Navigating Dating in London Safely

London, with its rich history, vibrant culture and diverse architecture, provides the ideal backdrop for memorable dates. But, for young people diving into the dating scene, safety is often a concern. Although dating should be an exciting experience that fills you with butterflies and the promise of partnership, it is vital to ensure that you feel as safe and comfortable as possible, from the moment you introduce yourselves.

At LHA London, we believe that everybody who lives in the capital should be able to make lifelong connections, which is why we’ve compiled our best tips and tricks for navigating dating in London safely.

Dating apps in London

If you’re embarking on your dating journey in the big city, then the first question you’ll likely want to ask is: ‘well, how do I meet new people?’ One of the most popular ways that people of all ages are connecting across the city is the trusted dating app.

Here are a few of ours favourites:

Bumble

Bumble has become a favourite among Londoners for its unique approach to online dating. On this app, women make the first move, allowing for a more empowering dating experience.

The platform encourages genuine connections and has gained a reputation for fostering generating relationships.

Thursday

Thursday, a relatively new player in the dating app arena, has made waves with its new concept of limiting matches to just one day a week. It isn’t a traditional dating app, but instead, notifies you of singles events known as ‘thursday Bars’ that pop up around London.

This approach allows people to meet face-to-face in a safe environment, with only 24 hours to make your move on potential matches.

Hinge

Hinge takes a different approach by focusing on creating detailed profiles that showcase users’ personalities.

Users answer prompts and share more about themselves, encouraging thoughtful connections based on shared interests and values. Hinge has gained popularity in London for its commitment to creating genuine connections that go beyond surface-level interactions.

eHarmony

For those looking for a more serious commitment, eHarmony stands out as a platform geared towards long-term relationships. This app uses a comprehensive personality test to match users based on compatibility, offering a more in-depth and scientific approach to finding love.

Although eHarmony requires a bit more time and commitment, many Londoners appreciate the potential for meaningful connections it provides.

How to spot a fake dating profile

Whilst dating apps are exciting, and provide you with the unmatched ability to connect with people you never would have dreamed of meeting in your day-to-day activities, there are a few dangers that you should be aware of. These include fake dating profiles. Luckily, there are a few key identifiers that can help you spot a fraudulent account if you are vigilant.

Keep your eye out for the following signs:

1. Love bombing: Love bombing is the act of overstimulating someone with affection very quickly in order to manipulate them. If their affection seems to grow fairly extreme fairly quickly, then this is a sign that they might not be genuinely trying to get to know who you are.
2. Incomplete profiles: Fake dating profiles often have a lack of personal information. Be sceptical if you come across accounts with incomplete profiles. Those trying to make genuine connections will put as much effort into their profile as they can.
3. Seeming too good to be true: If the profile seems too perfect, or the person appears overly eager within a suspiciously minimal period of time, this could be a red flag.
4. Unrealistic photos: Photos that appear overly edited or professionally taken could indicate a scam account. If in doubt, use Google image reverse search to find the photo elsewhere on the internet, as this can determine if the photo has been taken from Google or stock  images.
5. Inconsistent information: Pay attention to inconsistencies in the information provided. Fake profiles may have conflicting details about age, occupation, or interests, and this will show if you start a conversation with them.
6. Unusual language/requests: Be cautious if the conversation takes a strange turn or if the person starts making unusual requests. Scammers may try to exploit personal information or ask for money. If they say they are in trouble and need your help following intense amounts of affection, this is likely a scam.
7. Trust your instincts: Although it can sometimes be difficult to trust your instincts, you usually know when something is wrong. If your gut tells you there is something suspicious going on, believe it. You can never be too cautious when it comes to finding the perfect match.

Safe dating ideas in London

Outdoor adventures

Explore London’s beautiful parks and gardens for a relaxed and nature-filled date. Hyde Park, Regents Park, and Greenwich Park offer picturesque settings for a leisurely stroll or even a picnic.

You could also take a walk down the bank of the Thames, and discover the hundreds of activities fit for a first date. This could provide you with a little more freedom on where you stop for food, and add a touch of surprise to your time together.

Mini-golf

Mini-golf is an excellent way to mingle on a first date. It is active, an excellent way to test if you have compatible personalities, and the friendly competition can initiate opportunities for some harmless flirting. As a public activity that can be done in the daytime, it can help you feel more safe whilst removing the element of pressure if having a conversation over dinner isn’t your thing.

Museums and galleries

London boasts world-class museums and galleries, many of which offer free entry. If you and your date share a fascination with history, art or even astronomy, there really is a plethora of options in the big city. You can revel in your shared interest at:

• The British Museum
• Tate Britain / Tate Modern
• Natural History Museum
• National Maritime Museum
• Science Museum
• Royal Air Force Museum
• Royal Observatory Greenwich
• The Sherlock Holmes Museum
• Madame Tussauds, London

Because museums are public and often crowded, you may find yourself feeling more secure than going for a drink.

Street art tours

Embark on a street art tour in boroughs like Shoreditch and Camden. Admire the vibrant murals and graffiti while discovering the eclectic spirit of London’s alternative art scene.

Food markets

Attending food markets on a date creates a modern twist on the typical dinner date, but with a creative flair. The possibilities for a food market date are endless. You could peruse the variety of cuisine and sit down together to eat it, or you could take your food and have a walking date, exploring the local London borough and enjoying each other’s company.

Your choice of food can also break the ice and act as a conversation starter.

For more advice on where to source the best street food, take a look at our blog: London’s Food Scene: Best Eateries & Street Food.

Explore a mutual hobby

There is no better way of forming a bond with another person than sharing a mutual interest, and exploring this together on your first date can be the best way to get to know each other. There will be no shortage of conversation, you’ll both feel more comfortable in the environment and, if you’re not compatible, you’ll still have spent a nice day out having done something that you enjoy.

It’s a win-win.

Comedy clubs

London is renowned for its vibrant comedy scene. Humour adds a touch of excitement to a date, and it has been proven that mutual laughter brings two people closer together. This can also be an excellent way to discover whether you share the same sense of humour, and will give you something to laugh about should you continue to pursue the relationship.

Visit a comedy club for an evening filled with laughter, and who knows, you might discover a new favourite comedian together.

How to stay safe on a date

1. Choose a public meeting place: One of the best ways to keep yourself safe when going on a date is to choose a public meeting place. Coffee shops, restaurants, and popular landmarks can provide a comfortable environment and are often populated, reducing the risk of uncomfortable situations.
2. Don’t give out your address: Whilst sharing information is crucial to getting to know each other on a first date, personal information like your address, holiday schedule and location of your workplace should be kept to yourself until you feel comfortable with the other person.
3. Let people know where you’re going: Before heading out, let a trusted friend or family member know about your plans. Share details such as the location, time, and the name of your date. You might also wish to share your real-time location using apps like Find My Friends on Apple or the Whatsapp Real Time Location feature.
4. Set clear boundaries: A little discomfort is completely normal on a first date, but communicating your expectations can ensure that you are both on the same page. Respect each other’s personal space and be mindful of whether your date is showing cues of discomfort as well. Dating is a shared experience and you should both feel as secure as possible in order to build a connection.
5. Trust your instincts: Once again, trusting your instincts is crucial. If you feel uncomfortable, regardless of whether this relates to your safety, then you should listen to your gut.
6. Have an exit-plan: Whether you have a friend on standby waiting to take you for a drink, or using ride-share apps to get yourself home, having a plan for the end of your date can help you to feel safe.

Remember, having a contingency plan in place is simply a way to ensure you feel comfortable and secure.

What to do if you don’t feel safe on a date

1. Stay calm: It may be that you are perfectly safe, but if you are not feeling comfortable then staying calm will allow you to think more clearly about how to remove yourself from the situation.
2. Contact an emergency friend: If you have set yourself an emergency contact for the date, then let them know you are ready to leave. Having company can help you feel more at ease when leaving the situation.
3. Ask for ‘Angela’: Many restaurants, clubs and pubs have trained their staff to aid people in situations where they feel uncomfortable. There may be a notice in their bathrooms informing you to approach them and ask for ‘Angela’, otherwise let them know that you don’t feel safe and they will be able to help you.

Arrange an excuse to leave: If you don’t feel comfortable enough to tell your date that you don’t think it will work out, then having a convenient excuse to leave can alleviate some of this anxiety. We would recommend only doing this if you feel unsafe.

Find a public space: Once you have ended the date, spending some time in a nearby public space like a shop or train station can help you feel more secure.

Report if necessary: Most of the time, feeling uncomfortable can simply be the result of not clicking with the other person, but if your date has truly made you feel unsafe, you could consider reporting the incident. Your safety is the utmost priority.

How to meet people in London

Meeting people in the big city can feel daunting, particularly if you have just moved to London. But there are plenty of ways to meet potential dates, or even just make some friends.

Try:

• Joining social clubs and meet up groups
• Taking classes or workshops for a hobby you enjoy
• Attend dating events
• Download safe dating apps
• Attend cultural and community events
• Join a sports club
• Engage in volunteer work

Once you have concluded your date, return home to safe accommodation, where you can unwind and relax after spending time with new people.

At LHA London, our hostels cover all major points on the city’s map and cover your bills too, so you don’t need to worry about any additional costs while you focus on building the life you want. For more information about how our charity can help you get set up as you navigate dating in the big city, take a look at our available short term / long term accommodation to discover what we can offer you.