Hinge Launches Date Ideas to Help Daters Turn Matches Into Actual First Dates

Today, Hinge is introducing Date Ideas, a new feature that helps daters share their intention to make real plans for a first date. The feature addresses a challenge many daters face – feeling stuck in the messaging stage with matches – by allowing them to highlight three preferred first-date activities on their profiles.

Many daters feel they spend too much time messaging when they’d prefer to see their compatibility in person. At the same time, daters often struggle to know when someone is ready to meet, so conversations fizzle out before the connection is fully explored. This inspired Hinge to make it easier for matches to understand each other’s preferences and plan for the first date. During the Date Ideas test, 54% of Hinge daters shared that the feature made them feel more confident asking someone out, and it led to more matches and dates overall.

“Dating is ultimately about moving beyond the screen and connecting in real life, so we’re focused on building experiences that help people recognize mutual interest earlier and take that next step with confidence,” said Ben Celebicic, Hinge’s Chief Product and Technology Officer (he/him). “Date Ideas gives daters a clear, low-pressure way to signal they’re ready to meet, while still leaving room to build comfort and momentum at their own pace.”

How Date Ideas Works

• When updating their profile in settings, daters can select three Date Ideas to feature on their profile, including the option to write in one of their own. 
• Daters choose their preferred activities from the following preset date ideas: drinks, coffee or tea, dinner, a walk, dessert, a movie, live music, mini golf, trivia night, a picnic, museum, karaoke, bowling, arcade, thrifting. 
• When viewing a profile with Date Ideas, daters can select one of the three activities and their availability (this week, this weekend, next week, next weekend) from the dropdown menu before liking or commenting to match with them. 
• Date Ideas doesn’t automatically schedule a first date after matching. Instead, it helps matches see someone’s interests and ideal first date, so they understand their intention to meet in person soon and feel more confident asking them out. Matches plan a first date together as they get to know each other in chat.
• Date Ideas is optional to add and separate from the three Prompts required to complete a Hinge profile. 

“Asking someone out is nerve-wracking. What if they’re not ready to meet up? What if you suggest the wrong plan?” said Logan Ury, Hinge’s Lead Relationship Scientist (she/her). “Three-quarters of Hinge daters surveyed have gotten stuck in chats that never turned into dates, and I'm so excited about Date Ideas as a real solution. It takes the pressure off because you already know they're interested in going on dates and which activities they’re into."

Helping Daters Turn Interest Into Initiative 

Date Ideas builds on Hinge’s ongoing work to help daters lean in when they’re genuinely interested in someone. Features like Date Ideas and Convo Starters help daters feel more confident saying something first, whether that’s sending a thoughtful comment or suggesting plans for a great first date. By making those moments feel easier, Hinge wants to help people move past self-doubt and towards opening up with each other, so they can build something real in person.

Date Ideas is now available in English in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. 

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Survey Methodology: Research was conducted by Hinge Labs, a team of PhD researchers and behavioral scientists providing evidence-based dating insights. In March 2026, they surveyed over 700 global respondents who were part of the Date Ideas test.