25 Dating App Messages That Always Get Responses: Expert-Tested Conversation Starters for Dating Success

25 Dating App Messages That Always Get Responses
  • 23:28 min

  • Amanda Collins

Dating apps changed how people meet and connect. These platforms help millions find love and friendship each day through digital conversations.

A smartphone with dating app notifications popping up and a smiling face emoji

The right opening message can make or break your chances of getting a response. Creative and thoughtful messages receive up to 3 times more replies than generic greetings. Getting matches is only half the battle. You need engaging messages that stand out and spark genuine connections. These proven message examples will help you start more meaningful conversations.

1) “Hey [Name], what’s the best part of your day so far?”

A phone screen with a dating app open, displaying a conversation prompt

This friendly opener works like magic because it shows you care about the other person’s experiences. It’s personal, positive, and easy to answer.

Starting with their name makes the message feel special and gets their attention right away. Everyone likes hearing their own name!

You’ll get better responses than “hey” or “what’s up” because you’re asking about something specific and upbeat. People love sharing good moments from their day.

The timing of this message matters too. Send it in the afternoon or evening when they’ve had time to experience their day. You’ll get more interesting answers than early morning messages.

This question also opens the door for fun follow-up conversations. If they mention getting coffee, you can ask about their favorite cafe. If they talk about work, you can learn more about what they do.

Watch how quickly matches respond when you use this opener. It’s hard to resist answering a question that makes you think about the happy parts of your day.

2) “If you could visit any place right now, where would it be?”

A serene beach at sunset, with palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze and waves crashing on the shore

This travel question works like magic because everyone loves dreaming about their next adventure. You’ll get people excited to share their bucket list destinations with you.

The question opens up so many fun follow-up conversations. You can talk about past trips, future plans, or share travel stories that made you laugh.

Think about it – someone says they want to visit Italy. You can ask about their favorite Italian foods or share funny stories about getting lost in Rome. The chat practically writes itself!

Many people keep a mental list of places they’d love to visit. Your message lets them share those dreams and feel good talking about future plans.

People tend to light up when they describe their dream destinations. Whether it’s hiking Machu Picchu or relaxing on a beach in Bali, travel dreams make great conversation starters.

You can also flip the question back to them after they answer. Share your own dream destination and watch how quickly the chat turns into a fun exchange of travel stories.

3) “Quick! What’s your go-to comfort food?”

A cozy living room with a steaming bowl of mac and cheese on a coffee table, surrounded by soft blankets and a flickering fireplace

This fun, casual question works like magic because everyone has a favorite comfort food they love talking about. It’s personal, relatable, and sparks instant nostalgia.

Your match will likely smile thinking about their favorite mac and cheese or chocolate chip cookies. Food creates emotional connections, making this message perfect for starting meaningful conversations.

The word “quick” adds playful urgency that makes people want to respond right away. Plus, asking about comfort food shows you’re interested in getting to know their personal preferences and habits.

This message works well because it’s easy to answer and often leads to fun follow-up questions. You might discover you both love the same midnight snack or learn about a new dish to try.

Try asking this question during evening hours when people are thinking about dinner or late-night cravings. The timing can boost your chances of getting a quick response.

4) “Are you a morning person or a night owl? I’m curious!”

A bright sun rising over a peaceful countryside with chirping birds and blooming flowers

This message works great because it starts a fun conversation about daily routines. Everyone has an opinion about their preferred time of day, making it easy to respond.

The question feels light and casual, perfect for breaking the ice. You can learn a lot about someone’s lifestyle from their answer – like if they work late shifts or love watching the sunrise.

Adding “I’m curious!” makes the message friendly and shows genuine interest. It invites the other person to share more than just a one-word answer.

People love talking about their sleep habits and daily schedules. A morning person might tell you about their workout routine, while night owls might share their favorite midnight snacks.

This message can lead to fun follow-up questions about breakfast spots, late-night adventures, or coffee preferences. It’s simple but opens the door to deeper conversations about daily life and habits.

You can share your own preference too, which helps create a natural back-and-forth chat. It’s an easy way to find common ground or learn about different lifestyles.

5) “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?”

A person sitting at a desk with a laptop open, surrounded by books and papers, deep in thought

This message works great because it taps into people’s natural desire to share knowledge and exciting discoveries. Everyone loves talking about cool new things they’ve learned.

The question sparks curiosity and shows you’re genuinely interested in what makes the other person tick. It’s much better than basic small talk about weather or work.

You’ll get all kinds of fascinating responses – from random facts to personal stories. Maybe they just learned about space, started a new hobby, or discovered an amazing local restaurant.

This opener also makes it easy to keep the conversation going. You can ask follow-up questions about their interest or share something interesting you’ve learned too.

The best part? It works for any dating app and any type of person. Everyone learns new things, so you’ll always get unique and engaging responses that lead to real conversations.

Try asking this on your next match. You might learn something new yourself while making a meaningful connection.

6) “If you were a fruit, what kind would you be and why?”

A variety of fruits arranged in a colorful display, with each fruit representing different personalities and characteristics

This playful question makes people think creatively and shows off your fun personality. It’s way better than just saying “hey” or asking about their weekend.

The fruit question works because it lets people express themselves in a unique way. You might learn they’re sweet like a strawberry or tough on the outside but soft inside like a coconut.

Their answer can lead to fun follow-up questions. If they say they’re a pineapple because they’re tropical, you can ask about their favorite beach destinations or vacation spots.

You can make it even more engaging by sharing your own fruit pick first. Try something like: “I’d be a watermelon because I bring fun to summer parties! What fruit would you be?”

The question works on any dating app – Bumble, Tinder, Hinge, or OkCupid. People love creative ice breakers that let them show their personality while keeping things light and fun.

Remember to respond with enthusiasm when they answer. Their fruit choice gives you plenty of material for an interesting conversation about their traits and interests.

7) “What’s the last show you binge-watched? Should I watch it?”

A cozy living room with a TV on, a bowl of popcorn, and a remote control on the coffee table

This message works great because it sparks fun conversations about TV shows, which most people love talking about. It’s also a two-part question that makes it easy for someone to respond.

People enjoy sharing their TV recommendations and explaining why they liked a show. When you ask if you should watch it too, you’re showing interest in their taste and opening the door for more chat.

The question feels casual and natural, like something you’d ask a friend. It can lead to comparing favorite episodes, characters, and similar shows you both enjoy.

You might even find out you love the same series, which gives you lots more to talk about. Or you could discover an awesome new show to watch.

This opener works especially well now that streaming makes it so easy to binge-watch. Almost everyone has recently finished a series they’re excited to discuss.

Remember to share your own latest binge-watch too if they ask. Trading show recommendations helps create a fun back-and-forth conversation.

8) “Describe your perfect weekend in three words.”

Sunny beach picnic

This fun message gets people thinking creatively while keeping things light and playful. It’s quick to answer and sparks interesting conversations about what people value most in their free time.

When you ask matches to sum up their ideal weekend in just three words, you’ll get responses that reveal their personality. Someone might say “Beach, naps, margaritas” while another goes with “Hiking mountain trails.”

The beauty of this prompt is how it encourages people to be both honest and entertaining. Most folks enjoy sharing their weekend dreams, and limiting it to three words makes it feel like a fun challenge.

You can easily build on their response by sharing your own three words or asking follow-up questions about specific activities they mentioned. This creates a natural flow into deeper conversation.

Try this message with different matches and you’ll get unique responses each time. It works well because it’s personal without being too serious, and it lets people express themselves in a quick, creative way.

9) “What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never have?”

A person surrounded by various hobby supplies, such as art materials, musical instruments, and gardening tools, with a look of contemplation and curiosity

This message works great because it makes people think about their dreams and aspirations. When you ask someone about activities they wish they could try, they get excited to share their thoughts.

Most people have a secret hobby they’d love to explore, like pottery, skateboarding, or learning to play guitar. By asking about it, you show genuine interest in their goals and create an instant connection.

The question opens up many fun conversation paths. You might discover you share the same interest, or you could offer tips if you already do that hobby. Maybe you’ll even make plans to try the activity together!

People love talking about their hopes and interests. Your match will feel comfortable opening up because the question is light and fun, not too personal or intense.

Remember to share your own dream hobby too! It keeps the conversation balanced and helps your match feel more at ease sharing their thoughts with you.

10) “Choose one superpower: Flight or invisibility?”

A figure soars through a starry night sky, leaving a trail of shimmering light behind them. The city below glows with twinkling lights, unaware of the invisible presence watching from above

This playful question sparks fun conversations and gets people thinking about what kind of person they really are. It’s a great way to learn about your match’s values and personality.

People who love flight often dream big and love adventure. They might talk about soaring over cities or racing with birds. When someone picks flight, ask them where they’d fly first.

The invisibility choice can reveal someone’s sneaky side or their desire for privacy. You can tease them a bit – would they use their power for pranks or good deeds?

Share your own choice too! Maybe you’d pick flight to skip traffic jams, or invisibility to avoid awkward run-ins with your ex. This question leads to lots of fun “what if” scenarios.

Try asking follow-up questions like “What would be your superhero name?” or “What would be your first mission?” These keep the chat flowing naturally.

This ice breaker works great because it’s light, fun, and lets people’s imagination run wild. Plus, there’s no wrong answer – it’s all about sharing your thoughts and having a good time.

11) “What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?”

A cozy living room with a crackling fireplace, a plush armchair, and a warm cup of tea on a side table

This message works great because everyone needs to relax, and people love sharing their personal routines. You’ll learn about their lifestyle while showing genuine interest in their well-being.

The question opens up many fun conversation paths. Maybe they love yoga, video games, cooking, or watching Netflix. Their answer gives you perfect topics for follow-up questions.

It’s also a casual way to find out if your relaxation styles match. If you both enjoy reading or taking evening walks, that’s an easy first date idea right there.

People feel comfortable answering this question since it’s not too personal but still lets them share something meaningful about their daily life. Plus, everyone has their own unique way to destress.

Try adding a personal touch by mentioning your own favorite way to unwind. This makes the conversation feel more like a genuine exchange between friends.

12) “If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?”

A table set with a variety of delicious dishes, from steaming pasta to sizzling steak, surrounded by eager diners with animated expressions

This food question works like magic because everyone loves talking about their favorite meals. It’s fun, light-hearted, and reveals a lot about someone’s personality and culture.

People get excited to share their ultimate comfort food picks. Some might choose their mom’s lasagna, while others go for sushi or pizza. The answers can spark great conversations about cooking, family traditions, and travel experiences.

You can follow up by asking about their cooking skills or sharing your own dream meal. Food discussions naturally lead to date planning – maybe you’ll find a restaurant you both want to try.

Keep the chat playful by sharing funny reactions to their choice. If they pick something unusual, show curiosity instead of judgment. You might learn about a tasty dish you’ve never tried before.

This question works well because it’s simple yet reveals values and preferences. Someone who picks a healthy meal might care about wellness, while a comfort food lover might be more laid-back.

13) “What’s a song you’ve had on repeat lately?”

A record player spinning with a vinyl record on repeat, surrounded by scattered music notes and headphones

Music is a fantastic conversation starter. Asking about someone’s current favorite song shows you’re interested in their taste while keeping things light and fun.

This question works great because almost everyone has that one song they can’t stop playing. It’s relatable and easy to answer, making it perfect for breaking the ice.

You can learn a lot about a person from their music choices. Their answer might reveal their mood, interests, or what’s going on in their life right now.

The best part? You can follow up by sharing your own repeat-worthy song. This creates a natural back-and-forth and might even lead to sharing playlists or discovering new artists together.

If they mention a song you know, you can share your thoughts about it. If it’s new to you, you can ask what they love about it or why it speaks to them.

You can also use their answer to suggest meeting up. Maybe invite them to see that artist live or suggest a music-themed date at a local venue.

14) “Do you have a favorite joke or pun? I’m all ears!”

A pair of cartoonish ears perk up eagerly, with a speech bubble above them indicating a request for a joke or pun

This fun message works because it invites playful conversation and shows you don’t take yourself too seriously. It makes sharing jokes feel natural and takes the pressure off crafting the perfect response.

People love to share their favorite jokes and puns. Your match can send a quick one-liner or start a back-and-forth exchange of funny stories.

The phrase “I’m all ears” adds a touch of warmth and shows you’re genuinely interested in what they’ll share. It creates an open, lighthearted atmosphere for the conversation to flow.

This message works especially well if their profile mentions comedy or includes funny references. You can follow up by sharing your own favorite joke after they respond.

Remember to keep the jokes clean and friendly. A good laugh can create an instant connection and lead to more natural conversation topics.

Try this message when you want to start things off with some humor. It’s an easy way to break the ice and see if you share the same sense of fun.

15) “What’s a book that has impacted you the most?”

A person sitting in a cozy chair, surrounded by stacks of books, lost in deep thought with a contemplative expression on their face

This message works great because it sparks deep conversations about personal growth and values. People love sharing stories about books that changed their lives.

You’ll learn a lot about your match’s interests and personality from their answer. Do they pick a self-help book? A classic novel? Their choice reveals what matters to them.

The question feels natural and shows you’re interested in meaningful topics. It’s much better than basic small talk about weather or work.

Reading habits make for fun follow-up chats too. You can discuss favorite authors, swap book recommendations, or plan a date to a local bookstore.

Pro tip: Share your own meaningful book after they answer. It keeps the conversation flowing and helps you both open up.

This opener gets responses because it’s personal without being too heavy. Plus, most people have at least one book they’re excited to talk about.

16) “If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?”

A historic figure's silhouette stands against a backdrop of ancient ruins, gazing at a starry night sky

This question sparks curiosity and gets people thinking about their heroes from the past. It’s a fun way to learn about someone’s interests and values through their choice of historical figure.

You’ll get fascinating responses because people love to share their dream meetings with figures like Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, or Martin Luther King Jr. These answers often reveal what matters most to your match.

The question works well because it’s open-ended and lets people show their knowledge without feeling pressured. Someone might pick their favorite artist, scientist, leader, or even a family ancestor they never got to meet.

You can follow up by asking why they chose that person or what questions they’d ask them. This creates a natural flow into deeper conversations about shared interests and values.

Try adding a personal touch by mentioning who you’d choose to meet. Maybe you’d love to chat with Marie Curie about her discoveries or grab coffee with Shakespeare to hear his creative process.

17) “What’s your go-to karaoke song?”

A microphone stands on a stage under colorful lights, with the audience in the background cheering and clapping

This fun question gets people excited to share their inner rock star dreams. Everyone has that one song they love to belt out when they grab the mic.

Your match will probably smile remembering the last time they sang their favorite tune. It’s a great way to learn about their music taste and personality.

This message works because it feels light and playful. You might discover you both love the same songs or get a good laugh about their surprising karaoke picks.

You can follow up by suggesting a karaoke date if they seem interested. Many people enjoy showing off their singing skills in a casual setting.

The best part? Their answer gives you lots of new conversation paths to explore. You can talk about concerts, music genres, or share funny karaoke stories.

Want bonus points? Share your own go-to song first. It shows you’re willing to be a bit silly and makes others feel more comfortable opening up.

18) “Coffee or tea? Or maybe something else entirely?”

A cozy cafe with steaming mugs of coffee and tea on a table. Sunshine streams in through the window, casting warm shadows on the walls

This simple question lets you learn about your match’s drink preferences while opening up fun conversation paths. It’s casual, light, and perfect for suggesting a potential meetup spot.

You can follow up based on their answer – maybe they love artisanal coffee roasts, or they’re passionate about rare tea varieties. Some people might surprise you by saying they prefer hot chocolate or smoothies instead.

The open-ended nature of this message invites creativity. Your match might share a funny story about their caffeine addiction or reveal they’re a secret bubble tea fanatic.

This question works great as a stepping stone to planning a real-life date. Once they share their drink choice, you can suggest meeting at a local café or tea house that serves their preferred beverage.

Keep the chat flowing by sharing your own favorite drink and asking about specific places they enjoy. The conversation can naturally move from drinks to other topics like food, local hangouts, or daily routines.

19) “What’s the last thing that made you laugh out loud?”

A smartphone with a dating app open, showing a conversation filled with witty and humorous messages

This fun message gets people excited to share a happy moment. When someone thinks about what made them laugh, they start smiling all over again.

People love talking about funny things that happened to them. Your match might tell you about a silly video they saw, a joke from a friend, or something goofy their pet did.

Their answer gives you lots to talk about. You can watch that video they mention, or share your own funny story. It’s a natural way to build a connection through shared laughter.

This question works better than asking “What’s your sense of humor?” It’s more specific and brings up real memories instead of general preferences.

You can follow up by sharing what made you laugh recently too. Trading funny stories is a great way to keep the conversation flowing and see if you share the same sense of humor.

20) “If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be?”

A dinner table set with elegant dishes and two empty chairs, one with a name card reading "Celebrity" and the other with a question mark

This fun question lets you learn about someone’s interests and values through their choice of dinner companion. It’s easy to answer and sparks natural follow-up conversations.

You can make it more playful by adding “living or dead” to open up even more possibilities. People love sharing which historical figures they’d love to meet.

The question works because it makes people imagine a real scenario. They might picture chatting with Taylor Swift about songwriting or asking Einstein about the universe.

Try asking what three questions they’d ask their chosen celebrity. This adds another layer to the conversation and keeps things flowing naturally.

Share your own pick too! This turns the message into a two-way exchange.

Remember to respond with genuine interest to their answer. If they pick a musician you love, you can talk about favorite songs. If it’s an actor, discuss their best movies.

21) “What’s something people are always surprised to learn about you?”

A person's silhouette with a speech bubble surrounded by question marks

This open-ended question sparks fun and engaging conversations on dating apps. It invites people to share unique facts about themselves that aren’t obvious at first glance.

The question works because it lets people showcase their interesting sides without feeling pressured. They might tell you about their secret talent for juggling or their childhood spent in another country.

You’ll learn cool details that make great conversation starters. Maybe they’ll reveal they’re a chess champion or that they used to be in a rock band. These surprising facts help you connect on a deeper level.

People love talking about their hidden talents and unexpected life experiences. The question feels light and playful while encouraging genuine sharing.

Your match might tell you they speak four languages or have never seen Star Wars. These fun facts create natural openings for follow-up questions and longer chats.

Try this message when you want to learn something memorable about your match. It shows you’re interested in discovering what makes them special and unique.

22) “If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?”

A confident lion standing proudly on a rocky outcrop, surveying its territory with a regal and powerful presence

This animal question sparks fun conversations and lets you learn about someone’s personality in a playful way. People love talking about themselves, and this gives them a creative chance to do just that.

Your match’s answer reveals a lot about how they see themselves. A lion might mean they’re confident and strong, while a dolphin could show they’re social and playful.

You can follow up by asking why they picked that animal. This opens the door to deeper chat about their traits and values.

Share your own animal pick too! This back-and-forth creates a natural connection and keeps the chat flowing.

This question works great because it’s light and fun while still being meaningful. Plus, it’s way more interesting than asking “how are you?”

23) “What’s a random fact that never fails to amaze you?”

A stack of open dating app messages with various conversation starters and responses

This fun question sparks amazing conversations because everyone loves sharing cool facts they’ve learned. It’s a great way to show off your curious side while learning something new about your match.

People love feeling smart and teaching others interesting things. When you ask this question, you’ll often get fascinating responses about science, history, animals, or space that can lead to deeper chats.

The best part? There’s no wrong answer! Your match might tell you about how honey never spoils, or that bananas are berries but strawberries aren’t. These surprising facts make perfect conversation starters.

You can follow up by sharing your own mind-blowing fact too. This creates a fun back-and-forth where you both get to geek out about the things that fascinate you.

This question works so well because it’s light, fun, and shows you’re interested in learning new things. It helps you stand out from boring “hey” messages while revealing what kinds of topics interest your match.

24) “If you could live in any movie universe, which would you pick and why?”

A vibrant, bustling cityscape with iconic movie landmarks and characters interacting in a harmonious and visually captivating manner

This question sparks fun conversations about favorite films and lets you learn about someone’s taste in movies. It works great because most people love imagining themselves in their favorite movie worlds.

You can follow up by asking if they’d be a hero, villain, or side character in their chosen universe. This opens up playful discussions about what role they’d want to play and why.

The question works especially well with fantasy and sci-fi fans. Many people dream about living in worlds like Harry Potter, Star Wars, or Marvel – and they’ll be excited to tell you all about it.

Try sharing your own movie universe pick too. This creates a fun back-and-forth exchange.

Match their energy if they pick something silly or serious. If they choose a romantic comedy universe, you can joke about being their meet-cute story. If they pick an action movie, talk about which powers or skills you’d want to have.

25) “Is there a quote or motto you live by?”

A cozy coffee shop with a chalkboard menu and steaming mugs, surrounded by potted plants and warm lighting

This question gets amazing responses because it lets people share what drives them. You’ll learn about their values and beliefs in a fun way.

People love sharing meaningful quotes that inspire them. It could be from their favorite book, a family saying, or words that got them through tough times.

The answers reveal so much about someone’s personality and goals. You might find they’re motivated by kindness, adventure, or personal growth.

Their response can spark great conversations about shared values. You can talk about why that quote matters to them and share your own motto too.

If they don’t have a specific quote, you can ask what words of wisdom they try to follow. This keeps the chat going in an interesting direction.

Make sure to share your thoughts on their quote. It shows you’re truly interested in what matters to them and helps build a deeper connection.

Understanding the Impact of Messaging

A smartphone with a dating app interface displaying 25 message notifications, surrounded by speech bubbles and emoticons

Your messages can make or break potential connections on dating apps. Strong messages create real connections while weak ones get ignored.

Why First Impressions Matter

That first message sets the tone for your entire interaction. Research shows you have about 7 seconds to grab someone’s attention before they move on.

A boring “hey” makes you blend in with dozens of other messages. Your match likely gets 10-20 generic greetings each day.

Keys to Standing Out:

  • Show you read their profile
  • Ask specific questions about their interests
  • Use friendly, positive language
  • Keep it brief (2-3 sentences max)

Building Genuine Connections

Your goal is starting real conversations that lead to actual dates. The best messages feel natural and show genuine interest.

Share a quick story that relates to something in their profile. This helps create common ground right away.

Message Tips:

  • Ask open-ended questions
  • Share relevant experiences
  • Be playful but respectful
  • Keep the focus on them

Think of messages like mini-conversations. Each one should give your match a clear reason to respond.

Remember to match their energy and enthusiasm. If they write detailed responses, do the same. If they’re more casual, keep things light and fun.

Crafting Engaging Messages

A smartphone displaying a dating app with 25 engaging messages on the screen, surrounded by colorful icons and a vibrant background

Great messages on dating apps combine personal touches with a dash of fun. The right approach helps you stand out and gets more responses.

Personalization Techniques

Read their profile carefully before sending a message. Pick out specific details you can mention – like their favorite band or a cool travel photo.

Start with their name. People love seeing their name in messages, and it shows you’re paying attention.

Look for shared interests. If you both love hiking, ask about their favorite local trails. If they mention loving pizza, ask about their go-to toppings.

Key personalization tips:

  • Reference specific photos they’ve shared
  • Ask about their listed hobbies
  • Mention mutual interests
  • Comment on their unique profile details

Keeping It Concise and Fun

Hey there! 👋

Keep your first message between 40-60 characters. Short messages are easier to read and respond to.

Add a playful element to catch their attention. A light joke or clever wordplay can work great.

Winning message elements:

  • Ask an open-ended question
  • Use emojis sparingly (1-2 max)
  • Keep your tone light and casual
  • End with a clear question

Skip generic greetings like “hey” or “what’s up.” They’re too basic and often get ignored.

Break the ice with a fun question about their interests. “What’s the story behind your skydiving photo?” works better than “Nice photos!”

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