service for your sexual kinks and desires to be, it’s secure. That’s why we’ve picked out FetLife, SeniorSizzle, and DoubleList as the best places to get your casual Craigslist dating on. Each one has something for everyone. Keep reading to learn about a few of the sites that replaced Craigslist Personals.
FetLife: The Craigslist Replacement for Kinksters
Many people turn to Craigslist because they don’t want others to know about their sexual kinks. They fear humiliation or losing people if their true self is public knowledge. But the internet lets you be who you want to be. You don’t have to be alternative to be interested in casual encounters. But if you are, look no further than FetLife.
This site calls itself “the most popular social network for the BDSM, fetish, and kinky community.” Whatever your fantasy or craving, you’ll find it here (as long as it’s legal and consensual). You can keep your encounters online by exchanging chats, images, and videos. Or, arrange a meet-up to satisfy your innermost desires. Quench your size kink thirst with explicit photos. Bring your praise kink to life with chats. Feed your CNC kink fantasies with a bit of roleplaying. It’s all on FetLife. To sign up, you can create a free account or get more bang for your buck with a premium membership.
SeniorSizzle: A Craigslist Personals Substitute for Seniors
Wishing for the arousal you’d get from casual encounters on Craiglist, but you’re over the hill? You’re never too old to have sex, so check out SeniorSizzle. It’s a site specifically for older folks who want to turn up the heat in the bedroom. One of the great selling points of this service is that it’s easy to use. The design isn’t too complicated, and the interface is user-friendly, perfect for boomers and up.
Another major plus of this platform over Craigslist is its security, allowing users to have a worry-free experience. You won’t have to think about hackers airing out your dirty laundry here. SeniorSizzle protects its customers with identity verification. They cross-reference your account information with your ID and credit card to keep fake profiles at bay.
Like many other dating services or some of the best apps for hookups, it works on a “freemium” template. That means that you can create an account for free. But, to get access to many enticing features, you have to pay up. If you don’t mind shelling out for a bit of
DoubleList: The Best Site To Use Instead of Craigslist Casual Encounters
One spot on the internet features all the best parts of Craigslist’s defunct personals. We’re talking about a simple website with anonymity that welcomes everybody and has a large user base. And, it connects you with people in your city so you don’t waste time talking to someone you’ll never meet. What site is this? DoubleList: the best alternative for casual hook-ups and encounters on Craigslist.
At DoubleList, you can find all the types of hookups, connections, or relationships you’re looking for. You get to write your own personal ad or respond to them, just like in the good ol’ days. There’s no pesky algorithm trying to tell you who to date. And speaking of who you date or have a fling with, there’s no judgment here. DoubleList welcomes all sexualities and genders. On top of that, there’s a thriving kink community ready to get naughty with you.
Creating an account is free and easy, only taking a few seconds. Before you know it, you’ll browse a garden of online pleasure. Are you ready to experience the best Craigslist casual encounters alternative? Sign up today.
