4 Key Takeaways From Our Online Dating Survey

2. Romance seekers reported a generally positive experience, despite mixed success

When we looked just at respondents seeking a long-term partner, 20 percent were currently in a serious relationship lasting more than three months with someone they met through the dating platform. About 21 percent had a serious relationship lasting less than three months with someone they met on the platform. A further 9 percent were currently dating someone they met on the platform (but the relationship was less than three months old) and the remaining 50 percent hadn’t found any luck yet.

However, regardless of outcome, most found value in seeking love online: 65 percent of all respondents said they were either “completely” or “somewhat satisfied” with their overall online dating experience. And about 59 percent said they were “very likely” or “likely” to recommend the dating app they used to a friend.

The fact that some respondents were satisfied despite not finding a relationship was interesting, says Davis. “We tend to define dating success as finding a partner,” she explains. But she adds that later-life dating can accomplish something else: reopening a part of someone’s identity that may have gone quiet. “Someone who has spent years being a spouse, parent, caregiver or professional may suddenly have to ask, ‘What do I want now?’ Even unsuccessful dates can provide useful answers to that question,” she notes.

3. Scams are common and discouraged some online daters

Almost half (41 percent) of respondents said they had encountered “a fake profile or someone trying to scam” them. 

Some said romance scams were one reason they hesitated to join online dating platforms. “I waited about six years because I wanted the platforms to become safer,” said one respondent. Another said, “Most people I found ended up being scams.” Three respondents said they had heard “horror stories” about other people’s experiences. 

While it’s important to be aware of potential scams, Davis says she wouldn’t tell older adults to avoid online dating because of the risk. Instead, she recommends watching for someone trying to create emotional urgency. This tactic involves pressuring people for favors due to a crisis, like asking them to send money for a medical emergency.

4. Respondents were mixed on whether paid features are worth the cost

Fifty-two percent said they paid for special features or upgraded subscriptions, while 48 percent said they didn’t. Respondents were divided on whether premium features were worth the price.

“It’s worth the extra cost,” said one respondent who paid for upgrades. “The cost of dating and attempting to find an ideal match far outweighs the extra cost of these premium features.” Respondents who agreed said several paid upgrades were valuable, including:

• Filtering to see “verified” users only
• Limiting advertisements on the platform
• Seeing more profiles (with no profile sections hidden)
• Unlocking unlimited messages

Some respondents didn’t think the features were worth the cost. “I had no more luck with a [paid] membership than without,” said one respondent. Others echoed that sentiment. “I get the same results from the regular [membership] than I got with the paid subscription,” said another. Still others said paid features weren’t necessary — as long as your profile is strong. “If your profile is well written and [you have a] great picture, that’s enough to get lots of attention,” said one respondent.

The AARP Smart Picks team is here to help take the guesswork out of online dating. In addition to our survey, we hosted a January 2026 focus group with older adults who have used dating platforms to get an in-depth understanding of their experiences. 

Our testers also tried these platforms themselves. They tested multiple platforms to evaluate aspects like user-friendliness, inclusivity and affordability. We used their feedback to score each platform and decide whether it earned a place in our review of the best dating sites for older adults. We also wrote reviews of several platforms, including SeniorMatch and eharmony, to help you decide which ones are worth your time.

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.