Dating App Openers: How to Start a Conversation That Gets a Reply

You’ve matched with someone on a dating app—great. But now comes the hard part: what do you say?

A weak opener like “Hey” or “How’s it going?” won’t get you far. If you want a response, you need to send a message that’s funny, engaging, or intriguing. A great first message makes all the difference between getting ignored and starting a fun conversation.

Not sure what to say? Check out Dating App Openers for expert-crafted lines that actually work.

Why Your Opener Matters

✅ It grabs attention – A boring message blends in. A great opener stands out.
✅ It shows personality – A good first message gives your match a reason to reply.
✅ It sets the tone – A clever opener leads to a fun, engaging conversation.

Best Dating App Openers That Work

1. Funny and Playful Openers

Humor is one of the best ways to get a response.

• "Are you French? Because Eiffel for you."
• "So, what’s your go-to karaoke song, and how badly should I prepare to be impressed?"
• "You seem like trouble. Should I be excited or concerned?"

2. Question-Based Openers

Asking a question gives them something to respond to.

• "Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?"
• "If we were in a reality show together, which one would it be?"
• "On a scale of 1 to ‘I judge people based on their coffee order,’ how much do you love caffeine?"

3. Clever and Witty Openers

Smart humor and wordplay make you stand out.

• "I was going to come up with a great pickup line, but honestly, your smile distracted me."
• "Two truths and a lie: I love tacos, I’ve been skydiving, and I always know what to say in awkward situations."
• "You + me = an equation I’d love to solve."

4. Compliment-Based Openers

A unique compliment works better than a generic one.

• "Your profile made me stop swiping. Either that’s fate, or I just pulled a muscle."
• "You have the best smile on this app, and I’ll fight anyone who disagrees."
• "I almost swiped left just to see if I’d regret it… but I’m not about to take that risk."

For even more openers that actually work, check out Dating App Openers and level up your messaging game.

How to Make Your Dating App Opener More Effective

1. Personalize It

Look at their profile and reference something specific—like a hobby, a pet, or a travel photo.

2. Keep It Short and Engaging

Nobody wants to read a paragraph from a stranger. Get to the point.

3. Avoid Generic Messages

“Hey, what’s up?” or “How’s your day?” won’t make you stand out.

4. Be Confident, Not Creepy

A fun, flirty message works better than being overly aggressive or overly serious.

Final Thoughts

A great dating app opener is the key to starting a fun and engaging conversation. Whether you go for humor, a clever question, or a playful compliment, the goal is to make your match want to reply.

Need more ideas? Check out Dating App Openers for expert-crafted lines that actually get responses.