Glossary: the terms around Shagle explained

A profile is your personal page on a dating app that displays your photos, bio, age, location, and interests to potential matches. It serves as your digital introduction and is the primary way other users learn about you. Most platforms allow you to customize your profile with multiple photos and a written description of yourself to attract compatible matches.

Matching is the process where a dating app connects you with compatible users based on shared interests, location, age preferences, and algorithmic compatibility scoring. When two users express mutual interest, they are typically notified of the match. Most apps use matching to help you find people you're more likely to connect with rather than browsing randomly.

A subscription is a paid membership plan that grants access to premium features on a dating platform, typically ranging from $10 to $40 monthly. Common subscription benefits include unlimited likes, advanced filtering, message access, and ad removal. Most apps offer free basic access but charge for enhanced functionality and expanded search capabilities.

A boost is a paid feature that temporarily increases your profile's visibility to other users, typically for 24 to 72 hours. When activated, your profile appears higher in search results and gets shown to more potential matches in your area. Boosts usually cost between $3 and $15 and are useful for increasing match rates during specific periods.

A like is an expression of interest in another user's profile, indicating you find them attractive or interesting. Most dating apps limit the number of free likes per day, typically between 10 and 50. Liking someone notifies them of your interest, and if they like you back, it usually results in a match allowing direct messaging.

Catfishing is when someone creates a fake or misleading dating profile using false photos, information, or identity to deceive others. Catfishers may use old photos, pictures of others, or heavily edited images to misrepresent themselves. This deceptive practice can lead to emotional harm and wasted time for people seeking genuine connections.

A verification badge is a visual indicator (usually a checkmark or icon) that confirms a user's identity has been authenticated by the dating platform. Verification typically involves confirming your phone number, email, or submitting a selfie that matches your profile photos. Badges help other users identify legitimate profiles and reduce catfishing and fraud on the platform.

A swipe is the primary interaction method on many dating apps where you move your finger left or right on a profile to reject or express interest. Swiping right typically indicates interest (like), while swiping left means you're not interested. This gesture-based interface makes browsing profiles quick and intuitive for mobile users.

A super like is a premium way to show stronger interest in a profile, typically costing between $0.50 and $2 per use or included in subscription plans. Super likes notify the recipient that you're especially interested, making your profile stand out among regular likes. Most apps limit free super likes to a few per day while offering unlimited with paid subscriptions.

Safety features are tools and policies designed to protect users from fraud, harassment, and dangerous situations on dating platforms. Common features include photo verification, blocking and reporting functions, safety tips, and background check options. Many apps now offer emergency contact sharing and in-app messaging to reduce risks before meeting in person.

Messaging is the direct communication feature that allows matched users to exchange text conversations within the dating app. Most platforms require a mutual match before messaging is enabled to reduce unsolicited contact. Some apps offer free messaging while others restrict it to paid subscribers or require a match to unlock this feature.

Premium features are advanced tools available only to paid subscribers, typically including unlimited likes, advanced search filters, message access, and profile visibility controls. These features enhance your ability to find compatible matches and communicate with them. Premium membership usually costs $15 to $40 monthly depending on the platform and subscription tier.

A match notification is an alert sent to both users when they have mutually liked each other's profiles, indicating they can now communicate. Notifications typically arrive via push notification, email, or in-app message depending on your settings. Match notifications encourage users to engage with the app and begin conversations with compatible people.

Ghosting is when someone suddenly stops responding to messages and disappears from communication without explanation or warning. This behavior is common on dating apps where users may lose interest or match with multiple people simultaneously. Ghosting can be frustrating but is considered a normal risk when dating online due to the ease of disconnecting.

A compatibility score is a numerical rating or percentage that indicates how well matched two users are based on shared interests, values, and preferences. Apps calculate these scores using algorithms that analyze profile information and user behavior patterns. Higher compatibility scores suggest greater potential for connection, though they're not always accurate predictors of real-world chemistry.