The 10 Best iPhone Dating Apps

While many online dating sites have iPhone app components that allow you to post, respond, edit, etc. on their site, we did a little research to find apps with broader appeal. Some of the suggestions below are a tad silly, but we think that given the right circumstances they might come in handy. If not, they’ll at least provide some entertainment for the next time you have to wait in a long line or at an overflowing doctor’s office.

Skout—Using GPS technology, this app allows you to locate and instant message with people in your immediate area. While this sounds a little sketchy, it could lead to a spontaneous during-the-day lunch break with an office hottie you didn’t even know existed.

Hot or Not—If you’re frustrated with the dating world, it may be fun to take your anger out on this rank-by-looks app. But, if you happen to stumble upon someone you fancy, you can send them a message or virtual gift. And if you’re feeling courageous, go ahead and put your own photo up.

Ifallin Love—Not really a dating app per se, but definitely something to use with a love interest, you sync your phone with someone else and it uses GPS to know how far away you are from each other—the closer you get, the bigger the heart on the screen gets and the faster it beats.

Valentine Radio—Need some tunes to set the mood? This app connects you to radio stations that specialize in love songs. Sure, it may be weird to stop mid kiss to put on some Richard Marx, but we’re near certain it’ll ultimately pay off. After all, who doesn’t want to get it on after hearing “Let’s Get It On?”

101 Pick Up Lines—Most of the lines here are too cheesy to actually use, but maybe they’ll inspire some better ones or give you a good laugh.

Date Smart—Bad at picking what to do on dates or coming up with new date ideas? This app with built-in GPS lets you know what indoor and outdoor activities aren’t far from your door. Pick from categories like “adventure” or “romantic” to filter choices then click on the links provided for more info on any given date idea.

SpeedDate—While you have to be a member of the associated website to use this app, it finds singles nearby and allows you to “wink” or “flirt” with them in an effort at a local love connection.

Dating DNA—This app sends you a compatibility report when a like-minded man or woman is in your hood. You can then message them or visit their profile on networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.

Conversation Starter—First, and even second dates, can suffer from long periods of awkward silence. This app promises to get the conversation started and moving by prompting you with interesting questions to throw at your date. If conversation still fails, use the next app on the list.

Excuse Me—Download this fake-call app in case you’re ever on a date from hell and really need to escape. Featuring a timer, male or female voice and “slide to answer” graphic, this app is sure to fool your date. A little mean, but very essential for any frequent internet dater, Excuse Me is still a better way to end the date than Marsha Brady’s “something suddenly came up.”

When more traditional online dating has got you down, accessing the find-a-date apps above is a great way to change up the routine and refresh your mindset. With pick-up lines to snag a date, conversation starters to keep it going and romantic music for the kiss goodnight, you’ll look both suave and utilitarian, perhaps leading your date to propose an ifallin Love synch up.

Photo via mattjb