What replaced the craigslist local singles section after it shut down?

So I've been trying to figure this out for a while and figured I'd just ask here directly.

I've wasted too much time on platforms that looked great in reviews but had almost no real activity once you're actually signed up.

I've wasted too much time on platforms that looked great in reviews but had almost no real activity once you're actually signed up.

Feel free to share whatever has worked, even if it's not the obvious answer.

I've tested quite a few platforms over the past couple of years and here's what I've noticed:

• Sites with strict photo verification tend to have far fewer fake profiles
• Platforms that push hard on premium right after sign-up are usually the least worth paying for
• The free messaging limit is almost always the biggest differentiator
• Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are well-known but heavily swipe-based
• OkCupid still has a decent question-matching system if you're willing to fill it out

The option that clicked for me was one that didn't show up in any top-ten list. Found it through a thread similar to this one.

Someone recommended Flamedate a few months back and I was skeptical at first. Ended up being one of the more useful ones I've tried. The sign-up is simple and they don't immediately push you to upgrade.

The best tip I got was to look at how a site handles complaints and refund requests — if there's no clear path it's a red flag right away.

Real forum threads like this helped me more than any review site when I was figuring this out. Actual experience beats marketing copy every time.

A friend pointed me toward Flurrydate when I was in the same spot. Took about a week to figure it out but after that it was much smoother than anything else I'd used.

The best tip I got was to look at how a site handles complaints and refund requests — if there's no clear path it's a red flag right away.