PSA: *These* Are the Hinge Prompts You Should Use on Your Profile
If there’s one skill we absolutely should have been taught in school, it's how to craft the perfect dating app profile. I mean, if I can still remember the quadratic equation, surely I should have been schooled in the art of snagging a date. But alas, our education system seems to think finding our soulmates isn't as essential as algebra. This, my friends, is why Hinge prompts are kind of the saving grace for those of us who didn’t get a degree in How To Meet Cute People in Person.
You see, while swiping is convenient, creating a dating ap profile kinda feels like drafting a romantic resume or crafting a marketing ad. There's this delicate dance of balancing humor and authenticity that can sometimes be hard to master. Too sincere and you risk oversharing; too funny and you might come off as inauthentic. And then there’s the chance you give away too much and leave nothing to talk about on the actual date. *Sigh*
That’s why Hinge is such a favorite among app daters (seriously, ask anyone)—its profile prompts allow you to showcase *just enough* of yourself to catch someone’s attention and (hopefully) move things to the next level without having to draft your autobiography. In fact, LA-based love astrologer and relationship expert Bethany Nicole says she’s a huuuge fan of Hinge prompts, explaining: “They’re set up to be calibrated by the dater from simple to serious and everything in between,” adding that they function as fun conversation starters while also revealing deeper layers of compatibility.
Since coming up with creative answers can be more than a little daunting—especially if you’re already dealing with dating app burnout—that’s where we come in. If you’re ready to go from match to first date (...and maybe even a second?), keep scrolling for expert-approved advice on how to kickstart those convos (+ copy-and-paste-able answers to 24 of our fav Hinge Prompts).
How Do Hinge Prompts Work?
The good news is that Hinge prompts take a lot of the guesswork out of *what* to tell your matches. After you enter basic deets like your name, location, personal pronouns, and sexuality/sexual preferences, you’re required to select (and answer) three prompts from the “Write Your Profile Answers” section, ranging from what your ideal date looks like to random shower thoughts you’ve had.
While keeping things short and sweet/sassy/flirty is key since all Hinge prompts have a 150-character limit (unless it’s a voice prompt, which has a 30-second limit), that doesn’t mean you should just phone in your answers.
“When you’re swiping left and right in a major metropolitan area, there are tens of thousands of people within a given demographic group who are swiping at a given time,” says online dating expert Jess Carbino, PhD, former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble. Brief, vague answers make it hard to stand out from the pack, she adds. This is why relationship expert Amber Brook encourages daters to share specific details and let their sense of humor and interests shine through. Not to get all “just be yourself!” on you, but the reality is that one of the biggest mistakes daters make on the apps is crafting a profile that doesn’t reflect who they really are.
Before you start overthinking, Hinge’s Director of Relationship Science, Logan Ury, says the best profiles naturally tell a story about who you are from your authentic voice. And because your profile has space for three Hinge prompts, you can actually cover quite a bit of ground.
The first step, though, is selecting the best prompts and then crafting up some clever answers that make your matches fall in love with you (or, you know, ask you out). The good news? We’ve taken care of all that below, so you can spend less time stressing about your profile and more time meeting the love of your life! YW!
1. Try to guess this about me…
This is such a fun prompt because you can go in so many directions with it, depending on the vibe you're trying to give. Do you want your matches to know you're an outdoor enthusiast or BookTok obsessed? Here's your chance! You'll give 'em a clue as to who you are and what sparks joy in your life, but without outright telling them, building in a desirable air of mystery. Hot, right?
What you can say:
Which Colorado peak did the ski patrol have to rescue me on?
What's my Elo chess rating?
Which musical instrument can I play "Runaway" on?
2. I’ll pick the topic if you start the conversation...
Sometimes simply picking what to talk about is the hardest part. Once you're going and in the groove, though? You can banter with the best of them. Hint at your movie obsessions or set up some fun scenarios to immediately break the ice with a topic you're comfortable with. Not only will you be in the zone, but they'll also feel prepared going into the convo, giving you both a chance to playfully bounce ideas back and forth without the pressure of formally talking about yourselves.
What you can say:
Which Harry Potter installment is the best and why?
We're trying to pull off a heist. Who's your team of cons (fictional, real, dead, or alive), and what roles are you and I playing?
Tell me the funniest cold open in television history, and I'll guess what show it's from.
3. What I order for the table...
If you're a "my heart is in my stomach" kind of person (hi, me), matching with someone who shares your foodie passions or dietary restrictions is such a turn-on. While not typically a make-or-break Q, this one does let matches know if you're an adventurous eater or typically stick with what you know (which *could* correlate with how you handle non-food-related experiences as well).
What you can say:
Every vegan app on the menu.
Whatever dishes we can't pronounce.
Dessert first, always.
4. A life goal of mine…
This is an expert favorite because it gives a clear look at someone's values, objectives, and current stage of life. Naturally, life goals typically change as we evolve, but this clever Q will tell your potentials where your priorities lie rn, and what type of life you're trying to build.
What you can say:
Taking a trip around the world.
Write a best-selling novel.
Bake the perfect pineapple upside-down cake.
5.Green flags I look for...
Ideally, your profile tells people three things: who you are, what you’re looking for, and what it would be like to date you, Ury says. This question is a great way to hint at what you want, what you’d be like as a partner, and—in a way—who you are. It also offers your matches an opportunity to tell you a little about what it would be like to date them.
What you can say:
Always tipping 20%.
Making me laugh so hard I cry.
Knowing all the words to "Bohemian Rhapsody."
6. I’m looking for…
It might be tempting to go the straightforward route, especially if you’re on the apps for a very specific reason. If you’re just looking to casually meet someone who can show you around a new city, for example, go ahead and let your matches know! But there’s also an opportunity here to be creative. Take one of Ury’s clients, who wanted to express that he was looking for a serious relationship and share his passion for reading.
“We put, ‘I’m looking for somebody to combine my bookshelves with,’ and I really liked it because now I know he likes reading and I can talk to him about books,” she says. “And also, I know he’s looking for something serious, but it didn’t come across as something like, I want to get married in the next two and a half years.”
What you can say:
Someone to help me train for a 5k... then run in it with me.
A cute tour guide who thinks newbies with accents are adorable. It's me. I'm the newbie.
An open relationship with someone as spontaneous as I am.
7. The dorkiest thing about me is…
This prompt is an opportunity to inject some playfulness into your profile while revealing a unique aspect of your personality. This question is designed to showcase your quirks, so have fun with it. “Adding some self-deprecating humor to your prompt answers not only makes you more relatable to potential matches, but it also shows that you are comfortable in your own skin,” says Jessica Alderson, co-founder and relationship expert at So Syncd, a dating app that matches compatible personality types. “And that is one of the most attractive qualities anyone can have.”
What you can say:
I'm a One Direction stan alum.
My brain is literally packed with ’90s cartoon trivia.
Old-school video games are my kryptonite.
8. This year I really want to…
This prompt is a great way to show what you enjoy doing or—ahem—what you’d enjoy doing with a partner. You could even share some larger long-term goals, like studying or traveling. (Oh, and ICYMI: Hinge reported this as one of their top 25 most successful prompts, so the odds are in your favor.)
What you can say:
Play as much pickleball as possible.
See a concert every month.
Find the very best bagel in [insert your city here].
9. I’m weirdly attracted to…
Whatever your tongue-in-cheek, kinda-sorta strange attraction is, short, succinct answers work best for this one. This is also a chance to be a little funny without trying too hard. Wherever you can invite some lightheartedness and humor into your profile, go for it.
What you can say:
Pisces Men.
People who don’t talk about crypto.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, AKA Cousin from The Bear. (Just me?)
10. Unusual skills...
This prompt can help you showcase your passions or maybe some niche talents you’ve picked up at a job or class. Anything that comes with a story is a great bet, but if you’re really trying to turn conversations into dates, hint at something that shows you're a *fab* companion.
What you can say:
I've got the secret to finding good seats at a crowded bar.
None one has ever beaten me in darts.
I'm weirdly good at Scrabble (and know of an amazing board game café where I can prove it...).
11. Typical Sunday...
According to Ury, this can be a great way to give a swiper a glimpse into what your relationship could look like. After all, if you’re in it for the long haul, you might be spending quite a few Sundays together. “For example, if someone stays really active, [they could write] ‘I wake up, I ride my Peloton, then I meet up with my friends for a hike, then later I go to a barbecue and this and that,’” she says. “Versus if you’re somebody who’s more of a homebody, maybe that’s not as appealing to you.”
What you can say:
Coffee + bagel + dog walk. Ideally, with you.
A run as the sun comes up. Race ya!
Sometimes it's bottomless brunch, sometimes it's bedrotting with Netflix all morning.
12. The best way to ask me out is by…
Wanna get some dates on your cal? Look no further. Set up your matches to ask you on your dream date by taking the guesswork out of the equation. Instead of getting asked to go mini-golf or to the movies (if those aren't your thing, ofc), tell your suiters what kind of date you want, so you both go into it feeling confident from the start.
What you can say:
Offering to buy me a [insert your go-to drink] at your favorite local bar.
Taking me on a picnic at a park. Yes, cheese and wine are highly encouraged.
Asking me out.
13. I know the best spot in town for…
Here’s another prompt that’s bound to help you set up some dates. “Cheap drinks” or “Indian food” is too vague, though: If there’s a specific dish you love or music genre you’re into, tell your swipers that you’ve got them covered when it comes to L.A.’s best matcha ice cream or a cute jazz bar.
What you can say:
Live salsa music and late-night perogies.
Letting your dog play off-leash (without causing anxiety).
Privately watching the sunset with a cooler of beer.
14. Together, we could…
Try this prompt if you’re stuck on a question that shows what dating you is like. Outlining a dream date would work well here, whether it’s simple, aspirational, or hints at something specific you're looking for in a partner (say, you’re sober and don't want to go to bars).
What you can say:
Go on a day trip to the beach before summer ends.
Drink champagne on a balcony in the South of France.
Check out Chicago’s best zero-proof bars.
15. I geek out on…
Share your passions! And don’t forget, we’re talking about things that make you geek out—weird, super-specific interests, hobbies, and talents. If you know everything there is to know about Survivor or growing plants and herbs from your tiny, cramped apartment, now’s the time to show off your knowledge.
What you can say:
Movie film scores. Big question: Williams or Zimmer?
Making plants bloom from my tiny one-bedroom.
Early 2000s reality TV. Let's binge Fear Factor together...
16. First round is on me if…
This prompt is guaranteed to land you some dates and, more importantly, help find common ground. One Seinfeld fan on Reddit, for example, had some luck saying they’d buy their matches a drink if they also celebrate Festivus.
What you can say:
You know all the words to "Dayman" from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Your dog sleeps in bed with you.
You've ever fallen asleep during Midnight Mass (the service *or* the series).
17. Two truths and a lie...
Ury says that this is one of the most engaging prompts. “There’s just a natural tendency for curiosity, and so when you have two truths and a lie—even if you’re like, Oh it’s probably that one—you’re just more likely to message the person because you want to know the answer or you want to know the story,” she says. “And I think especially if you want to share some unique things about you, it’s a good forum for that.”
What you can say:
I won the 5th-grade spelling bee, got stuck in an elevator, and visited all 50 states.
I started scuba diving when I was 12. I'm afraid of balloons. My favorite food is buffalo chicken dip.
I've hiked in a rainforest. My family's from Ireland. I broke my ankle on Christmas.
18. My simple pleasures...
This prompt is a great way to showcase tons of your interests, and even turn-ons. The more niche, the better. “Sometimes we think if we’re more broad, we’ll attract more people, but it’s actually in being specific that I think more people relate,” Ury says.
What you can say:
Middle-of-the-night back rubs with lavender-rosemary lotion.
Opening up a new hardcover book (ideally a thriller).
A fresh cup of coffee with a splash of almond milk, two Stevias, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
19. Best travel story...
Unique experiences and anecdotes can help your profile stand out, and also get a convo started. While giving a semi-vague answer to get folks to ask follow-up questions is a smart play, another good tactic is to pique your matches’ curiosity by leaving the story open-ended.
What you can say:
Involves a bottle of tequila, three mimes, one sprinkle donut, and Danny DeVito.
Ever seen The Godfather? It was like that, but fewer horses...
I got lost in Spain without my phone, couldn’t find my way back to the hotel, and you’ll just have to ask me what happened next.
20. The key to my heart is…
This could be something simple that hints at your passions or something deep that lets potentials know what you're after. “One of the biggest complaints in modern dating that I hear is when daters don’t ask questions,” Ury says. One of her followers had a great idea: Tell your matches upfront that you’re turned off by daters who aren’t curious about your life and interests. You can write, “The best way to ask me out/the key to my heart is asking questions,” Ury suggests.
What you can say:
Always belting out the chorus, no matter how off-key we sound.
Accepting that my cat gets first dibs on couch seats.
Learning more about me to unlock it yourself.
21. My love language is…
I know this prompt might not be the ~flirtiest,~ but love languages are MAJOR when it comes to compatibility and understanding your partner (or, you know, potential partner). Not only does this give someone insight into your values, but it also invites them to share their love language with you. (Psst: Here's a free love language test if you or your matches aren't sure which one you gravitate toward.)
What you can say:
Acts of service — there's nothing sexier than a man who takes out the trash.
Giving gifts! I never miss the chance to get something special for my special ppl.
Physical touch x 1000. I need *all* the kisses and cuddles.
22. The one thing I’d love to know about you is…
If you’re really trying to reel in some matches, question-asking goes both ways. You can always say you’d love to hear about someone’s most recent trip or first celebrity crush, but there’s also an opportunity to showcase some of your own interests and passions, too (like if you're obsessed with reality TV or true crime).
What you can say:
Who's your favorite Love Island couple?
What are your theories about JonBenet Ramsey?
What's your dream date?
23. The hallmark of a good relationship is…
Here, shed some light on what it would be like to date you (and what you’re looking for, especially if you want something more serious). “Trust” and “Communication” are always great go-tos, but try to avoid single-word answers. We love mixing something genuine with someone more lighthearted to get the point across (without feeling too heavy).
What you can say:
Finding a way to laugh about our day, no matter how bad it was.
Never going to sleep angry. Or warm. The thermostat doesn't go above 68, right?
(A fav via Reddit:) "Honesty and communication. We should know where we are and where we’re going. And if we’re going for coffee, I’m definitely in."
24. You should leave a comment if…
“I think ‘We’ll get along if…’ or ‘You should leave a comment if’ is an opportunity to share something more quirky about you,” Ury says. You can also share a ~hot take.~ Do you have a niche conspiracy theory or a weird opinion that none of your friends understand? Who knows—maybe you’ll find someone who really gets you.
What you can say:
You can convince me that lobster isn't a trash food.
You're here for a good time (and by "good time," I mean talking about the possibility of life on other planets).
You'd rather spend a day on the water than a day on the sand.
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