Genius tips, tricks & beautiful things, straight to your inbox every day.
© 2010-2021 Wow Media Products, Inc doing business as PureWow. All rights reserved. bathroom door handle with lock
Starting a conversation on a dating app can be tricky. You don’t have the benefit of being face-to-face, so you want to make sure your tone is friendly, fun and inviting without coming across as too excited. That’s why Hinge—the dating app more oriented towards relationships than hookups—gives you a hand with their fun prompts. Hinge prompts allow you to showcase your personality outside of your standard bio. If you’re the type that always frets about how to have a conversation, fear not. That’s exactly what these questions can help you accomplish. (Not to mention give you an opportunity to hardball—aka say exactly what you’re looking for.) Below, I spoke with Amie Leadingham, Master Certified Relationship Coach, and Logan Ury, Hinge’s Director of Relationship Science, about why these are some of the most efficient. Plus, if you’re stuck, I’ve listed out 25 of the best Hinge prompts with examples. You’re welcome.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain the concept of the Hinge prompts, how they work and go over the recent voice prompt additions. Then, you’ll find a list of 25 prompts, selected based on the relationship experts’ advice, with sample answers for inspiration.
Hinge prompts are basically interview-type questions that serve as conversation starters. Instead of having a generic bio with your name, age, career and all that basic stuff, Hinge prompts allow you to be witty and clever so that when people swipe through your profile, they’re inclined to message you.
Hinge prompts are part of setting up your profile. After you’ve entered your name, narrowed down your location and set your preferences, the app gives you a chance to answer three prompts of your choice under the “Write Your Profile Answers” banner. All Hinge prompts have a 150-character limit, so the idea is to have short, pithy answers that you can elaborate on later. And the word “elaborate” is key here. As a writer and interviewer, I’d say I’m great at making conversation with almost anyone and about anything. However, monosyllabic answers and curt sentences are something even I can’t work with. So if you share something interesting on the app, get ready to dive into it on the date. Great conversation only happens when you pick one of the best Hinge prompts and then give people something to work with.
Voice prompts are the platform’s 30-second audio clips, which people can use to answer a question. Hinge has found that daters prefer voice prompts as a way to get to know a person better before meeting up in real life.
To add a voice prompt, go to your profile and find it underneath the photo lineup. You can choose from the general prompt bank of over 100 questions, including “believe it or not, I…” and “I’m convinced that...”. You have 30 seconds to make your case, and other daters can play the clip as they peruse your profile.
5 Things You Should Never Put on a Dating Profile
The best way to truly succeed on a dating app is by being transparent. This is one of the best Hinge prompts because it allows you to give your potential suitor a little glimpse of what it’s like to be with you. If you’re more of the spontaneous type, then maybe dating you is like a day at the amusement park. If you’re more laid-back, then perhaps it’s like a being at the beach at sunset. You can also always make the answer super sarcastic so that people are forced to dig deeper.
Were you homeschooled throughout elementary school? Did you dislocate your clavicle at your best friend’s bat mitzvah? This is the chance to share that. “Answering this prompt is excellent because it helps create some vulnerability and is a simple conversation starter,” says Leadingham. But don’t feel like you’re beholden to the serious topics. If your one surprising fact is that you once snuck in to watch Justin Bieber: Never Say Never in theaters back in 2011, by all means, let people know that. Remember, your person is going to love you no matter how questionable your past decisions are.
Whether it’s running the New York City Marathon or visiting your college roommate in London, sharing what you want to do in the next year can be an excellent conversation starter. Maybe they ran the marathon in 2018 and want to go on a training run with you. Maybe their mom was born in London and they can recommend the best neighborhood to stay in. Sharing your goals for the upcoming year says a lot about who you are as a person and what kinds of things matter to you.
When dating, we’re always urged to look for red flags. But when it comes to answering Hinge prompts you don’t want to possibly intimidate a match by listing all the things you hate. That’s why this is a helpful prompt. It shows that you’re open and are looking for ways to let people in as opposed to reasons to shut them out.
The best Hinge prompts were made so people get an idea of who you are. For the most part, they’re lighthearted and fun and will get a casual conversation going. This particular prompt can be all that, but it also gives you an opportunity to genuinely think about what you’re actually looking for. It’s easy to go with the motions without really taking the time to evaluate your own needs and this prompt gives you some time to stop and think. Granted, your answer still doesn’t have to be super deep, but if you want to be with someone who is of the same faith or believes in saving the environment, this would be the prompt for you to express that.
Here’s a chance to show off your domain of expertise. Maybe you spent a gap year backpacking through Europe, and now your friends are mining you for tips. Or perhaps you’re the go-to person when someone feels frustrated at work and needs a measured head for advice. Whatever it is, this can be a potential commonality for you and your date to bond over.
Ahh the shower, the sacred place where most philosophizing happens. Answers for this prompt range anywhere from, “We’ve all been in the presence of a serial killer before” to “I’ve never actually heard a baby say ‘Goo goo gaa gaa.’” The best part about this prompt is that it often brings up little tidbits that people never really stop to analyze, so you can expect a lot of enthusiastic messages stemming from this one.
“The response to this statement can show a person’s level of adventure and can create a great connection,” explains Leadingham. So, if you’re the type to live life without a schedule—unplanned trips, wedding crashing, random street performances—you should probably answer it. Your partner in crime would be thrilled for a chance to embark on those excursions with you.
Are you a Sunday morning go-getter or do you prefer to sleep until mid-afternoon? Revealing what your typical weekend looks like is a quick way to see how compatible your schedules are right off the bat. Because let’s face it: If you like sleeping in late before a leisurely brunch and their idea of happiness is waking up at the crack of dawn for a long bike ride, you might be on different pages in other aspects of your lives, too.
This one’s for all the anxious folks out there. Maybe you don’t truly believe that an AC unit is going to fall and hit you on the head, but as your match laughs, you can bring up the fact that you have anxiety in a light-hearted manner. If they’re willing to listen and perhaps share that they too have dealth with mental health issues, then you know they have some serious potential. “This statement helps [a match] understand [your] mindset,” states Leadingham. “Depending on the answer, this can be really hilarious or actually create some vulnerability with a person’s truth.”
“I’ve seen people answer this in two ways: Some people can get pretty bitter, or they can be honest,” says Leadingham. “Sticking to the positive is always a good thing for answering any online dating questions.” That means instead of answering with something as bleak as “cheat on me like my ex did” you can respond with “be honest” or “be transparent,” which allows people to gauge your boundaries without oversharing or giving a negative connotation about your dating history. Not all information is for everyone after all.
No matter how comfortable you are talking to each other online when it comes to planning the actual date, things can be uncertain. This is one of the best Hinge prompts that will help your crush out by listing some of your favorite haunts. It gives them the opportunity to look those places up and see if they’d be down to go on a first date. If you’re a regular at museums, animal shelters or the gym, there’s an opportunity to introduce them to a new activity—and that’s always intriguing.
Do you put mustard on Oreos like Lizzo? Are you quick to tear up like Kristen Bell? Well, your very own Chris Evans (fingers crossed) or Dax Shepard are out there and would totally love that about you. “This prompt is really cute because it helps you focus on your unique qualities,” says Leadingham. “That commonality will help create a deeper connection online.” Picture yourself finally talking to someone who understands that you’ll always cry whenever you hear Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” playing. How sublime.
Travel is at an all-time high right now and baecations have never been hotter. If you are a travel buff, how someone answers this question will let you know whether or not you’d want to be on a trip with them. Do they know when to buy tickets in order to get the best discounts? Are they an activity planner or do they just wing it? Do they act like a real tourist or do they like hanging with the locals? These are all questions that can make or break a trip so it’s best to know early on.
You can never go wrong with a classic, and this is a sure way to engage a person in a fun way. To make things interesting, try not to put answers that are so outrageous they’re unbelievable. Instead, go for responses that still have that shock value, but can totally be true. Something like, “I went to Europe on a class trip in high school. I’m petrified of clowns. I read my horoscope religiously.” All three are plausible, but perhaps you’re one of the few brave souls who aren’t freaked out by Bozo’s inordinately large feet.
We all have that one topic that we completely lose our minds over and are ready and willing to debate about. Be it Harry Potter movies, ‘90s boy bands (98 Degrees was underrated and that’s that!) or going all out for Halloween or Christmas, it’s worth letting potential suitors know what excites you because odds are, they geek out on something too.
As Ury has previously advised, it’s best to skip the small talk. “Your profile should be an extension of your personality, so lean in to both your silly side and your more serious one,” she tells PureWow. “You’re not just one thing. Regularly refreshing your profile with new information about yourself will help you get more matches and likes.” So, what better way to lean into both the serious and the silly than with a question like this? Whether your life goal is to live in Portugal for a year or have a pint at every single brewery in NYC, answering this Hinge prompt is a great way to get personal without getting too personal.
Not every Hinge prompt you answer has to be mind-blowingly profound. In fact, simple pleasures are incredibly important, because they can reveal the things that you value, like time alone, activities and personality. You want someone who would, bare minimum, give you time and space to pursue these things, or, at best, want to do them with you.
Hardballing is in. While you shouldn’t make a habit of talking about what you don’t want in a relationship on a dating profile, you most definitely should communicate what you do want. While this Hinge prompt can also be answered humorously, it doesn’t hurt to assess what you need and want and then lay it (politely) on the table. “It’s not a demand,” Ury says. “[Ask] yourself, what’s going on for me right now? Do I want to be in a relationship? Am I looking for something fun? Do I have the time and energy to invest in a long-term partnership?” Once you have that figured out, go forth.
One of Ury’s rules for a successful online dating experience? Make it easy to have a conversation. “Think of your profile as your opening line—something your match can respond to or ask a follow-up question about,” she says. A Hinge prompt like this can also reveal how great of a conversationalist someone is—or that they’re willing to make the attempt.
If you’re a naysayer when it comes to love languages and personality types, think again. I think that this is one of the best Hinge prompts because it can completely transform a relationship. Take this platonic example: After I learned that my mother received love in the form of quality time, I started focusing on spending time with her instead of trying to do things for her (acts of service), which she didn’t like. I stopped feeling under-appreciated and our relationship went from tense to now close and happy. Knowing how someone receives and gives love allows you to meet them where they are—and also provide insight as to why you might by butting heads.
Yes, the pros advise steering away from negative responses, but here’s an opportunity to be lighthearted and humorous. Don’t take this Hinge prompt too seriously. Use it to highlight some of your interests. It’s not like I wouldn’t go out with someone who didn’t care for the above...but the chances that I would if they did skyrocket 1,000 percent.
Here’s your chance to hardball it. Lay it on the table. What are you looking for? Just remember to keep it positive and list qualities you’d like someone to have, as opposed to things you don’t like. However, you can also keep it lighter with a pithy one-liner about being texted lines of Lord Byron’s poetry or them being an excellent cuddler.
This Hinge prompt is the perfect opportunity to dive into a quirky or random interest. AKA, what’s your Roman Empire?
Conversations go two ways, so don’t be afraid to ask someone about themselves. It’s admittedly the subject we’re all the most well-versed in. I love asking people this question because the conversation often turns introspective, and I learn about their dreams. But sometimes, it’s also just funny. And humor always breaks the ice.
Not all conversation starters have to be serious. This one’s a lighthearted approach that allows you to showcase some humor. Because I mean, learning you can eat three hot dogs (with all the fixings) in 30 seconds or juggle pears while solo-riding a tandem bike would certainly put me at ease!
In my opinion, the best Hinge prompts don’t just dump information on a prospective date. They also invite someone to engage in a conversation. Make it easy for someone to ask you a question, and I guarantee they’re more likely to swipe right because they’re not sweating about what they’ll say.
I don’t know about you, but nothing quite hits the spot like scream-crying All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) when life gets you down. (Like, “You kept me like a secret, and I kept you like an oath,” OOF.) This prompt is also a handy way to give people insight into how you cope with stress. The last thing you want is to be dragged out of the house (well-meaningly, of course) when all you want to soothe your sorrows is a pint of ice cream and the latest pick from Reese Witherspoon’s book club.
This is one of the best Hinge prompts to share your values. Don’t be afraid of honesty—you want to attract someone whose values align with yours. Otherwise, it’s highly likely you’re doomed from the start. Just remember to keep a positive spin on things, because no one wants a Debbie downer.
Now’s the time to share any specific tastes in food, music, literature, flowers, cinema and any other pertinent part of your life. (AKA, the stuff you like to be surprised by. Personally, I’m not saying no to a giant bouquet of anemones on a Tuesday afternoon.)
Use this Hinge prompt to talk about the interest you hope a future partner would share. Keep it lighthearted but honest—because if you *really* need someone who also has a passion for chocolate chip cookies or all-inclusive resorts, speak now or forever hold your peace.
Have a fun life mishap? Now’s your chance to share it. Whether you seriously regret sampling a fried tarantula or accidentally drank seven cups of what you thought was decaf coffee at midnight, write it down.
Yeah, Dad jokes are super cringey, but they do break the ice. Plus, this voice prompt is a fun way to introduce someone to the sound of your voice.
When it comes to the best Hinge prompts, this one might come in handy if your name is often mispronounced. Set ‘em straight the first time with a voice recording of exactly how it should be.
You can answer seriously or opt for something silly. Taking the serious route is a good opportunity to showcase what you value in a relationship, and how you’ll potentially carry yourself in conflict.
We all have an inner dweeb, so why be embarrassed about it? The best Hinge prompts invite someone into a conversation, and showing your geeky side is a easy, fun and low-stakes way to break the ice.
Word from the wise: You probably don’t want to incite a *super* spicy conversation. Instead, opt for some popular controversy, like Coke or Pepsi, or a lighthearted rib, like “Taylor Swift is overrated.” Make it fun so that you start the conversation off on the right foot—after all, I’m pretty sure no one got together after a fiery debate.
Maybe you’ve been toying with the idea of picking up a new hobby. Or, you just find an activity interesting (but don’t actually want to do it yourself). Now’s the time to cast a line to find someone who’s an expert about it. Because truthfully, I’ve always thought it would be cool to say that my husband is an art history professor.
Therapy can be a useful way to work through life’s challenges, and hopefully, you learn a thing or two along the way. (People pleasing is selfish! Life comes and goes in seasons! It’s OK to take time to think! Ask for what you really want!) Share something positive that’s impacted how you care for your mental health.
Say the word “vulnerability” and you’ll probably get some audible gulps. No one likes it, but newsflash: Vulnerability is the key to friendships and any relationship. You don’t have to spill your guts right away, but here might be a good place to start with something happy. And, it shows what’s most important to you.
Another way to invite someone to have a conversation, but again, keep it casual and fun. Stick to anything hobby and interest related, like food, movies, fashion, travel and reading, and shy away from anything that would engender a yes/no response.
Singing in the shower, running a 5k before work, buying yourself flowers. Hinge prompts like these showcase your habits—and also help cue in a potential partner into how they can help hype you up, too.
Most conflict arises due to unmet expectations, so use this prompt as an opportunity to set yours out in the open. Tell a potential match exactly what you need when you’re feeling down, anxious or just needing a little bit of encouragement.
Time to rattle off the qualities you want in a person. And remember: keep it positive. For example: You’ll brag if they buy you flowers. Not: You’ll brag if they don’t forget your birthday. (You could say you’ll brag if they always remember birthdays, though.)
If you’re feeling exceptionally brave, this voice prompt will let you show off your singing chops. But even if you’re just rattling off a bunch of songs, it’s still fun—and maybe you can play a medley in the background.
Maybe you really want to meet someone who shares your passion for classic English lit, anime, ‘70s rock bands or camping. Tell them what you’re looking for, and (hopefully) they will come.
OK, depending on that journal entry, complete honesty may *not* be the move, but don’t be afraid to be a little vulnerable. But lean away from existential crisis and more towards goals, dreams and epiphanies that are affecting a positive change in your life.
You want somebody to match your freak. This is one of the best Hinge prompts to lay out exactly what you’re looking for. Oh, you have a season pass to the Opera? Me too. You love cliff diving? I was going to go next year. You’re practically married to your De’Longhi espresso machine? Same. Don’t be afraid to be bold here.
These can be personal boundaries or ones you’d set in a relationship. Boundaries are good (and healthy!)—just remember to frame them in a way that doesn’t come across as a negative Nelly.
Some people need to fall asleep to a blasting podcast. Others need a white noise machine, or to power down their electronics an hour before bed. It’s good to have an understanding of people’s habits so you know if your lives will intertwine seamlessly—or if you’ll have to do some negotiating.
Another chance to lay it all on the table. Whatever’s most important to you, put it here, whether that means you need them to share your obsession with Totoro or that you value open-mindedness. (Though while humor is fun, it’s probably better to take the more serious route here.)
Your idea of relaxing is baking zucchini bread on a rainy day while watching Sex and the City. His is…roaring down an open road on a motorcycle that kissed its catalytic converter goodbye. Fine. But make your preferences known so that you don’t end up with your hair flying in the wind, arms wrapped tightly around his waist for dear life.
We all have non-negotiables, so don’t shy away. But before you hit publish, take a moment to think about what your real priorities are, lest you fall into the trap of everything being a non-negotiable. The only guarantee if that happens? You’ll be swiping for a while.
Happy to scream Avril Lavigne, Olivia Rodrigo or Chappell Roan any time.
Another conversation starter best kept lighthearted. Pineapple on pizza, ranch on everything, not being a dog person. Fun and mildly scintillating, inviting conversation without ruffling feathers.
Yes, weird is in the question, but it goes without saying…not too weird.
We love a little friendly competition. Incorporate your interests and challenge a potential match to outdo you. (I mean, if you challenge me to eat more fries than you, I will totally be there.)
OK, not the most riveting of Hinge prompts, but who you turn to for counsel in crisis can say a lot.
Time for some spicy hot takes, whether that means you put pineapple on pizza or think sweatpants should never be worn outside the house.
Part of getting to know someone is knowing their habits and routines. It might seem simple, but can actually reveal a lot about your personality type. Do you read a book before bed? Introvert. Have a PureBarre membership instead of running on the treadmill at home? Extrovert.
crystal door handles The 39 Best Bumble Prompts and How to Answer Them to Strategically Meet Your Match