Don't get stuck in the 'Phone Zone': Hinge's tips for moving from texting to real-life dates

The world of online dating has brought about a new term: the "Phone Zone." This term refers to the situation in which two people are constantly texting each other but never actually meet in person. Hinge, a popular dating app, reports that over half of its users have found themselves in the Phone Zone in the past three months alone. While texting is an easy way to connect with someone, it can make it difficult to take the next step and schedule a real-life date. In this article, we will explore Hinge's advice on how to avoid the Phone Zone and move forward with dating.

According to Hinge, the Phone Zone matters because most daters want to get off their phones and meet in person, but they often wait too long to schedule a date. Hinge reports that 62% of its users feel ready to schedule a date after just three days of chatting. However, only 34% of users actually plan a date within that timeframe. This means that a large number of users are stuck in the Phone Zone, constantly texting each other but never moving forward.

To avoid the Phone Zone, Hinge recommends scheduling a date after just three days of chatting. This is the point at which the majority of its users feel ready to meet in person. Hinge also advises against texting too much before the first date, as it can be beneficial to save some topics for discovery in person. Additionally, Hinge suggests testing assumptions about the length of time needed to chat before meeting up. While some people may prefer to chat for several weeks before meeting, it's important to remember that great textual chemistry doesn't necessarily mean you'll vibe in person. To avoid wasting time in the Phone Zone, it's worth trying a different approach and meeting earlier.

Finally, Hinge suggests trying a virtual date first. This is a low-pressure way to connect and get a sense of your compatibility before meeting in person. Virtual dates can be an excellent way to break the ice and see if you have the potential for a strong connection.

The Phone Zone is a common experience for many online daters. However, it's important to move past texting and onto a real-life date if you're interested in someone. Hinge advises scheduling a date after just three days of chatting, saving some topics for in-person conversation, and testing assumptions about the length of time needed to chat before meeting. By following these tips, you can avoid the Phone Zone and start enjoying all that dating has to offer.