Matchmaking, singles sites, or casual dating—a comparison of the key differences

Whether through matchmaking agencies, singles sites, or casual dating: one in three Germans has searched for love online at some point. So it's no wonder that with the wide range of different platforms available, it's now literally impossible to see the wood for the trees.

Only 29% of singles in Germany say they understand the differences between singles sites, dating agencies, and casual dating. It's high time to shed some light on the matter. We'll show you the most important differences as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the various providers.

Online dating agencies – for long-term relationships

Singles who use online dating agencies are looking for more than just a brief fling. These sites bring together people who are seeking a long-term relationship.

These are the advantages of an online dating agency

1. High level of reliability and no fakes

A major advantage of online dating agencies over singles sites and casual dating providers is their reliability. The mere fact that these services cost money deters most people who are not serious about finding a partner. In addition, the security standards are significantly higher. At LemonSwan, for example, every profile and profile entry is checked for authenticity and reliability by psychologically trained gatekeepers.

2. Scientific matching & partner suggestions make it easier to find a partner

When you sign up for an online dating service, you first fill out a scientific questionnaire. Based on this, you are then suggested potential partners. So-called matching points tell you how well you match with each other. The higher the match, the better. This saves you the proverbial search for a needle in a haystack.

Particularly important: Take your time and fill out the questionnaire carefully and, above all, honestly. Cheating will come back to haunt you later, because if you provide false information, you will most likely be suggested the wrong partner.

3. Balanced male-female ratio

Casual dating apps and singles sites often have a significant surplus of men. This can be annoying for both women and men. Reputable online dating agencies ensure a balanced ratio.

4. Online dating agencies have higher data protection and security

Dating agencies pay close attention to the security of their members. Data protection is a top priority. So if you are particularly concerned about your data on the internet, you are best off with a reputable online dating agency.

5. Active members

Those who pay for a membership also use it more. While other portals often have many inactive or fake accounts, dating agencies have many interested and active members. This is the best prerequisite for quick responses and interesting conversations.

Online dating agencies – the disadvantages

1. The costs of online dating agencies

Although registration and viewing partner suggestions is free on most platforms, if you want to exchange messages with other members, you have to take out a paid membership. Here you will find an overview of the prices and services at LemonSwan.

A unique offer: LemonSwan is the only online dating agency in Germany that offers all single parents, students, and trainees with an annual gross income of less than €35,000 a free premium membership for 6 months.

2. Registration and profile creation take longer

While you can usually get started right away on singles sites and casual dating platforms, online dating agencies require you to take a personality test after registering. This is important because it forms the basis for partner suggestions.

The probability of finding true love is many times higher than with other providers. It's definitely worth investing more for that, right?

Dating sites – for flirting and having fun

Most dating sites are free. People who sign up here are not looking for a partner for a long-term relationship. Flirting and having fun are the main focus. The average age is therefore often younger than on online dating agencies. Here is an overview of the most important advantages and disadvantages of dating sites.

The advantages of a dating site

1. Mostly free

Unlike online matchmaking services, you can use most dating sites for free. But be careful, there are often costs for additional features. The exact prices vary from provider to provider.

2. Quick contact

Since dating sites are not about finding true love anyway, establishing contact is also much quicker. There is no cautious testing the waters and trying things out, but rather wild flirting right from the start.

3. Non-committal dating

People who are registered here are usually only interested in having fun. They don't want to commit to one person, but rather enjoy their freedom. If you feel the same way, you will meet like-minded people on a dating site.

These are the disadvantages of dating sites

1. You have to search yourself

Since dating sites do not have a scientific personality test, the registration process is faster, but after that you are on your own and have to search for yourself. You will not receive partner suggestions tailored to you individually on dating sites. With around 22 million singles in Germany, the search could take a while. When swiping back and forth, it is often appearance that decides, not character. What a shame!

2. Less security and lots of fakes on dating sites

Have you ever heard of so-called romance scammers? These are love scammers who use fake accounts on online dating platforms to feign false feelings and try to take advantage of you financially. Unfortunately, they are particularly prevalent on free dating sites with lower security standards.

Did you know? Almost half of all users on Tinder are not actually single, but in a committed relationship.

3. Many inactive members

Since membership is usually free, dating sites often have a high number of members, but many of them are inactive. Writing to other singles but not receiving a reply can be quite annoying in the long run and discourage you from looking for a partner. This also increases the risk of ghosting.

Casual dating – for quick flings and open relationships

Erotic encounters and sex are the focus of casual dating. Singles here are not looking for a serious relationship, but rather for nice dates, a good time, and above all, fun. Is this exactly what you are looking for? Then find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of casual dating.

The advantages of casual dating

1. Casual dating is usually free for women

To compensate for the surplus of men on their platforms, membership is free for women with most providers.

2. Dating without obligations

Here today, gone tomorrow. If you live by this motto and like to change your sexual partner regularly, casual dating is the right choice for you.

3. Also for people who are in a relationship

Many users are not actually single, but in a committed relationship. They use casual dating apps to find erotic contacts and sexual adventures alongside their relationship. You will also meet couples who are looking for a “threesome adventure” here.

Whether this is an advantage or a disadvantage depends, of course, on what you are looking for!

Casual dating – disadvantages at a glance

1. Men have to pay

While women can often register for free, chatting and flirting on most portals is subject to a fee for men. Definitely unfair!

2. Warning: lots of fakes and scammers in casual dating

Unlike reputable dating agencies, profiles on casual dating sites are often not really checked. So anyone can sign up. This has advantages, of course, but also many disadvantages. Most providers are full of fake accounts and scammers. So be especially vigilant when signing up on such sites.

3. Lots of fun, little love

Casual dating is all about fun. If you are looking for companionship and emotional closeness, you are likely to be disappointed here.

It is not impossible, of course, but it is very unlikely that you will find someone for a serious relationship on a casual dating platform.

Which platform is best for you?

Now that you know the difference between dating sites, online matchmaking services, and casual dating, you may be wondering, “Which one is right for me?” These questions will help you make the right decision:

• What do I expect from the platform?

• What am I looking for?

• Do I just want fun or something long-term?

• Am I willing to spend money on online dating?

• Do I want to search myself or get help with scientific partner suggestions?

• Is data protection important to me when looking for a partner?

• Can I live with the possibility of encountering fakes and scammers?

Our conclusion: Whether you choose a singles site, a dating agency, or casual dating, your decision ultimately depends entirely on your motivation. Listen to your heart and choose the provider that best suits your needs. We wish you lots of fun falling in love.