We earn a commission when you buy through our links. Commissions never change a score — the rubric is public.Advertising Disclosure
RankingRight
ElectronicsForm a companyKids Learning AppsLaptopsMattressesOnline CoursesOnline TherapyTax SoftwareTravel InsuranceVPN ServicesVideo Editing SoftwareAntivirus SoftwareCell Phone PlansHearing AidsHome & kitchenHospitalsLanguage Learning AppsNoise-Cancelling HeadphonesNursing HomesParental Control AppsPhoto Editing SoftwarePillowsSoftware & AppsWeb HostingBaby MonitorsDomain RegistrarsEducationHealth & WellnessHomework Help & Study ToolsMeal Kit DeliveryPassword ManagersPayrollTV Streaming ServicesCRMFamily & KidsIdentity Theft ProtectionJob Search SitesPortable MonitorsRobot VacuumsSTEM Kits for KidsAir PurifiersBackground Check SitesMoney & FinancePayments & POSSmartwatchesStrollersTravel & eSIMWebsite BuildersAccounting SoftwareCar SeatsDating AppsHome Security CamerasEmail Marketing SoftwareKids' BackpacksMoving CompaniesKids' TabletsProject Management Software How We Rank How We Make Money Search
Home / Dating Apps guides / The Dating App Safety Checklist: Before, During and After a First Date

The Dating App Safety Checklist: Before, During and After a First Date

Verification, video calls, meeting in public, the money rule, and which apps in our ranking make each step easiest.

Written by Team RankingRight
September 3, 2026 · 4 min read

Before

  • Match only with verified photos (Hinge, Bumble, Tinder, Match, eHarmony all badge them).
  • Have a video call first — Hinge, Bumble, Tinder and Match have one in the app.
  • Reverse-image search their photos; a background check before a date is what Match's Garbo integration is for.

During

  • Meet in a public place; arrange your own transport.
  • Tell a friend where and who; share your location.
  • Keep your drink with you.

The money rule

Anyone who asks for money, gift cards, crypto or "investment help" is a scam, however long you have talked. Report and block. Romance scams cost Americans over $1 billion a year by FTC count.

After

Report anything that felt wrong; Bumble and Hinge responded to our test reports within a day.

» See the full rankings: Best Dating Apps of 2026 .