8 Stereotypical guys you’ll meet on dating apps
Written by Jailynn Taylor
On apps like Tinder, Bumble or Hinge, there are a few recurring personalities or stereotypes you may find yourself running into.
Are they always half naked flexing in the gym? Or are they surrounded by the bro’s double fisting red solo cups? Maybe you’re more interested in the Goldendoodle that’s in the background of all his pictures.
Whatever you may be into, we dive into how to identify the eight stereotypical guys you may come across when trying to find love or your next hookup on your fave dating apps.
The Gym Bro
Photo by (Rohit Reddy on Unsplash), Design by Jailynn Taylor.
“Do you even lift, bro?!” is probably in his bio, along with tons of pictures of him curling weights or flexing shirtless. Nine times out of ten their profession is a trainer, and they will likely use working you out as a pick-up line.
Expect the conversation to be about his meal planning or how many reps he’s doing for leg day.
What to look for:
He is shirtless in more than half his pictures. There is some sort of gym equipment in the background, or he’s holding a protein shake like he’s being sponsored by a brand. Not to be confused later on with the athlete, but they are not mutually exclusive.
The Tech Guy
Photo by (Steve Ding on Unsplash), Design by Jailynn Taylor
He’s always talking about the startup he’s working for, or what’s the latest breaking news in tech. These guys are renewed/niched nerd guys because they have made working for Google or Microsoft a personality trait.
What to look for:
Keep an eye out if there are an excessive number of photos with his laptop in the shot, located or previously located in San Francisco, aka Silicon Valley.
He’s got black blocky framed glasses wearing a button-down with his arms crossed, smiling, standing in front of his company logo. This photo may or may not be plastered all over his LinkedIn.
The Social Butterfly
Photo by (Jed Villejo on Unsplash), Design by Jailynn Taylor.
Aka “Which one is he?”
When you come across their profile, more than likely you are trying to decipher which one he is. Almost all of his pictures are with large groups of people at some club, event or party.
There will never be a dull moment because you will always have something to do. The issue you may face is having to fight for his attention because he stays booked and busy.
Also, note dating him means you are also dating his friends. So take a number!
What to look for:
Not being able to identify him in any of his photos. He has “promoter” or “Here to show you a good time” in his bio.
Wolf of Wall Street
Photo by (Gregory Hayes on Unsplash), Design by Jailynn Taylor.
This guy means business! Accountant/investment banking type of guy. He is flashy and is definitely wanting to spoil you with lavish dinners and gifts.
You may think he is perfect, but that’s if he responds. He may be away on business, constantly working overtime or wooing all the ladies on his “business dinners.”
What to look for:
In all his photos, he is wearing a tailored suit and at events that all seem important, driving a car that’s way out of your tax bracket, and if he’s not in a suit, he’s on a boat sailing in the Hampton’s.
Brother Nature
Photo by (Yogendra Singh on Unsplash), Design by Jailynn Taylor.
Honorable mention: The Hiker/Fisherman.
Puppy overloooaddd!! You are 100% swiping right for all the super cute dog selfies, not the guy.
Brother Nature can also be the hiker who is always shooting, standing on the edge of a cliff and baiting you with all his secret trails.
He could also be the fisherman. You know the type — he is smiling ear to ear with a freshly caught catfish, either in all camo or shirtless like he wrestled the fish himself.
You swipe right on this guy; you better be strapped with your Patagonia gear because you are now Sister Nature.
What to look for:
Animals. Animals of any kind. They are always outside, rain or shine, singing to the trees or the birds like they are Snow White.
The Hipster
Photo by (Tobias Gonzales on Unsplash), Design by Jailynn Taylor.
If they were women, they would be referred to as an “Art Hoe.” Their bio is probably talking about their latest read and their philosophical view on it or some profound quote to test if you can think critically or outside the box. Their pictures are mainly at art galleries, bookstores and coffee shops.
They advocate for thrifting and circle glasses.
If your vibe is not on their wave, don’t bother because they only date art hoes.
What to look for:
They are easy to spot. Usually “quirky” or “different,” but will deny it if presented with these characteristics. They are generally wearing secondhand clothes customized with embroidered quotes or political-pinned buttons, turtlenecks and alternate between beanies and fedoras. Think academia aesthetic but more grunge.
The Boy Next Door
Photo by (Ana-Maria Nichita on Unsplash), Design by Jailynn Taylor.
Ahhh, the boy next door! He is the guy that is super approachable and easy to talk to. When chatting with him, you feel like you have known each other for ages.
He doesn’t come on too strong, and he makes his interaction seem effortless.
You may think this is the right guy, but you may lose interest quickly since he’s a pretty simple guy. Or you may feel the need to friend zone him because he gives you brother vibes. Or, on the flip side, he can use his easy-going personality to get you to open up and manipulate you.
Swipe with caution.
What to look for:
He is a pretty simple guy. His clothes aren’t flashy, and he has a face that feels like someone you went to school with.
The Athlete
Photo by (Logan Weaver on Unsplash), Design by Jailynn Taylor.
Honorable mention: The Sports Fan.
He’s probably playing D1, or used to, and can’t move on from his glory days. So you see him in his college — or worse, high school — jersey.
When dating an athlete, know you are dating him, his fan club and his team. So, similarly to the Social Butterfly, he is often booked and busy with away games and practices.
An honorable mention to the Sports Fan. He lives in his favorite football team jersey, is a regular at the local sports bar and gets irrationally angry when his team loses.
Are you ready to be his #1 fan, or at least try to be?
What to look for:
Jersey’s are a dead giveaway, action shots, or similar to gym bro's, him in the gym training. You may also find his highlights link in his bio.
Warning for the Sports Fan guys: If they have "What's your favorite sports team?" in their bio, right answers only, which is their team, or you don't stand a chance!
When it comes to men on dating apps, don’t take it too seriously. Just have fun with it. You can make great friends, or maybe you’ll defeat the odds and find love.
Just keep in mind men are not a monolith, so the guy you swiped right on may hold qualities from more than one of these stereotypes, or break those stereotypes and surprise you. Stay open to the possibilities.
So with that being said, who are you swiping right on?
Header photo by (@wayhomestudio / FreePik)
