You see a great profile on Hinge. You send a like. They match with you! Now what? The next step is a big one. You have to start a chat. Knowing how to start a conversation on hinge is the key to getting a date. A bad first message can end the chat fast.
This guide is here to help you. We will show you how to write first lines that get answers. You will learn how to use their profile to find easy things to talk about. We will give you many examples of what to say. We will also talk about common mistakes to not make. By the end, you will feel ready to start a fun chat with any of your matches.
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Why is Your First Message So Key?
Your first message is your first real impression. It is more key than your profile pictures or your prompts. Why? Because the person has already seen your profile and liked you. Now, they are waiting to see what you are like to talk to. Your first line sets the mood for the whole chat.
A good first message shows you are interested, sure of yourself, and fun. A boring first message can make you seem dull. It might make them wish they had not matched with you. This is your chance to stand out from all the other matches they have. A strong start makes it much more likely that you will get a good chat going.
How Does a Good First Line Make a Difference?
Think about it from their side. They might have many new matches. They are looking at a list of names. The person who sends a fun, personal message is the one who will get their time. A good first line makes them smile. It makes them want to write back right away.
It also makes the rest of the chat easier. When you start on a good note, it is easier to keep the fun mood going. A bad start, like just saying “hey,” puts all the work on them to think of something fun to talk about. 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. 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.
How Can You Use Their Profile ?
The best way to start a chat is to use what they have already told you. Their profile is full of chat starters. It has their photos, their Prompt answers, and their basic info. Using something from their profile shows that you really looked at it. It shows you are not just sending the same message to all your matches.
You do not have to make something up. You just have to be a good watcher. Look for small things that you can talk about or ask about.
How Do You Talk About Their Photos?
Look through all of their photos. Find one that is fun. Maybe it is a travel picture, a photo with a pet, or a picture of them doing a hobby. Then, ask a question about it.
Here are some ideas:
- For a travel photo: “Wow, that picture from Italy is great! What was your favorite food you ate there?”
- For a pet photo: “Your dog is so cute! What’s their name? They look like they have a lot of spunk.”
- For a hobby photo: “I see you like to paint. That’s so cool. What kind of things do you like to paint?”
These comments are clear and ask a simple question. This makes it very easy for them to write back.
How Do You Use Their Prompts to Start a Chat?
Their Prompt answers are a great gift. They are made to be chat starters. Read their answers and find one you can connect with or ask about. This is a great way to talk about more than just looks.
For example:
- If their prompt is “My simple pleasures…”: “I love your answer about a good cup of tea. What’s your top kind? I’m a big fan of English breakfast.”
- If their prompt is “I’m looking for…”: “Your answer about wanting someone to travel with is great. What’s the number one place you want to go?”
- If their prompt is “Together, we could…”: “I love your idea of trying every taco place in town. We should make a list. What’s the best one you have found?”
What If Their Profile is Very Plain?
Sometimes, you will find a profile that does not have much info. They might have simple photos and short Prompt answers. This makes it a bit harder, but you can still do it. In this case, you can ask a more general, fun question.
You could try something like, “Okay, your profile is a bit of a mystery. So, tell me one fun fact about you that’s not on here.” This is playful and shows you still want to get to know them.
What Are Some Great First Lines?
Having a few go-to first lines can be a big help. You do not want to use the same line for all your matches. But you can have a few types that you change based on their profile. The best first lines are new, fun, and ask a question.
A good first line is your key to doing well. Let’s look at some different types of first lines you can use.
How Do You Write a Funny First Line?
Jokes are a great way to connect with a person. If you can make them laugh in your first message, you are off to a great start. A funny first line should be light and maybe a little silly.
For example:
- “Are you a magician? Because when I look at your profile, all my other matches go away. Okay, that was cheesy, but I had to say it.”
- (If they have a dog) “I have a big question for you. On a scale of 1 to 10, how good of a dog owner are you? Your dog will be the judge.”
- “I’m not a camera man, but I can see us together. Alright, I’ll stop now. But for real, you seem cool.”
How Do You Ask a Good “Would You Rather” Question?
“Would you rather” questions are a fun and playful way to start a chat. They are new and can tell you a lot about a person’s fun side.
Here are some ideas:
- “Would you rather be able to talk to animals or speak all human languages?”
- “Would you rather have to give up cheese for life or give up coffee?”
- “Would you rather take a trip to the mountains or a trip to the beach?”
After they answer, you can share your own answer and say why. This can lead to a fun 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 right. The best kind words are not just about looks. They are about style, vibe, or something clear you saw.
For example:
- “You have such a great sense of style. I love that coat in your third picture.”
- “You just seem like you have a really fun and good vibe. Your smile is great.”
- “I’m really wowed by your answer to that prompt. It was very smart.”
These kind words feel more real and thoughtful.
What Mistakes Should You Not Make When You Start a Conversation on Hinge?
Knowing what to say is key. But knowing what not to say is just as key. There are some common mistakes that can end a chat fast. By not making these mistakes, you can raise your chances of getting a good chat going.
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” a Bad Way ?
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 Talk About Their Looks in Your First Message?
It is 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. For more on this, you can read about making good first impressions from school resources, like this guide on social communication from the University of Illinois.
How Do You Keep the Chat Going After the First Line?
Getting the first answer is great. But now you have to keep the chat going. The key is to have a good back-and-forth. Ask questions, but also share about you. A good chat is like a game of tennis. You hit the ball to them, and they hit it back.
Do not just ask question after question. That can feel like a test. After they answer your question, share your own thoughts or a story that fits. This makes the chat feel more even and normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What common mistakes should I avoid when initiating a chat on Hinge?
Avoid boring one-word greetings like ‘hey,’ and steer clear of commenting only on their looks early on. Instead, start with a thoughtful comment or question based on their profile to make a good impression.
What types of first lines work best on Hinge?
Go for lines that are fun, personalized, and ask questions. Humor, compliments on style or vibe, and playful questions like ‘Would you rather’ are effective ways to engage and make the other person want to reply.
What are some effective ways to start a conversation if their profile has few details?
If their profile is plain, ask a playful, general question like, ‘Tell me one fun fact about you that isn’t on your profile.’ This approach sparks curiosity and shows genuine interest.
How can I use someone’s profile to craft a good opening message on Hinge?
You should look at their photos, prompts, and basic info to find small details you can ask about or comment on. Showing that you paid attention to their profile makes your message more personal and engaging.
Why is the first message so important when starting a conversation on Hinge?
The first message is crucial because it creates the first real impression and sets the tone for the entire chat. It shows interest, confidence, and personality, which can help you stand out and encourage a positive response.
