Personals Website: 21st Century Online Dating Guide for Beginners’

Doublelist Team

January 23, 2023 9 minutes read
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Over the past decades, online dating platforms have evolved from the basic personals website to AI-powered dating apps. What used to be socially undesirable and highly frowned upon has now become the dating norm. These days, you’re more likely to form new connections online than in real life.

The novelty and excitement of swipe-to-date apps have come and gone, and more and more people are going back to the simple and provocative thrill of personals websites. Here’s your beginner’s guide to 21st century personals sites.

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Dive Into the World of Online Dating

Let’s dive head first into the world of online dating. What awaits you out there? How do you narrow down your choices from the numerous sites offering exciting possibilities? We have broken down your options of personals websites according to popular dating preferences. Take your pick and have fun!

New Personals Websites Worth Checking Out

There’s always something new out there that’s worth exploring. And it seems each new personals website that comes out promises “something different” or to be “the best place to meet your match!”

You have probably tried out a handful of dating sites and apps and experienced your fair share of disappointment and frustration alternating with hope and elation. And don’t be embarrassed if you were tempted to give some of these sites/apps a 2nd or 3rd try! Let’s rekindle your sense of adventure with these new personals websites that are worth checking out!

  1. Snack. Snack is “not your parents’ dating app.” This is where “matches are made fresh, daily.” Although it’s an app and not a dating website, Snack makes it to this list because it’s designed for new-gen singles. Forget swiping left or right. Snack offers a more dynamic and interactive online dating experience with profile videos replacing still photos. Matches are based on shared interests, so you’re sure to find somebody with whom you’ll click!

  2. HighReply. HighReply is a genuine newcomer to the industry. Launched in 2022, the site focuses on “quality profiles and activity” and “open-minded dating.” Members are given scores according to their level of engagement. The higher the score, the higher a member ranks in search results. You’ll definitely be highly motivated to keep your dating profile active on HighReply!

  3. Mesh. With its site still on its beta phase as of this writing, Mesh is as new as new can be. The site is all about making online dating “better” with “Patented message filtering and smarter matching keep the creeps away and find you better dates.” One review says it all; “Think of it as the world’s most effective spam filter, in the world’s spammiest place.”

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Classic Adult Personals Websites

Adult personals websites are often about anything-goes, sexy fun. If you have a fetish or a kink, are into threesomes or BDSM, give these personals websites a go.

  1. Alt. Alt welcomes all alternative sexual preferences, hence the name. It’s the perfect place to get your kink on or satisfy your fetish. You’re free to be yourself and to explore the exciting limits of your sexuality on Alt. You’ll meet lots of folks who are also alt-minded. Just one note of caution: the site may be too intense for people who are just beginning to explore the kink and fetish community.

  2. FetLife. With more than 10 million members worldwide, FetLife is “the most popular social network for the BDSM, kinky, and fetish community.” Yup, it’s more than just an adult personals website. It’s a social network platform that also focuses on community building, in addition to facilitating sexual connections and lasting relationships.

  3. AdultFriendFinder. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find a match on AdultFriendFinder. Experience adult dating in all its forms wherever you are in the world. The site’s free membership offers limited features; you’ll have to pay if you’re serious about playing.

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Free Adult Dating Sites

It’s often said that you get what you pay for, but there are free adult dating sites out there that actually deliver the goods. These are the best ones that are not a waste of time.

  1. DoubleList. If you’re looking for free membership that comes with all the bells and whistles you need to find a match, you’ll feel right at home on DoubleList adult personals. DoubleList is a location-based personals website with minimalist and easy-to-use features. The site is all about no-nonsense, adult fun. Signing up is straightforward, and you’ll remain incognito. The best thing about this platform is that you’re in full control of your match results! You can interact with anyone among the listings within your area.

  2. Reddit r/dirtyr4r. This r/dirtyr4r subreddit is another great option for a free adult personals website. As “a place where horny redditors can come and find one another,” you can expect tons of NSFW content. This dedicated subreddit currently has a little over one million members, so you may have trouble finding a match in your area if you’re looking to hook up asap. But if you’re interested in dirty chat mates, video cam playmates, or redditors who are eager to trade kinky photos with, then join the community!

  3. Zoosk. The site’s free version should keep you happy if you’re only after short-term dating. Zoosk makes dating fun “but without the games,” so this is not the best site for hookups. With active users in more than 80 countries worldwide, however, it offers a diverse pool of potential matches. It can prove particularly fun if you’re traveling.

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Little People Dating Sites

There is a thriving online dating community for little folks! Little people dating sites address the challenges of dating for people under 4 feet and 10 inches. These sites offer big possibilities for dating and serious relationships to people of all heights, as long as you’re interested in dating little people.

  1. Date A Little. This dating site has been serving the dating needs of little people and individuals who want to date them since 2003. Registration to Date A Little is 100% free. Once you become a member, you can join groups, browse the profiles of top 10 females/males/couples, check out featured links to LP organizations, and start finding potential matches, of course!

  2. Date A Dwarf. Date a Dwarf is a gender-inclusive site that caters to anyone who’s looking to date shorter-than-average individuals. This personals website allows members to browse by interest or location, or according to gender preference. Basic membership is free and allows you to create your dating profile, upload photos, send up to 10 flirts to 10 different members, and search the database for potential matches.

  3. FreeDwarfDating. This personals website is where you can “find big love among little people.” FreeDwarfDating welcomes people of small stature and those who love them. Basic membership allows you to browse the site, view profiles, send flirts, and make changes to your profile. Take note, however, that becoming a member means your profile may be shown on other little people dating sites. You can opt out of this via your profile’s privacy settings.

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Casual Encounters Sites for No-Fuss Hookups

Hookup culture is alive, well, and thriving, thanks to the prevalence of casual encounters sites. Of course, you can easily meet tons of potential casual encounter partners through most personals websites. But if you don’t want to engage in the traditional getting-to-know-you dance and would rather get straight down to business, then check out these sites that exclusively cater to sex-minded folks.

  1. BuddyBang. The name can’t get any clearer than this. BuddyBang is where horny seekers of casual encounters flock for sure and fast matches. Looking for a one-night stand or a weekend of kinky, wild fun? How about an NSA friends-with-benefits arrangement? You’ll find your luck on BuddyBang. Shoot for the affordable monthly subscription and you’ll definitely get a lot of bang for your buck, pun intended! Getting laid on this site is as straightforward as they get.

  2. BeNaughty. Another honest-to-goodness personals website for casual encounters and nothing but, BeNaughty is a sex- and kink-positive site that offers multiple ways to connect like-minded individuals. If you’re after a naughty good time, just browse the gallery or join a naughty chat room. Matches are location-based, so you can be sure to find fast and sexy fun in your area whenever you’re in the mood.

  3. DoubleList. Yup, DoubleList makes it to two categories because this adult personals website fits the bill perfectly if you’re looking for casual encounters pronto. DoubleList is available in more than 248 locations in the United States, so you have great odds of connecting with someone in your area whose needs and desires match yours. Expect no-holds-barred NSFW content when you sign up and start browsing the listings in your area. This site will keep your hookup calendar full for weeks or even months.

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More Opportunities to Make Connections Online

There’s a personals website for whatever type of connection you’re looking for, so make sure to find the right one for your needs to guarantee a successful match. You’ll find sites that cater to seekers of serious and lasting relationships. There are sites for folks with more adventurous sexual tastes. There are dedicated sites for the LGBTQ+ community. You can explore exclusive dating platforms for successful and attractive singles, for seniors, or for discreet affairs.

If you’re only interested in casual sex, online flirting, naughty cam sessions, and the like, you should make DoubleList your regular hunting ground!

Whatever your sexual preference, you’ll find something to excite and satisfy you on DoubleList adult personals. DoubleList welcomes straights, gays, bis, queers, trans, and couples. Signing up to become a DoubleLister is free, easy, and secure, and you will remain anonymous. You’ll find matches based on your location and interests. Set up your next hookup soon! Sign up for a free account now!

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