Ask a (S)expert: "Where Can I Meet People — Outside Of Dating Apps?"
Welcome to our new series led by Gigi Fong, Hypebae’s in-house sex and dating editor.
Welcome to your new safe space and Hypebae’s first-ever sex and dating column, Ask a (S)expert. This new weekly series is led by Haitian-Chinese and LA-based sexpert Gigi Fong, our in-house sex and dating editor.
Gigi is a former sex worker, boudoir artist and podcaster now hosting safe spaces for the Hypebae community. She specializes in all things sex-positive from unconventional dating to pleasure for lovers of all identities. To have your questions answered, visit our dropbox below and anonymously send your intimate inquiries ♡
“Where can I meet people — off of the dating apps?”
Hey bae! This is a question that’s fresh on every bae’s mind lately! Research has shown that 63% of dating app users are burned out and over the endless scrolling. The dislike for dating apps has led people to seek love in unexpected places. For example, we’ve seen the girls cosplay clueless at their local Home Depot while others grew fed up and went boysober. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to ditch dating for smut if you don’t want to.
Keep reading for the best spots the girls are gravitating to in search of a new boo.
@madison.bahr Im looking for a new tool🪛😉 #homedepot #homedep #relationship #relatable #girlfriend #boyfriend #comdey #viralvideo #jelous ♬ original sound – Madison Bahrbie
Currently, there are three trending spaces to meet people: run clubs, pickleball meets and bars. Although there’s no research to support, bars seem to deliver that house party-meet-cute that people are seeking. For sober women, “social sports” like run clubs and pickleball meets are great. But sober or not, everyone has been tapping into these. For context, Tinder hosted their own run club and we host one as a team now, too.
Rally, a social club in Charlotte has witnessed the rise of love and pickleball first hand. So much so, Rally’s now hosting singles social events for Gen Zers and Millennials. The first one? Sold out in just a few hours and already has matched couples.
Earlier this year, event platform, Eventbrite, found that singles are gravitating towards IRL dating, too. Its 2024 trend report found that people are reviving speed dating and using third spaces as social hubs for meet cutes. “From coffee shops to bookstores and art museums, they’re providing a welcoming atmosphere for people to mingle and discover shared interests,” the brand shared.
On a less serious note — I hope you’re making use of the new “lookalike contest” trend. That narrows you down to literally every human in your city that’s your exact type.
On a more serious note, if active social clubs aren’t your steez, opt for art shows, dog parks, concerts, book stores and any other places that tap your hobbies. Repeated exposure leads to deeper bonds and more potential baes on your radar.
Best of luck, bae!
In other news, Lucien Laviscount voices Quinn’s new audio porn.
Share this article
