Dating in a traditional country like India is hard enough, but casual dating was until recently unthinkable. That is why huge popularity these dating apps enjoy is somewhat surprising. Millions of Indians use them every day, although a vast majority of users come from urban environments. Rural areas are a bit late to catch on, but it is only a question of time before dating apps become a standard feature there as well.

Obviously, safety is a big issue and some apps go to great lengths to ensure any data they gather from their users remain private. Some will go as far as to refuse to share any information unless a user explicitly allows it. This may be very important to women users, who may choose to only use apps that ensure their privacy is protected.

Some of these apps are used globally, but a few are designed specifically for the Indian market. Either way, we have compiled a list that has a little bit of both, so you can choose whatever is the best option for you.

1. Tinder

Tinder

source: engadget.com

Tinder has become the most popular dating app in India almost overnight. The sign-up process is very easy. You can connect your Facebook profile and have the app pull all relevant data from there, like your name and interest and just fill in the blanks later.

If you don’t want to link Tinder and Facebook, you can opt to make a new profile and add the details yourself. This way, you can control what other people on Tinder get to see. Using Tinder is very easy. All you have to do is swipe right on the profiles you see if you like them or swipe left if you don’t. If both of you swipe right, you have a match and you can start exchanging messages.

2. TrulyMadly

TrulyMadly

source: globaldatinginsights.com

If you want to know exactly who you are seeing on a dating app, TrulyMadly is for you. Their verification profile is a very thorough one and they take it seriously. You can’t have a live profile until you have completed it.

Once they are satisfied that you are who you say you are, the app will allow you to see other people. The basic principle is the same, you can like or pass a person on their profile and if you both like, you have matched. It is more secure than Tinder, but fewer people use it, so it isn’t as popular.

3. Happn

Happn

source: datingscout.com

Happn is a dating app with a twist. It allows you to find people from your past (in case they have a profile on Happn) and send them a secret like. If they like you back, you have a crush and can start talking to each other.

The best thing about Happn is that gives you the opportunity to talk to that person you really liked in a club last week but didn’t have the courage to talk to them. Think of it as a second chance.

4. Woo

Woo

source: youtube

Designed mostly for working professionals, Woo has several advanced options other dating apps lack. It offers intro, Tag Search, and Questions & answers, apart from the standard direct messages.

It also has a voice call feature, so you don’t have to give your phone number to anyone, you can talk to them directly through the app and see how it goes. Another safety features us that Woo will never share women’s details, like name or location.

5. OkCupid

okcupid.com

source: okcupid.com

OkCupid is one of the oldest dating services on the Internet. They create matches based on a series of questions you have to answer, ensuring the biggest possible compatibility between matched users.

Their localized Indian version has questions specially prepared for that country so that the answers are relevant. It has an advanced search feature, allowing searching for users based on several criteria. You can also block users if you find them unpleasant.

6. Hinge

Hinge

source: youtube

Hinge looks a bit complicated at first glance, but it isn’t really. It requires your Facebook profile to work correctly, as it searches your contacts and then matches you with friends of friends. If you know someone, but can’t gather the courage to ask them out or even talk to them, Hinge can help you break the ice. The basic version is free, but you can subscribe for $12.99 per month and unlock additional features.