Singles exhausted from the disappointment and impersonal nature of dating apps are hitting “delete” on their phones and looking instead to an old-fashioned way of connecting: live, in person.
Although some have met their matches through apps such as Hinge or Tinder, many say they are tired of swiping right and risking being rejected, ditched or ghosted.
Boca Raton resident Katie Gootenberg, 36, said she rarely checks her dating apps anymore. She said she has met some interesting potential partners over the past few years but has mostly been frustrated.
“Dating feels more challenging than it should be,” said Gootenberg, a marketing professional. “Most of the people I’ve dated for longer periods, I’ve met organically. They didn’t come from the apps.”
Ismaris Ocasio, 32, agreed that impromptu encounters are often the best way to meet people to date. She attended singles events sponsored by Jigsaw Dating and now is a paid organizer of live social gatherings for the app. She co-hosts several Broward County events each month and makes sure they are reasonably priced ($20-$35) with attendees who are similar ages and a close-to-even gender ratio.
“It’s important to bring singles together at in-person events because it allows connections to happen naturally and immediately,” said Ocasio, who lives in Fort Lauderdale. “No endless swiping, no wondering whether someone will look like their photos, and no disappointment when the chemistry or vibe doesn’t translate in person. What you see and what you feel is what it is from the very beginning.”
Jigsaw Dating used to be a traditional dating app. But its leadership transformed it in June, and now singles meet first at group events, with the app coordinating the experience.
Older dating sites that aren’t evolving quickly are taking a hit. Bumble reported a decreasing number of users and diminished engagement in its second quarter of 2026 report. And Match Group, which owns dating apps such as Tinder, Hinge and Match, said its total number of paying users plummeted 6% in the same second quarter, although it cited increasing engagement on Tinder and healthy revenue growth at Hinge.
At the same time, online ticket platform Eventbrite found “a cultural shift back to live experiences,” with in-person gatherings such as trivia nights up 403%, bird-watching up 131% and Pilates socials growing 84%.
If you’re also wary of dating apps and looking for more traditional ways to meet people, South Florida is home to abundant sports leagues, outdoors clubs, game nights and singles mixers. Here are some upcoming possibilities for those looking for IRL (In Real Life) experiences.
Jigsaw Dating used to be a traditional dating app, but it recently transformed to allow singles to meet first at group events. (Jigsaw Dating/Courtesy)
Sailing Singles of South Florida Happy Hour Social: 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Thursday at Galuppi’s, 1103 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach. Cost: Order your own drinks and food. Visit meetup.com.
Speed Dinking Singles Night, a pickleball event for age 35 and older: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Fort, 891 SW 34th St., Fort Lauderdale. Cost: $40 for nonmembers; $25 for members. Visit playthefort.com/pages/events.
Speed Dating for Singles Age 30s-40s: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at The Penalty Box at Residence Inn by Marriott, 5730 N. State Road 7, Coconut Creek. Cost: $40.79. Visit pre-dating.com.
Intelligent Singles Network’s Mixer on the Waterfront: 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Rafina Greek Taverna, 6877 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. Cost: $49.68. Visit eventbrite.com.
Jigsaw Coffee Shop Speed Dating, for ages 40-55: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Black Klover Kava, 4405 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Cost: $24.99. Visit store.jigsaw.co/products.
Matzomingle, for Jewish singles ages 21-49: 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Kelly Brothers Irish Pub, 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Tickets: $36. Visit eventbrite.com.
Singles Sweat workout: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at The CrossFit Squad, 600 Datura St., West Palm Beach. Cost: $14.64. Visit eventbrite.com.
Singles Fellowship & Game Day, for ages 22-39: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Sheridan Hills Baptist Church, 3751 Sheridan St., Hollywood. Cost: $15. Visit eventbrite.com.