Hookd's Dating Modes & The Dating Lifecycle

Introduction

When building Hookd, we put a lot of thought into how people date. You see, we weren’t here to create an app that caters to just one type of dating, one niche, or one kind of person. Through personal experience and extensive research, we’ve learned that, like all journeys, dating is unique for everyone, with different wants, strategies, and lessons along the way. That’s why we set out to build a dating app that adapts to every type of relationship, no matter where you are in your journey. Enter: Dating Modes.

Dating Modes

Dating Modes are our way of reflecting where you are in your dating journey. Maybe you’re fresh out of a breakup but still looking for a physical connection. Perhaps you’ve just moved to a new town for school or a holiday. Or maybe you’ve been dating for a while and are ready to find “the one” to share your life with.

Rather than juggling multiple apps, each with its own subscriptions and goals, we thought—why not create one app where updating your preferences and matching with people on the same page is simple, seamless, and in one place? That’s the essence of Dating Modes.

Short-Term

As the name suggests, Short-Term mode is for those who know their connection—whether physical, emotional, or mental—won’t be forever. And that’s okay! It’s a common choice for someone fresh out of a long-term relationship or temporarily living in a new place.

While Short-Term mode reflects your mindset, it’s still important to communicate openly with your date about what you’re looking for. This way, you’re both aligned on expectations and availability, whether physical or emotional. It’s all about clarity and being on the same page.

Casual

Many people transition from Short-Term to Casual mode when they’re ready to explore something more lasting. Casual mode is ideal if you’re in a stable phase of life—secure in your location, job, and overall circumstances—but you’re still figuring out exactly what you want.

This mode allows you to connect with others who are also open to something longer-term but understand that it may not last forever. It provides a sense of closure and mutual understanding as you both navigate what you need in a relationship.

Serious

Serious mode is for those who are ready to find “the one.” Whether due to religious, ethical, or personal reasons, some people prefer to bypass shorter-term connections and focus exclusively on long-term compatibility. Serious mode helps streamline your journey, ensuring your matches are seeking the same kind of commitment.

Here, you can focus on building a relationship rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and aligned goals—without worrying about being played or dealing with mismatched intentions.

Conclusion

We hope this gives you a clear understanding of each Dating Mode and how it fits into the broader journey of dating. Whether you move through multiple stages, shift back and forth as life changes, or stick with one until the end, Hookd is here to ensure that your potential matches share your mindset. With clarity, alignment, and adaptability, we believe dating can be a better experience for everyone.