Let’s be honest - if you’ve spent more than five minutes on a dating app, you’ve probably been greeted with the thrilling variety of “Hey”, “Hi”, or the always-exciting “What’s up?”

It’s not that those openers are bad. They’re just… predictable. And predictable doesn’t exactly make you want to stop scrolling or get butterflies in your stomach. The truth is, if you want to catch someone’s attention, you need to bring more than a half-hearted “hey” to the chat.

Here’s how you can actually stand out when everyone else sounds like a broken record.

1. Show Them You Actually Read Their Profile

You know what’s more flattering than a “hey”? A message that proves you noticed something specific. Instead of going generic, try something like:

“Okay, you’ve been to Italy - what’s the one dish you still dream about?”

“You’re into hiking? Please settle this: is it acceptable to bring snacks that are 90% candy?”

It’s such a simple way to say: “I see you. You’re not just another swipe.”

2. Ask Questions That Are Fun to Answer

Nobody’s racing to reply to “What’s up?” because… what do you even say? (“Not much, you?” And then we all die of boredom.)

Try a playful question instead:

“If you could teleport anywhere right now, where would you go?”

“What’s your most unpopular food opinion? I promise I won’t judge… unless it’s about tacos.”

“Two truths and a lie. Go!”

People love talking about themselves - it’s human nature. Make it fun for them to do so.

3. Sprinkle in Some Humor

Humor is basically the dating-app equivalent of gold. You don’t have to be a stand-up comic, but a lighthearted opener can make you way more memorable.

“So, do we tell people we met on this app, or are we sticking with the ‘romantic coffee shop meet-cute’ story?”

“Quick - are you Team Pineapple on Pizza or Team Absolutely Not?”

It’s flirty, it’s fun, and it beats another lifeless “hey.”

4. Be Real (Cheesy Pick-Up Lines Optional)

You don’t always have to try too hard. Sometimes, being genuine is the ultimate flex. Compliments go a long way - just keep them thoughtful, not cookie-cutter.

“Your smile honestly made me want to say hi.”

“Those travel pics are gorgeous - are you secretly a pro photographer?”

When you’re real, it makes the other person more likely to drop their guard and be real with you too.

5. Upgrade the Boring Questions

“Hey, how was your day?” might feel polite, but it doesn’t exactly set the world on fire. Try mixing it up with something that gets people talking.

“What’s the highlight of your week so far?”

“What’s something you’re really looking forward to?”

“Okay, what’s your current comfort TV show?”

It’s like giving the other person a green light to actually share something meaningful instead of going on autopilot.

Final Swipe

Look, dating apps can feel like wading through the same copy - paste conversations on repeat. But if you put in even a little more effort than a “hey,” you instantly stand out. People remember the ones who made them laugh, who asked fun questions, who felt like a person and not just another swipe.

So next time your thumb hovers over that one-word opener, stop. Think: “What can I say that makes me sound like ME?” That tiny tweak could be the start of a much better conversation… and maybe something more.