How Does Facebook Dating Work?—Expert Review by Stacey Laura Lloyd

Stacey Laura Lloyd

October 31, 2025

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I still remember when I first tried Facebook Dating. Like many of my clients, I already had a Facebook account for leisure time and connection with friends. But hardly could I imagine that the developers would insert a dating service within the Facebook app. Being a dating expert for many years, I couldn’t help but try the secret crush feature and other perks that the platform offers. After testing and proving this app with datersearch.com, I’m ready to share my experience with my readers. Check out what we’ve found below. 

What is the Facebook Dating App and What Makes It Stand Out

Facebook Dating is a feature built into the mobile version of the platform — the dedicated application. It doesn’t work as a separate dating platform; instead, Facebook Dating lives within your regular profile. After activating the feature in the app, you can see a new private space that differs from your main Facebook profile or news feed but still includes the information you’ve already mentioned in your bio. None of your current Facebook friends will see that you use this dating feature unless you choose to reveal it.

The way this tool works absolutely changes how singles approach online dating. There is no need to scour through a decent online dating app and create your account from scratch. Here, your profile is already built, and you can start browsing the profiles of other members right off the bat. After all, you’re already a Facebook user, and most of the information you would like to share is there. Facebook simply creates a separate space for romantic encounters only. 

Facebook Dating Review: What Is It Designed For?

After I tried Facebook dating, I can say that it is rather easy to set up and use. The app guides you through each step, so it is difficult to get confused. The system can pull information from your Facebook profile, but you can edit anything before uploading. Also, it is possible to change your bio anytime. 

The bragging point of this feature is that your Facebook Dating profile stays separate from your main Facebook identity, so your friends won’t even know that you are going to use a romantic adventure within this social network. You won’t post to your timeline, and the things you do in Dating won’t appear on Facebook and Instagram stories. Have you ever hidden in a room in your house so that nobody could find you? The Facebook dating feature works just like this. 

How to Use Facebook Dating: Setting Up Your Account

Once your info is transferred from your Facebook account, you can see your dating profile preview. This is how others will see your page. After that, you can start browsing. Facebook will ask a few personal prompts, the same way apps like Tinder do. These are the typical ice-breaker questions provided by Facebook. Aside from encouraging potential couples to have a talk, they will help to make the overall conversation smooth and hassle-free. You can organize your dating profile this way: 

• Activate Facebook Dating in the app’s menu.
• Create a dating profile with new photos or those from your albums.
• See which information is displayed in your account. Change it if you need some touch-ups. 
• Start answering short questions to personalize your dating option list.

If you ever change your mind, it’s easy to delete your dating profile without touching the rest of your account, which is rather convenient if you still want to preserve your account on the social network. 

FB Dating vs Dating Sites: What Is the Difference?

My clients always ask what to choose: a dedicated dating app or Facebook Dating. While these options seem to be similar, each of them brings something different to the dating experience. 

Features of Dating Sites

Specifically designed sites usually have a dynamic dating activity with multiple features and perks. You will hardly meet friends of friends here, which will make your dating experience more private and determined. Together with datersearch.com, we determined the following features of these platforms. 

• Defined goals. Dating sites imply that users who join them have set expectations. There are many platforms designed for casual encounters, as well as many designed for those who are looking for serious connections. 
• Familiar dating pool. You can join the websites that have a database of users from a particular region, which allows you to narrow down your search and avoid unnecessary acquaintances. 
• Personalized tools. On dating sites, you can see features designed specifically for creating relationships. Pre-written messages, stickers, media file exchange —  this is just a glimpse of what is available on leading dating platforms. 

The dating market is quite overcrowded, so it is necessary to choose a reputable platform to avoid scams and other unpleasant situations. 

Features of Facebook Dating

Facebook Dating allows you to see the romantic encounters from a completely new angle. While using your social network, you can give your dating activity a new tint. Here are the features of Facebook Dating that my clients definitely like. 

• Secret Crush list. One of its most talked-about tools is the ability to pick up to nine people from your Facebook or Instagram network. If a mutual interest appears, the app lets both potential partners know about that.
• Ability to swipe profiles. You can browse through profiles within Facebook Dating and choose the girls you like the most. It will help you investigate the pool of potential acquaintances and see which regular Facebook users are looking for romance. 
• Instagram integration. You can share Facebook or Instagram stories or posts directly to your dating profile to show a more complete picture of your life. Nevertheless, it is an optional thing, and you can always stay private. 
• Privacy control. Everything inside Dating stays private — no Facebook friends will ever see your dating activity unless you tell them. My client had nine Facebook friends registered on Dating, but they never saw each other’s accounts. 

My favorite feature is Secret Crush. It allows you to select up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers you secretly admire. If they add you to their Secret Crush list, you both get notified. If not, no one ever knows. It’s subtle and adds a spark of surprise that no other dating app quite matches.

How to Connect with Users on Facebook Dating

Connecting with people on Facebook Dating is easy and slightly different from what you’re used to noticing on dating apps. It is less about rushing and more about noticing what draws you in. Learn how Facebook Dating works in terms of messaging and apply your knowledge to your next dating venture. 

• Start with interest. When someone’s profile catches your eye, tap the heart or reply to one of their prompts. Small comments often open real conversations.
• Use shared spaces. Sometimes the best way to connect is through familiar ways — Facebook events, mutual groups, or even similar hobbies seen on Facebook stories. You can like photos as in the main Facebook functionality, thus showing your interest to other users. 
• Talk in private. If both of you show interest, a separate chat window opens inside the app. It does not mix with your main Facebook Messenger, so you keep things private.

The bragging point of this type of dating is that Facebook friends or Instagram followers will never know about your attempts to find love. The platform gives you tools to meet new people, but leaves enough space for a real connection to grow and privacy. 

Moreover, if you have any questions or concerns, you can always access Facebook help for the necessary assistance. Create your dating profile without pressure or rush, and enjoy your ventures as much as you want.

Is It Worth Giving Facebook Dating a Try?—Advantages & Disadvantages 

Like every platform, Facebook Dating has its strong sides and weak spots. After spending time testing it myself and talking to users who have tried it for weeks or even months, I noticed a few things that stand out and need improvement.

Pros:

• Easy start. There is no need to download a separate app. You can just switch your Facebook activity to dating and browse potential romantic partners rather than your friends. 
• Real people. You can meet bots on the app. All users are people just like you, and they are all about dating without any hassle. Facebook Dating offers a large database of users, so there might be plenty of choices. 
• Private. You may not worry about your will being revealed to your friends on Facebook. Even those nine of your Facebook friends you choose in Secret Crush won’t recognize that it is you first. 
• Built-in comfort. Many of my clients who opted into Facebook Dating say it feels easier to talk here because it is part of a familiar space, not some anonymous dating app full of strangers.
• Universal option for dating. If you aren’t looking for someone special and just want to jazz up your everyday routine with flirty moments, Facebook will allow you to accomplish your goals. 

Cons: 

• Limited reach. You only meet people already on Facebook, which can make the dating pool smaller in some areas. Moreover, it is rather difficult to search for a partner by nationality or region if you are into international dating. 
• Fewer features. Compared to big platforms, it lacks video dates, advanced filters, and unique communication tools. Things you do on Facebook are rather limited, which may make you quickly get bored. 
• Occasional failures. The app sometimes suggests people you already know, which can feel awkward if you prefer to keep things private and not share your Facebook or Instagram aspirations. 
• New dating with fewer success stories. Because Facebook Dating is younger than most online dating platforms, there are fewer success stories to learn from. Still, you can give Facebook Dating a chance if you are looking for an additional dose of romance with potential matches.

Using the Facebook Dating App: Stories from My Clients

Last year, one of my clients, a 34-year-old teacher, decided to become a Facebook user. After a few months of adding friends and integrating Instagram posts, he decided to use a dating feature. When we reviewed his profile together, I saw that it was half-empty. He wasn’t promoting himself, yet he wanted to find someone special. Also, he was concerned about protecting people’s privacy within Facebook Dating. 

Nevertheless, he managed to meet a lady and create a spark. They used an open messenger from dating app to keep the connection and exchanged fun photos to get to know each other better. Within dating, they managed to create a rapport and bring it to real life. I had a world with this couple a week ago. They are happy together and consider that using dating applications is the best way to find someone special. 

Final Word

After talking with real users and sharing our experiences with the datersearch.com team, I believe Facebook Dating might suit those who value those old-school social media charms and romance-inclined features. For many, it acts as a bridge between public social life and romantic emotion. 

Facebook Dating is available within the app, which makes it a convenient way to get in touch with users. The system’s small prompts and integrated tools reduce limitations for those who struggle with making the first step. 

Even though it doesn’t offer those sophisticated and accurate features that the popular dating sites offer, Facebook will match you with other singles, though they might not be the best fit. Overall, if you are looking for an entertaining way to spice up your social life and flirt, feel free to select up to nine Facebook friends and add them to a Secret Crush list.  

Stacey Laura Lloyd