14 Lies People Tell on Dating Apps—And How to See Through Them

14 Lies People Tell on Dating Apps—And How to See Through Them

Dating apps have changed how we meet people, but they’ve also created new ways to stretch the truth. From outdated photos to exaggerated job titles, these digital white lies can lead to disappointing first dates. Knowing what to watch for helps you spot potential red flags before investing too much time in someone who isn’t being honest.

1. Age

Many daters shave off a few years, hoping to appear in more search results or seem more attractive. This lie often unravels quickly during conversations about cultural references or life experiences.

Look for inconsistencies in their timeline. Someone claiming to be 35 who graduated college in 2005 doesn’t add up mathematically. Photos that look suspiciously dated or filtered can also signal age deception.

Consider asking casual questions about world events from their supposed high school or college years. Their knowledge—or lack thereof—might reveal the truth about when they really grew up.

2. Height

The infamous height exaggeration affects profiles of all genders. Adding an inch or two seems harmless until you meet in person and realize they’re significantly shorter than advertised.

Pay attention to group photos where you can compare their height to friends or objects. Someone who only posts closeups or carefully angled shots might be hiding their true stature.

When planning to meet, suggest a video chat first. This gives you a better sense of their appearance without the awkwardness of discovering the height discrepancy face-to-face.

3. Weight

Using old photos from before major weight changes is a common dating app strategy—people hope their personality will shine through despite the surprise.

Recent full-body photos are rare in profiles where weight is misrepresented. Instead, you’ll find face-only shots, extreme angles, or group pictures where identifying them is difficult.

Rather than asking directly about weight (which would be rude), request a recent photo of them doing something they enjoy. Their response—or reluctance—can tell you whether they’re being forthright about their current appearance.

4. Photos

It’s not just filters and camera tricks—some users go as far as stealing photos from friends or strangers to invent fictional personas.

Reverse image searches can reveal stolen photos. Look for inconsistencies across their pictures—different tattoos, dramatic changes in appearance, or varying image qualities suggest a fabricated profile.

Profiles with verified badges or multiple candid photos linked to the same person are more likely to be genuine. Request a specific pose in a selfie—like holding up two fingers—if you suspect you’re being catfished.

5. Job Title

Career embellishment runs rampant on dating apps. That “CEO” might actually be a solo entrepreneur with no employees, or the “doctor” could be working on a PhD in literature rather than practicing medicine.

Vague job descriptions or titles without company names should raise questions. Someone truly established in their career usually provides specific details when the conversation naturally turns to work.

Listen for inconsistencies when they discuss their daily schedule, income level, or workplace stories. True professionals can easily discuss their field without getting defensive or changing the subject.

6. Education

What starts as attending a weekend seminar sometimes gets upgraded to “studied at Harvard,” all to make profiles seem more impressive.

Someone who actually earned a degree can usually talk about specific professors, campus locations, or traditions unique to their alma mater. They’ll have stories about their major and classmates that feel authentic.

Be wary of defensiveness when you ask casual questions about their college experience. True graduates are typically happy to reminisce about their university days rather than offering vague non-answers.

7. Relationship Status

“Single” sometimes means “it’s complicated” or even “married but looking.” This dangerous deception leaves unsuspecting daters entangled in someone else’s relationship drama.

Red flags include only being available at odd hours, never inviting you to their home, or constantly checking their phone during dates. Someone truly available doesn’t need to keep their dating life secretive or compartmentalized.

Trust your instincts if they seem overly private about their life or reluctant to introduce you to friends. A genuine single person rarely has reasons to keep you entirely separate from their existing social circles.

8. Intentions

Just because someone says they want something serious doesn’t mean they do—it’s often a tactic to get more swipes.

Actions speak louder than profile declarations. Someone truly seeking partnership will consistently communicate, make future plans, and show interest in your life beyond physical attraction.

Watch for love-bombing followed by disappearing acts or conversations that quickly turn physical despite claims of wanting a relationship. Genuine connection-seekers demonstrate patience and interest in building something meaningful before rushing physical intimacy.

9. Lifestyle Habits

To avoid losing matches, some users downplay their habits, with “social smoker” meaning regular smoking and “occasional drinker” often being a daily routine.

Pay attention to social media posts or stories that contradict their claimed habits. Someone who says they rarely drink but posts bar photos constantly is likely downplaying their actual behavior.

During early conversations, discuss typical weekends or evenings. Their descriptions of regular activities usually reveal true habits more accurately than the checkbox options they selected on their profile.

10. Location

Location dishonesty ranges from slightly misleading to completely fabricated. Some users claim to live in trendy neighborhoods when they’re actually suburbs away, while others might pretend to be local when they’re visiting or planning to move someday.

Reluctance to meet in person or always suggesting locations far from their supposed neighborhood signals possible location deception. Someone truly local knows nearby spots and can meet without complicated travel arrangements.

Specific questions about local landmarks, restaurants, or recent community events can reveal whether they actually live where they claim. True locals have opinions and experiences about their neighborhood that tourists or distant residents can’t fake.

11. Hobbies & Interests

From fake hiking fans to pretend bookworms, many people list dream hobbies instead of the ones they really enjoy.

Genuine enthusiasts can discuss their interests with specific details and experiences. Someone who truly enjoys cooking can talk about favorite recipes or kitchen disasters, not just that they “love food.”

Suggest activities related to their claimed interests and gauge their reaction. Excitement about participating versus making excuses reveals whether they actually engage in these hobbies or just listed them to seem interesting.

12. Pets

Borrowing a friend’s dog for profile photos or claiming future pet ownership plans as current reality happens surprisingly often. Animal lovers get more matches, so some users pretend to have furry friends.

Watch for inconsistencies in their pet stories or reluctance to share recent photos of their supposed animal companions. True pet owners usually have countless pictures and anecdotes about their beloved animals.

If animals are important to you, ask specific questions about veterinarians, pet care routines, or funny behaviors. The depth and authenticity of their responses will reveal whether they actually share their home with the pets they claim.

13. Travel

Those exotic vacation photos might be their only international experience, not the globetrotting lifestyle they imply. Some users curate travel content to appear more adventurous and worldly than their actual experiences.

One-time tourists often share surface-level observations about famous landmarks rather than cultural insights or hidden gems that frequent travelers discover. Their stories lack the depth that comes from meaningful exploration.

Engage them in conversations about specific regions they claim to know well. Someone who actually travels regularly can discuss local customs, transportation challenges, or favorite neighborhood spots beyond tourist attractions that appear in their carefully selected photos.

14. Personality Traits

Self-described “funny” people who never crack jokes or “adventurous” types who prefer staying home—personality misrepresentation creates expectations that reality can’t fulfill. Many users describe their ideal selves rather than who they actually are.

Actions reveal true personality more reliably than profile declarations. Someone genuinely kind demonstrates compassion consistently, not just when trying to impress you.

Give potential matches time to reveal their authentic selves through various situations. Initial impressions are often carefully curated, but true personality emerges through consistent behavior over time and how they handle stress or disappointment.