Online dating has only been around for a few decades, but it has revolutionized love and relationships.
Whether you are a social butterfly or painfully reclusive, there is no denying the impact it has had on finding and connecting with people.
It doesn’t even matter if you want a long-term relationship or a fun no-strings-attached fling, there is something for everyone!
Unfortunately, it isn’t all happy endings with relationships you can find on dating apps. In fact, if you aren’t vigilant, you may end up getting hurt.
No one wants to rain on your love parade, but you need to acknowledge the fact that not everyone you match with online is perfect!
That is why you need to keep an eye out for online dating red flags while you’re searching for the right person.
6 Red flags to watch out for when you first meet someone Online
You finally set up your account on a dating app after some much-needed convincing. You start to browse, and suddenly, things get exciting. You never realized there were so many eligible singles on the market!
As you continue browsing, some people will catch your eye. Maybe it is that enamoring smile on their profile photo. Or it could be a witty statement on their bio.
Before you go swiping right or clicking the like button, you need to look out for some Tinder red flags!
These will help you identify genuine people while avoiding falling for a scammer. Here’s how to spot red flags on dating apps that should have you moving along to the next profile.
#1 No photos on the profile
Anonymity is one of the perks that cyber dating offers us, so it’s not uncommon to find profiles with inanimate objects or silhouettes as photos.
However, users who decide to leave the photo section completely blank are on a whole other level of being sketchy.
This usually points to someone with a lot to hide, so you are better off moving along.
#2 A single unbelievably attractive profile photo
The only thing worse than no photograph on the dating app profile is a single, unbelievably fantastic one. This is the classic tell-sign for catfish profiles.
Scammers will steal a random photo off the internet and pawn it off as their own. However, they usually do not have access to other photographs from the person whose identity they stole.
So if you find a profile with someone who looks pretty much like a model with only one photo and nothing else to back up the persona, you are most likely dealing with a fraud.
You should also watch out for profiles with group photos only. People with lots of individual photos are more likely to be the real deal.
#3 Too much skin
Online dating is all about making a lasting first impression. As a result, you will probably be scrolling through several bikini pics or shirtless pics.
Things should start to get fishy if all you see on that profile is skin. This is an important red flag for men and it’s best you swipe left ASAP!
Accounts like these are what is referred to in the online dating scene as ‘thirst trap profiles.’ The aim is to lure you in based on physical attraction alone and then milk you for all you have.
#4 Generic bio statements
The bio section on a person’s profile can tell you a lot about them and what they expect in relationships.
One major red flag to look for here is something that is too generic. If you have read it before or you feel it is something they got off the internet, then your spidey senses should start to tingle.
#5 A no-this, no-that bio
While on the topic of bios and how to spot a red flag, if you find one where all they talk about is what they don’t want, then you should proceed with care. It could be anything from “no one under 5’5” to “no broke boys.”
They may not necessarily be a big deal and potential scam profiles, but “no” statements are one of the most common red flags in a woman’s dating profile.
#6 If it is all too good to be true
Sometimes you just cannot put the finger on what is making you so uneasy with that particular dating app profile.
It may just seem too good to be true. The profile pictures paint the picture of a perfect match. They say all the right things in their bio. But something just doesn’t feel right.
In this case, trust your instincts. Usually, when a profile looks too good to be true, it is. Just swipe left, forget the second glance and move on!
4 Red flags online before you get too attached to your love interest
You finally have a few potential matches under your belt. These profiles passed the first red flag test, and you are pretty sure you are dealing with real people. And while escaping catfish and scam profiles is a win, it does not mean you are 100% in the clear.
As you get to know these people, you cannot afford to have your guard down. Some dating app red flags will only show up in this part of the interaction, so you need to keep your eyes open.
To help you out, here are four key red flags to watch out for as you continue to communicate before you go on your free fall.
#1 Hot and cold extremes of communication
One minute they are blowing up your phone and texting or calling every other hour. The next, you are left with unread or unreplied messages for several hours or even days.
What used to be lengthy replies to even the simplest of questions now turn to short answers with little meaning and depth.
This inconsistency in communication and switch in their entire personality is a clue that you are probably not dealing with someone genuinely interested in getting to know you.
#2 A little too curious about sensitive information
Another red flag in texting is when your chat partner suddenly starts asking for sensitive information.
This includes details like your physical address, bank details, and anything else you may not be comfortable divulging.
This might be a scammer that slipped through your fingers on the first round of vetting, so play your cards close to the chest.
#3 Compares you to other girls/guys on the platform
This is one of the most uncomfortable things that could happen to you online.
If the person you are communicating with starts taking digs at you by making comparisons between you and other people they are talking to, then you are better off moving along.
This is a sign of someone with a self-centered and manipulative side as they are usually doing this to try and show you they have other options.
#4 Too much too fast
Things move a little faster with online dating than ordinary relationships. However, this doesn’t mean that you should give in to this pressure and go on a first date when you’re not ready yet.
You have every right to take things at your own pace, and if you feel like the people you are connecting with are pushing you, then do not hesitate to press pause.
It could be anything from telling you they love you after a few days to requesting offline meetups sooner than you are ok with.
Ten important red flags while in an online relationship
Congratulations! You have made it to the promised land of online dating where what started as a virtual fling is now a real-world relationship.
You cannot believe your luck. You liked their profile, they ended up being genuine, and they are just your perfect brand of weird.
This is wonderful and all, but you have now entered into a whole other realm of possibilities as far as red flags are considered.
For the most part, these affect anyone in any kind of relationship, whether you met online or offline. However, most of them are more common with the former, so you need to maintain extra vigilance.
#1 You are struggling with communication
That is a major red flag, especially if your online relationship is also a long-distance one.
Maybe one of you is not very open about what they want or expect from the relationship you started on AmoLatina. Or it could be that there isn’t enough consistency in your interaction or your partner is getting overly competitive.
If it is happening this early, it will only get worse once the novelty of new love wears off.
#2 The I word: infidelity
I hate to sound cynical, but if they cheat once, there is always a good chance that they will do it again. That is, therefore, a major red flag that you truly cannot afford to ignore.
No one can tell you what to do in the event you find out that they are cheating. After all, every relationship is different.
However, should you decide to give it another try, you will have to work on honesty, trust, and communication to keep it from happening again.
#3 Any kind of abuse
With online dating, emotional and psychological abuse are the most common types you have to look out for.
It usually starts small with subtle attacks on your insecurities. As soon as you see the first obvious signs of this, you need to remove yourself from the situation.
#4 Your friends and family don’t like him/her
Sometimes the critics are right and truly are looking out for your best interests.
There are, of course, times when friends and family have baseless arguments in which case feel free to ignore.
For example, if their issue is something like race, nationality, or anything of the sort, then they shouldn’t matter.
However, if they have reservations about things like your beau’s character, then you need to listen. It is for your own good!
#5 You keep editing your relationship’s public image
Sometimes friends and family will love your partner not because of who he is but because of what you tell them. If you find yourself telling half-truths and editing what you show them, then there is something wrong with that relationship.
#6 Non-compromising behavior
Online relationships require a lot of compromise and sacrifice, especially if there is distance involved.
There is a lot to be concerned about if you find that you are the one always breaking your back to make things work. If this is the case, then you might want to explore new options because it will not get any better.
#7 Unwillingness to commit
Do not allow yourself to be dragged along on a ride to an unknown destination with someone who is emotionally unavailable.
If a guy or a girl says they just want to have fun and are not ready to commit exclusively to you, then you need to kick rocks.
The chances are that they will continue using you and enjoying emotional, financial, or even physical boyfriend/girlfriend benefits without doing any of the hard work.
#8 Insecurity and lack of trust
When you do not trust your partner or vice versa, then there is a huge likelihood of things turning toxic. It doesn’t matter whether the insecurities have a foundation or not. Address the issue or break up – there is no other way out.
#9 They are cagey about their past
That is a major red flag that could have serious repercussions if ignored.
Yes, people do change, but if they have truly done so, they should be willing to open up about their past.
It is important to give the other person time to reckon with their issues and come to you when they are ready. However, if it seems to be taking too long, it is probably best to move on.
#10 Your gut is telling you something isn’t right
Sometimes the biggest red flag is the most subtle one. It will be a nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach that something doesn’t add up with this person.
If you feel that way, then run for the hills and do not look back. You do not need any proof or validation here because after all is said and done, our primal instincts rarely fail us.
