What Happens When Someone Wants to Meet You on Dating.com? The Complete 2025 Guide

Curious about what to expect—and what steps to take—when a match expresses interest in meeting up on Dating.com? With global connections, safety considerations, and etiquette all in play, knowing how to navigate this moment can be the difference between an exciting new relationship and a disappointing (or even risky) experience.

Table of Contents

• Understanding What “Wants to Meet” Means on Dating.com

• How the Meeting Feature Works

• Steps to Take When Someone Wants to Meet

• Why People Suggest Meeting (and What It Can Signal)

• Safety Checks: Before You Agree to Meet

• Virtual “First Meetings”: Video and Voice as Stepping Stones

• Signs of Genuine Intent vs. Red Flags

• Dealing with Pressure or Guilt

• Best Practices for a Great First Meeting

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Online Dating Resource

Understanding What “Wants to Meet” Means on Dating.com

When a match on Dating.com indicates they “want to meet,” it can have several interpretations:

• They want to suggest an in-person date after connecting online.

• They’re using a site feature (like a “Meet” request button) to show interest in progressing beyond messaging.

• They could be expressing a desire to video call or chat outside the platform as a first step.

On Dating.com, as on other major dating apps, this notification prompts you to consider if you’re ready to take your interaction to the next level.

How the Meeting Feature Works

Most dating platforms, including Dating.com, allow users to send a signal (button, prompt, or message) to express interest in meeting up. When you receive this notification:

• You can accept, decline, or ignore the request.

• If you accept, you and your match can arrange time, place, and format (virtual or in-person).

• If declined, your match is usually not specifically notified—they’ll just see that you haven’t responded or moved forward.

This feature is designed to make transitioning from online chat to real-life interaction easier, transparent, and respectful of each person’s readiness and boundaries.

Steps to Take When Someone Wants to Meet

1. Pause and Assess: Don’t feel rushed. Take a moment to evaluate if the person seems trustworthy and if you’re actually ready.

2. Chat a Bit More (if needed): If the request feels sudden, it’s acceptable (and wise) to continue chatting until you feel comfortable.

3. Suggest a Virtual First Meeting: For added security, propose a video call before agreeing to meet in person. This is now common practice, helps verify identity, and builds trust.

4. Vet Their Profile: Search for consistencies in what they share, check if they’re verified, and Google their name or reverse-search their photos if you have concerns.

You’re under no obligation to meet up just because someone requests it. Your comfort and safety come first.

Why People Suggest Meeting (and What It Can Signal)

• Genuine Interest: They’re excited and want to see if in-person chemistry matches online rapport.

• Efficient Daters: Some users prefer not to spend weeks texting and want to avoid “textationships.”

• Pressure or Manipulation: Occasionally, quick requests to meet can be manipulative or a red flag, especially if someone pushes too hard, too soon.

Healthy, genuine daters understand and respect your pace—those who pressure should be treated with caution.

Safety Checks: Before You Agree to Meet

Online dating safety is non-negotiable. Always follow these best practices:

• Video Chat First: Scammers almost never agree to live video; real people will happily connect this way.

• Inform a Friend: Tell someone when, where, and with whom you’re meeting.

• Public Places Only: Always meet in a well-known, public spot for your first date.

• No Personal Info: Don’t share home address or financial details before trust is firmly established.

• Bring Your Own Transportation: Maintain your ability to leave at any time.

If the match refuses a video chat or asks for money, travel help, or other favors, cease contact immediately—it’s likely a scam.

Virtual “First Meetings”: Video and Voice as Stepping Stones

Many daters now treat a video call or voice chat as the real “first meeting.” It’s:

• Safer, as you can gauge authenticity and chemistry from a distance.

• A way to build comfort before committing to a public meetup.

• Increasingly common: apps like Dating.com offer built-in video calling options for privacy and safety.

You’re in control—if you’re not ready for in-person, stick to virtual.

Signs of Genuine Intent vs. Red Flags

Healthy signs:

• Willingness to chat further if you’re not ready to meet.

• Agreement to video/voice before in-person meeting.

• Flexible about timing and public location.

Red flags:

• Pressures you to meet immediately, especially after little or no conversation.

• Refuses video/voice calls.

• Tries to move off-platform or asks for money.

• Has a profile that’s too perfect, inconsistent, or sparse.

Dealing with Pressure or Guilt

You are never required to meet someone before you feel safe and ready. Don’t let guilt, fear of missing out, or pushy behavior sway you:

• Take all the time you need.

• Anyone worth your time—especially for a serious relationship—will wait and respect your boundaries.

• If pressured, simply walk away or block the user.

Best Practices for a Great First Meeting

• Keep It Brief: A quick coffee or walk is ideal—easy exit if things don’t click.

• Let Someone Know: Share your plans for transparency and safety.

• Bring a Friend (if needed): If you mention you’ll bring a friend and your match objects, that’s a red flag.

• Trust Your Instincts: End the meeting early if you feel uncomfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Dating.com notify my match if I decline a meet request?
A: Generally, no specific notification is sent; your profile will simply not respond or progress.

Q: Should I meet someone in person right away?
A: No—move at your own pace, and prioritize your safety and comfort above all else.

Q: Can I suggest a video call first?
A: Absolutely! It’s standard, welcomed, and wise.

Q: What if the meetup feels rushed or odd?
A: Decline, or simply don’t respond. You owe no explanation if you’re uncomfortable.

Online Dating Resource

For trusted safety and best practice tips, see the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice on Online Dating—the gold-standard guide for protecting yourself and enjoying a safe, successful online dating experience

Read More: Does Dating.com Track Your Location? A 2025 Deep Dive Into Privacy, Safety, and User Control

Conclusion:
When someone wants to meet you on Dating.com, it signals a desire to move beyond chat—but what happens next is up to you. Move at your own pace, insist on video or voice calls if you wish, and set clear boundaries. Safety, comfort, and mutual respect should always guide your steps—there’s no such thing as “too slow” when protecting your well-being and looking for lasting connection