Rather than a deep dive into interests and commonalities, it can be nice to know who’s single around you right now

From the spontaneity of Approach Dating to the proximity magic of Genie Connections, discover how these apps prioritize nearby and instant meet-ups, offering a refreshing departure from the online dating norm.

The great Global Dating Insights, which is a fantastic resource for all things related to online dating, has showcased new and exciting dating sites and apps since 2018 on their Startup Roundup page.

Some of these sites are up and coming and some you might have heard of, but they’re all worth checking out!

19 Best New Dating Sites Focused on Vicinity and Immediate Meet Ups

App in the Air is a travel app designed for frequent fliers. Of course, it assists users in planning, booking, tracking, and managing their travels. However, for single folks, it allows them to the app’s “nearby” feature to see who’s nearby and interested in meeting up for a coffee or just to kill time on a layover. We’ll leave the “mile-high club” references for you to fill in. The app also works offline, so no need to worry about WiFi availability.

Approach Dating is an online dating app with a unique twist. It connects users in person at local businesses and large-scale events by displaying singles in a user's area on a map. The app aims to bridge the gap between online dating and face-to-face meetings while also supporting local businesses. Additionally, Approach Dating fosters a singles community by organizing events and providing information on upcoming singles gatherings.

BondApp distinguishes itself by connecting people who are within 200 feet of each other, utilizing real-time location services. The app aims to facilitate real-time interactions and connections between users in close proximity, offering a unique way to break the ice on the spot.

California Dating App is a local dating app exclusively for California residents. It connects thousands of singles across the state, offering a platform for users to swipe, match, chat, and date for free. There's also a specific version of the app for Los Angeles residents, with the same features.

Cruisesa is a socializing app designed for cruise guests and crew. It simplifies the process of meeting new people before, during, and after your cruise, fostering connections in the cruise community. The app also features a password-protected setting for users to exclusively search for other passengers on their cruise, creating a digital dating experience onboard.

Date First is an online dating platform that prioritizes real-time connections. It allows users to match with people nearby for instant connections without the need for prolonged messaging, focusing on getting to the first date quickly. It offers a unique approach to online dating to reduce messaging and ghosting.

Datelink is a first-of-its-kind dating technology that leans into getting off the app and meeting people. Datelink allows people to carry their dating profiles in a ring or on a back-of-the-phone dot. Users can tap their ring or dot to another person’s phone and their dating profile gets shared automatically–no app is required.

Genie Connections is a unique dating app that employs Bluetooth technology to connect users with others in their immediate vicinity. Unlike traditional dating apps, it prioritizes real-time connections, allowing users to connect instantly or at a later date. Genie Connections is available on Google Play and focuses on helping users find genuine connections rather than random matches.

Meet4U is a free and fast dating app that connects people from different locations. Users can find nearby singles, exchange messages and photos, chat with a variety of individuals, and make new friends. The app facilitates easy and convenient connections with people of interest.

Meetsee is an innovative app focused on enhancing face-to-face interactions. Users can virtually connect with people at the same venue as them by waving, facilitating convenient meetings at offline locations. Unlike "MeetMe," which is a geolocation social network app for meeting new people and playing games, Meetsy specifically promotes in-person interactions.

NorthwestDatingApp is a city-specific dating app focused on connecting singles in the Northwest, specifically in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. It offers users the ability to browse exclusively within their neighborhood and view potential match schedules before swiping. The app aims to enhance the likelihood of successful matches through tutorial videos, and it's free to download.

OneRoof is a free app designed to help neighbors meet and connect, particularly during the pandemic to combat loneliness. It allows users to discover who lives nearby, meet over shared interests, engage in local activities, buy and sell items, exchange services, share local information, network, and attend in-person events. The app also features a neighbor directory and a "grow" feature to facilitate the creation of user communities. It's a platform for fostering connections and community building among neighbors.

Perchance is a unique dating app that emphasizes real-world connections and chance encounters. It allows users to see when and where they crossed paths with other users, potentially turning missed opportunities into meaningful connections. The app also prioritizes user safety, offering safe dating tips and providing information about upcoming events, beta testing for version 2.0, press coverage, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and a contact option on its website.

PING – Making everyone approachable: Enabling verified users to spot each other on a real-time map in everyday life, to connect based on real impressions rather than beautified profiles!

SayHi is a social networking app that assists users in finding new people nearby for chatting, meeting, and dating new friends. It aims to facilitate connections and potentially help users find love through its features.

SinglesAroundMe (SAM) is one of the world's first location-based dating apps, established in 2010. It's a free dating app available for iPhone and Android users, allowing them to discover and connect with local singles. The app offers millions of matches and dates, making it a convenient tool for singles looking for potential partners. Users can also find singles at local events, through online dating websites, or other dating apps if they prefer.

Spotted is a dating app that focuses on socializing and forging new connections with people based on real-life interactions. The app aims to bring together individuals who have crossed paths or spent time in the same places but missed the opportunity to connect. It encourages users to turn real-life encounters into meaningful connections and friendships.

Summer Dating is a free dating app designed for individuals who are interested in going on actual dates rather than engaging in endless online conversations. The app encourages users to connect with new people and emphasizes meeting in person. It limits the number of messages per match, the number of people users can like each day, and allows messaging only if there is a mutual match. Users are also encouraged to plan a date promptly.

JustBeWild offers the "Wild" dating app and website designed for hookups, friends with benefits (FWB), and casual encounters. It's free to use and is known for its rapid growth among dating apps. Wild incorporates the latest verification technologies and utilizes AI to detect and remove scam profiles, enhancing user safety and authenticity.

In a world where connections often feel distant, these apps remind us that love and laughter are just a stone's throw away.

From the serendipity of Perchance to the real-time connections of Genie Connections, they prove that the most meaningful connections happen when you're ready to meet in the moment.

So, close the app, step outside, and let the magic of nearby and instant meet-ups unfold.