Safe dating

Sex and relationships
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How to keep it fun

  • Meeting new men is fun and exciting
  • You could be looking for sex, friendship or a relationship
  • Most dates start online
  • Follow these tips for a safe and healthy date
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Online dating

Lots of people use the internet to meet new people. For sex, friendship or to start a relationship. There are plenty of dating apps and websites. Online, men are more direct and use abbreviations and internet slang in their profiles. For example, they might say they’re looking for ‘fun’, which means they want sex. Read more about abbreviations and internet slang here.

For most men, online dating is just a pastime. Or a way to be complimented about their looks. It doesn’t always help with finding someone.

Dating apps and chat rooms

There are lots of dating apps for gay and bi men:

  • The most popular are Grindr, Tinder, Romeo, Hornet and Scruff
  • Squirt focuses on men who want to cruise
  • Recon is for people who are interested in kinky sex and fetish

Fake profiles

The danger of online dating is that people can pretend to be something they’re not. People with fake profiles are also called fakers or catfishers. For example, they might use someone else’s pictures. Or they might lie about their age.

People with a fake profile might act as if they want to meet you. In the end, they won’t show up. Or they might try to get you to send nudes. Or they could be interested in stealing your personal data. Be careful if someone:

  • Has professionally taken photos on their profile, but refuses to send more
  • Immediately asks for nudes
  • Asks about your personal data, such as your email address or phone number

Protect your privacy

  • Do not add personal information such as your full name, email address or phone number to your profile  
  • Do not link your profile to other social media
  • Do not send nudes in which your face is visible and recognizable

Do you need help after being sexually assaulted?

Denkende man

Did someone do something during a date that you didn’t want?

Talk about it and seek help!
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Getting ready

How can you get ready for a fun date? This is how you can keep it safe and healthy:

  • Bring enough condoms and lube
  • Bring your phone and charger
  • Plan your route home beforehand. Make sure you can come back home, if you don’t want to stay any longer
  • Leave valuables at home, or hide them in a safe place
  • Be careful with drugs and alcohol

Discuss with each other what you want!

And what you do to protect yourself and each other against STDs and HIV.

Our tips for talking about sex

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