You have a great Hinge profile. You are getting likes and matches. That is great! But now for the next big step: starting a chat. It can be a bit scary. You see a new match, and your mind goes blank. You ask, what to say on hinge? A good first line can make a big change. It can lead to a fun chat, not a match that goes nowhere.
This guide will help you. We will give you a full set of ideas and examples. You will learn how to use their profile to find the right thing to say. We will also cover great chat starters that work for almost anyone. By the end, you will feel more sure of yourself. You will have a clear plan to start a fun, real chat that leads to a great first date.
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What Does a Hinge Profile Look Like
Why is Your First Message on Hinge So Important?
Your first message is your real first look. Your match has seen your profile and likes you. Now, they wait to see how you talk. Your first line sets the mood for the whole chat. It is your chance to show you are fun, nice, and good to talk to.
A boring first message can end things. It can make you seem like you do not care. A great first message can make your match happy to write back. It is the spark that starts the fire.
How Does a Good Opener Make a Difference?
Think of it from their side. They might have a few new matches. If all others just say “hey,” your special and personal message will stand out. A good first line can make them smile. It makes them want to write back right away.
Also, a strong start makes the rest of the chat much easier. When you start with a fun message, it is easy to keep that good mood going. A weak start makes them do all the work. They have to think of something fun to say. Most people will not do it.
What Should Your Goal Be for the First Message?
Your main goal for your first message is simple: get an answer. That is it. You want to make it as easy and fun as you can for them to write back. This means your message should be fun and ask a question. You are not trying to tell them your life story in the first message.
You are just trying to start a nice back-and-forth. The goal is to make a small spark. You want to make them think, “This person seems cool. I want to talk to them more.” That is all you need to do to get things started.
What to Say on Hinge by Using Their Profile?
The best way to start a chat is to use the hints they gave you. Their Hinge profile is full of chat starters. It has their photos, their Prompt answers, and their basic info. Using something from their profile shows you looked at it.
This shows you are not sending the same boring message to all. This is the easiest way to know what to say on hinge. You do not have to make something up. You just have to be a good watcher.
What to say on hinge when commenting on their photos?
Look at all six of their photos. Do not just look at the first one. Find a picture that is fun or that you like. Maybe it is a photo from a trip, a picture with a pet, or a photo of them doing a fun hobby.
Then, ask a simple question about it. A question that needs more than a “yes” or “no” answer.
Here are some ideas:
- For a travel photo: “That picture in the mountains is great! What was the best part of that trip for you?”
- For a pet photo: “I have to ask about your dog. What’s the funniest thing they’ve ever done?”
- For a hobby photo: “That painting is so good! How did you get into art?”
These comments are clear, nice, and make it very easy for them to write back.
What to say on hinge when commenting on their prompts?
Their Prompt answers are a gift. Hinge made them to be chat starters. Read their three answers and find one you can connect with or ask about. This is a great way to start a chat about more than just looks.
For example:
- If their prompt is “My simple pleasures…”: “I love your answer about a rainy day. What’s your top movie for a cozy day inside?”
- If their prompt is “I’m looking for…”: “Your answer about looking for a partner in crime is fun. What’s the first ‘crime’ we should do? I’m thinking an ice cream heist.”
- If their prompt is “I geek out on…”: “I also geek out on board games! What’s your all-time favorite game to play with friends?”
What if Their Profile is Very Simple or Boring?
Sometimes, you will match with someone who has a very simple profile. Their photos might be plain. Their Prompt answers might be short. This makes it a bit harder, but you can still do it.
In this case, you can use a more general, but still new, first line. You could try a playful question like, “Okay, your profile is a bit of a mystery, and I’m curious. What’s one thing you’re excited about this week?” This is still much better than “hey.”
What Are Some Great Go-To Opening Lines?
It helps to have a few good first lines ready. You do not want to use the same line each time. But you can have a few types that you change for each profile. The best first lines are new, nice, and ask a question.
This is the core of knowing what to say on hinge. A great first line is your key to getting a great chat started. Let’s look at some different types of first lines you can use.
How to be Funny and Playful in Your First Message?
Jokes are a great way to break the ice. If you can make your match laugh in the first message, you are off to a great start. A funny first line should be light and maybe a little silly.
For example:
- “I have to ask a serious question. Is a hot dog a sandwich? We need to talk about this.”
- “Are you taking new friends for adventures? I’d like to give you my resume.”
- “I see you like pineapple on pizza. I’m not sure if we can be friends. Just kidding… mostly.”
What to say on hinge with a “Would You Rather” question?
“Would you rather” questions are a fun and easy way to start a chat. They are new and can tell you a lot about a person’s fun side in a light way.
Here are some ideas:
- “Would you rather be able to fly or be able to be unseen?”
- “Would you rather have to give up movies for a year or give up music for a year?”
- “Would you rather be a great cook or a great dancer?”
After they answer, you can share your own answer and say why. This can lead to a fun and easy talk.
How Do You Give a Good Compliment in Your First Message?
A kind word is a nice way to start a chat, but it has to be done with care. The best kind words are not just about looks. They are about their style, their vibe, or something clear you saw in their profile.
For example:
- “You have such a cool sense of style. I love the jacket in your third picture.”
- “You just seem like you have a really warm and good vibe. Your smile is great.”
- “I was really wowed by your answer to that prompt. It was very smart.”
These kind words feel more real and thoughtful.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid in Your Opening Line?
Knowing what to say is key. But knowing what not to say is just as key. Some common mistakes can end a chat before it starts. By not making these, you have a better chance of a good chat.
Many people make these mistakes and do not even know it. They can make you seem boring, lazy, or even a bit odd. Let’s go over some of the biggest things to not do.
Why is “Hey” the Worst Way to Start a Conversation?
Just saying “hey,” “hi,” or “what’s up?” is the worst way to start a chat. It is boring and shows you did not try. It puts all the work on the other person to keep the chat going. They have to think of something fun to say back to your one-word message.
Most people will not write back to “hey.” They have other matches who are trying harder. Always start with a full line that is about their profile.
Should You Comment on Their Looks in Your First Message?
It is often best to not talk about their body or be too sexual in your first message. You might think they look very good, but starting with a comment on their body can make them feel odd. It can seem like you only care about how they look.
Stick to kind words about their smile, their style, their vibe, or who they are. These are safer and mean more. You can save the more direct kind words for later, after you have made a connection.
What to say on hinge to avoid being boring?
The key to not being boring is to be clear and to ask questions. A boring message is one that is plain and does not ask for a reply.
- Boring: “You have a nice smile.”
- Better: “Your smile in that second picture is so real! What was making you so happy then?”
The second one is much more fun to answer.
How to Keep the Conversation Going After the First Message?
Getting the first answer is a great feeling. But the work is not done. Now you have to keep the chat going. The key is to talk back and forth. It should feel like a game, not a test.
This means you need to ask questions, but you also need to share about you.
What to say on hinge after they reply?
When they write back to your first line, the first thing you should do is see their answer. Then, share a little bit about you that fits the topic. Last, ask another open question to keep the ball rolling.
For example:
- You: “That’s a cool dog! What kind is it?”
- Them: “Thanks! He’s a golden retriever named Max.”
- You: “Max is a great name! I’ve always wanted a dog. I grew up with cats, so I’m more of a cat person. Are you a dog person all the way?”
How Do You Balance Asking Questions and Sharing About Yourself?
A good chat is a balance. If you only ask questions, it can feel like a test. If you only talk about you, you can seem like you only care about yourself.
A good rule is to follow a pattern of “comment, share, question.” Comment on what they said. Share something about you that fits. Then, ask a new question to pass the chat back to them. Good talking is a key life skill. For more on this, you can look at school resources, like this guide on active listening from UC Berkeley.
How Do You Know When to Ask for a Date?
After you have had a good back-and-forth for a day or two, it is time to think about asking for a date. You want to do it while the chat is still fun and exciting.
If the replies are getting longer and you are both asking good questions, that is a great sign. You could say, “I’m really enjoying this chat. I’d love to continue it in person. Are you free for a coffee this weekend?”
What is the Final Verdict on What to Say on Hinge?
So, what to say on hinge? The final answer is to be nice, personal, and ask questions. Use their profile as your guide. Ask good questions. And do not be scared to show who you are.
A great chat is the link between a match and a first date. With a little work, you can build that link.
What is the Most Important Thing to Remember?
The most key thing is to always end your message with a question. This makes it easy for the other person to write back. It is the single best way to keep a chat from dying out.
What is the Best First Step to Take?
The best first step is to take your time. Do not rush to send a message. Look at their whole profile. Find something you really connect with. A nice message is always better than a fast one.
How Can You Have More Fun with Hinge Conversations?
You can have more fun by not taking it too seriously. Be playful. Be a little silly. Dating should be fun. The question of what to say on hinge is easier when you remember to just be you and enjoy getting to know someone new.
FAQ – What to Say on Hinge
How can I keep the conversation engaging after the initial message?
Keep the chat lively by asking open-ended questions, sharing a bit about yourself related to their responses, and balancing questions with comments. Ending messages with a question encourages continued interaction and keeps the conversation flowing.
What types of opening lines should I avoid?
Avoid generic and boring openers like ‘Hey,’ ‘Hi,’ or ‘What’s up?’ as they do not stand out. Also, steer clear of comments focusing only on their looks or being overly sexual in the first message.
What are some good examples of openers when commenting on their photos?
For photos, ask questions that relate to what they shared, such as ‘That mountain picture looks amazing! What was your favorite part of that trip?’ or ‘Your dog is adorable! What’s the funniest thing he’s done?’
How can I craft an effective first message using their profile?
To craft an effective first message, look at their photos, prompt answers, and basic info. Use something from their profile to make a personalized comment or question, showing you took the time to read and care.
Why is the first message on Hinge so important?
The first message on Hinge is crucial because it sets the tone for the entire conversation and shows your personality. A good first message can encourage the match to respond enthusiastically, while a boring one might lead to the chat stalling or ending.
