This timeline of online dating includes important events related to dating with technology help, not only online dating. When similar services exist, only the most important ones or the first to offer that type of service are included.

Dominance of online dating

A 2017 survey by Michael J. Rosenfeld, updated in 2021, studied how Americans meet their spouses and romantic partners since 1940. The findings showed that more couples now meet through online media. In 2021, 39% of heterosexual couples and 65% of same-sex couples first met this way. However, these numbers include all online interactions, not just those from dating apps. When focusing only on dating apps, the percentage drops to about 10%.

A Pew Research study supported these results, stating that 28% of straight and 52% of LGB Americans used dating apps or sites. However, only 9% of straight adults and 24% of LGB adults met their partners through these platforms. Similar results were found in a 2021 Morning Consult study, which showed that the percentage of people meeting partners online increased from 10% in 2018 to 13% in 2021. This change may have been influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. A YouGov study across 17 countries found that, on average, 8% of couples met through dating apps, with the U.S. having the same rate.

In summary, nearly half of dating app users say they are looking for serious relationships. However, only 8–13% of straight couples and 24% of lesbian, gay, or bisexual couples actually meet through these apps.