Step into a world where dating goes beyond screens. Platforms like Gather Social, Poppin, and Gatherings.social are breaking the digital mold, inspiring users to unplug and embrace real-life connections.

In an era dominated by swipes, these apps put the focus on genuine face-to-face interactions, bringing a refreshing twist to the world of dating.

The great Global Dating Insights, which is a fantastic resource for all things related to online dating, has showcased new and exciting dating sites and apps since 2018 on their Startup Roundup page.

Some of these sites are up and coming and some you might have heard of, but they’re all worth checking out!

30 Best New Dating Sites Focused on Meeting In Real Life

Bloom Community is a social app designed for edge-of-culture communities, such as Burner, Queer, Artist, Creative, Polyamorous, Wellness, Kink, Conscious, Spiritual, and Alternative. It allows users to connect organically through shared events and experiences, find upcoming events, engage in one-on-one conversations, and even flirt with like-minded individuals. The app aims to help people from various communities build meaningful relationships through meaningful interactions.

Blyss Dating is a modern dating app that emphasizes what happens after matchmaking. It encourages users to explore interactive, active, or dining venues with potential matches. The app uses facial recognition technology to enhance security and reduce catfishing. Blyss Dating is designed for Washington-based college students and young adults, offering a unique and safer dating experience. The app was recognized as one of the Most Disruptive Business School Startups in 2022.

Bookado is a UK-based website that provides exclusive activity deals for its members. Users can discover various activities in cities like London, Edinburgh, Brighton, and more. These activities range from unique experiences like The Crystal Maze LIVE to family days out and even supercar passenger experiences. Bookado helps members enjoy more activities and experiences for less with its exclusive discounts.

Boop is a dating app designed to facilitate real-life dates. Users can match, chat, and then organize dates at various partner venues through the app. Boop focuses on helping users set up first dates, date nights, and more. The app is 100% free and aims to encourage in-person interactions. Currently, Boop is in its beta phase, and users are invited to join and provide feedback to help improve the app.

Boozr is a social networking app designed to help people connect with friends and socialize in person. Users can discover events happening in pubs in their area, receive notifications when friends are heading to their local pub, and access information about performers at favorite venues. Boozr also provides a worldwide directory of pubs, bars, and clubs.

Catch-Up is a dating app started in Perth, Western Australia. In addition to connecting singles, the app also provides information about events and activities at local entertainment venues. Users can stay updated on what's happening in their area and potentially discover fun date ideas. Catch-Up Social is a website and app that aims to facilitate connections and enhance social experiences in Perth.

Cocktails & Conversations is a dating events company in London that organizes both private and public dating and networking events at least three times per month. Members of this company gain access to valuable feedback and one-on-one dating coaching services, making it an exciting platform for people looking to meet others and improve their dating experiences in the bustling city of London.

Desti is a unique destination-based dating app founded by John Taylor, AJ Qutub, and Nick Dominguez. This app is designed to eliminate the small talk and boring conversations that can often occur on dating platforms. Instead, Desti filters matches based on date destinations, fostering more engaging and meaningful interactions. The app aims to provide an innovative approach to online dating, addressing the challenges and downsides associated with traditional dating apps while focusing on the desire for genuine human connection.

Fairytrail is an international dating app designed for travelers and remote workers. It serves as a platform for users to find travel adventures, make friends, and even potentially meet life partners. The app allows users to create profiles, set partner preferences, explore profiles, match with like-minded individuals, and engage in video chats and meetings. With over 40,000 users, Fairytrail has gained recognition, being named one of the best dating apps of 2023 by Digital Trends. The app emphasizes travel experiences and connections for those who enjoy exploring the world."

FateDate is a dating site that aims to combine the best aspects of both traditional and online dating while promoting safe dating practices. The site has partnered with venues in and around Leicestershire, UK, to enhance the dating experience for its users. It provides information on the website, including details about the service and venues.

Gather Social is a platform designed for individuals who prefer real-life interactions. It organizes "Gatherings," hour-long events for singles, hosted at local mid-priced restaurants. These gatherings typically have group sizes ranging from 8 to 12 participants. The app is available on both iOS and Android but requires an invitation code, which can be obtained through brand ambassadors, influencer marketing partners, or advertisements.

Gatherings.social is a social club and event matching app dedicated to connecting people for real-life fun and adventures. It facilitates the creation of gatherings and events based on shared interests and preferences, fostering connections and enjoyable experiences in local communities.

Groovoo is a social networking app and ticketing platform designed to connect individuals attending the same events. Users can purchase tickets, discover people attending the same events, and connect with others for real-life experiences before, during, or after the event.

Hatched is a free dating app that focuses on meaningful connections. It uses a unique approach where users choose an "Egg Avatar" representing their hobbies or interests and provide additional photos for matches to see upon hatching. Currently, Hatched has launched a 12-day campaign called 'A Dozen Days of Eggy' to encourage individuals to connect at local venues and events, offering the chance to receive fun freebies.

LUVHUT is a modern dating app that facilitates connections and aims to set up dates while supporting struggling local businesses affected by the pandemic. Users can send and receive instant date requests to nearby restaurants and other venues to transform chats into meaningful relationships.

MeetUp is a platform that helps you discover events and people who share your interests both online and in person. It offers various dating and relationship groups for individuals looking to connect with like-minded people, including those in specific age ranges or locations. While MeetUp isn't exclusively for dating, it provides opportunities to meet potential friends or partners who share your hobbies and preferences.

Neumate is a local online dating site that prioritizes user experience and privacy. It provides distinct local online dating communities where singles can socialize and meet like-minded individuals. The platform offers swipe-free dating and opportunities to participate in local events and groups, fostering natural social interactions among users.

Poppin is a party and event platform that helps users plan and discover local events. It allows users to create and RSVP to events, see what their friends are doing, and engage with other users before and after events. Additionally, Poppin suggests matches based on ideal first date preferences and uses a unique interaction method where users "pop bubbles" instead of swiping to find out more about potential matches.

Radiate is a social app connecting music festival-goers, facilitating new connections, ticket transactions, event discovery, and more. It's not a dating app but a social platform for festival enthusiasts.

Sixish is a free app that enables users to create events to meet new people, whether for forming new friendships or romantic connections. It promotes the idea of experiencing the unexpected either solo or with friends, emphasizing that excitement should be accessible to everyone.

Socially is an upcoming app designed for London residents to expand their social networks for friendships, dating, and active pursuits. It aims to supercharge social lives by facilitating the discovery of nearby social activities, offering amazing experiences, and helping users make new friends.

SOON is a members-only dating app for San Francisco singles, emphasizing real, face-to-face dates. It encourages users to meet in person quickly by suggesting meeting times and places from its list. The app is free and co-founded by two friends in San Francisco, available on the App Store.

Swoonbox is the world's first event-based dating app, created by a Brooklyn entrepreneur. It integrates TicketMaster, TicketNetwork, Spotify, and Fandango to assist users in planning first dates at live entertainment events, offering a unique dating experience.

The Meetery is a dating app that merges the convenience of dating apps with the desire for in-person dating. It allows users to browse, match, and meet, while also enabling them to advertise date night specials, happy hours, and upcoming events. The app emphasizes 1-on-1 connections and is available on the App Store.

Thursday is a unique dating app and singles member's club that operates exclusively on Thursdays. Founded by Matthew McNeill Love and George Rawlings, the app connects people in person on Thursdays in New York City and London. It offers features like IRL parties, speed dating events, and venues filled with singles, aiming to bridge the gap between online and offline dating.

Twiine is an all-in-one dating app that helps users find matches, receive date venue recommendations, and organize their dates within the same platform. It also offers dining suggestions based on users' music preferences.

WAHVO is a unique dating app where users earn points for going on dates, which can then be redeemed for cash donations to selected charities of their choice. It combines dating with philanthropy, allowing users to make a positive impact on the world.

WillCalled is an app that connects ticket holders with ticket seekers, ensuring everyone has a companion for events like music, sports, movies, and theater in Nashville. It's likened to a "Tinder-Meets-StubHub" dating app, where users select an event they want to attend and swipe through potential dates interested in the same event.

WooDate is a platform that simplifies the dating experience by offering a one-stop shop for planning dates. Users can input location, date details, and makeup preferences to find and organize date ideas. They can also send date plans and make reservations through the platform. The company provides a database of date ideas and contact options for assistance.

Wonder is a dating app that suggests activities and helps users schedule dates with their matches. Users can choose activities, locations, and dates from a map and calendar.

In a world increasingly dominated by virtual exchanges, these apps stand as a testament to the enduring charm of in-person connections, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful stories are written offline.