As a woman who loves women, you may already be acquainted with dating applications. Lesbian Americans, alongside bisexual and gay Americans, show a markedly higher usage of dating apps compared to heterosexual Americans: 51 percent as opposed to 28 percent, as reported by the Pew Research Center.

There are numerous explanations as to why LGBTQ individuals might engage in online dating sooner than their heterosexual counterparts. You may reside in a region lacking a lively LGBTQ community, complicating real-life dating encounters. If you do not have connections with other lesbians right away, how will you find more to date in person? Occasionally, spaces meant for lesbians may also be invaded by straight individuals. Furthermore, in-person dating could pose safety concerns based on your surroundings.

Thankfully, we are in an era where we can interact with others who share our identities with just a few swipes. Major dating applications embrace lesbians, and there are also dedicated platforms specifically for lesbians and other queer women and individuals. But which one should you select?

How to discover the top dating apps for lesbians

In Mashable’s curated list, you will come across both general dating platforms and those aimed specifically at queer individuals. The former caters to a wider audience, presenting more users within these environments. However, while swiping on other women, you may come across those partnered with men looking for another woman for a threesome (commonly referred to as unicorn hunters). No judgment here, but that might not align with your intentions. Regardless, a diverse range of individuals can be found on dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. You never know who you might encounter.

Then there are applications tailored specifically for the community, such as HER and Lex. If you favor a more intimate dating environment, these apps are perfect. While there isn’t a “Grindr for lesbians,” these platforms offer a vibe similar to stepping into your local lesbian bar rather than an app like Bumble.

You can also experiment with various dating applications, as each of the ones mentioned below provides a free version. You can filter based on the gender you identify with and the gender you are interested in, and sometimes, as seen with OkCupid, there are numerous options available.

Diving into the dating scene isn’t simple, but the environment is welcoming. Refer to our guide below for a detailed overview of our suggestions and reviews of dating applications.