Swipe Right, But Think Twice: Red Flags to Watch Out For
by Diana Blair 
In the world of online dating, the swipe has become a powerful tool. A simple gesture to the right can open the door to a potential relationship, but how do you know if you’re making the right choice? While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new match, there are a few red flags to keep an eye out for. Here’s how to spot the warning signs early on, so you can swipe smart and avoid unnecessary heartbreak.
1. Their Profile is Full of Vague Information
A profile that’s missing important details — like what they do for a living, their hobbies, or where they’re from — should give you pause. If someone’s being intentionally vague, it could be a sign that they’re not serious or have something to hide.
Red Flag Indicator:
“Just ask me” or “I’ll tell you later” are common phrases that can signal a lack of effort or transparency.
2. They Have No (or Only One) Photo
While not everyone is comfortable plastering their life all over a dating app, having just one photo — or none at all — can be a sign they aren’t fully invested. It might also indicate they’re using outdated photos or aren’t confident in showing who they really are.
Red Flag Indicator:
One heavily filtered or faraway photo could mean they’re hiding something.
3. Too Many Glamorous or Overly Edited Photos
On the flip side, if their profile is packed with professional, magazine-worthy shots, it could be a sign that they’re more interested in appearances than a real connection. A profile full of overly polished or edited images might signal someone who’s more concerned with looking good than being genuine.
Red Flag Indicator:
All photos seem too perfect to be true, with no candid or everyday moments.
4. Fast Forwarding to Serious Talk Too Soon
It’s great when someone is clear about their intentions, but if they’re already planning your future together before you’ve even met, proceed with caution. Love bombing — where someone overwhelms you with affection and commitment early on — can be a manipulation tactic.
Red Flag Indicator:
Talking about marriage, moving in together, or future plans on the first date or in early conversations.
5. They Only Want to Communicate on Social Media or WhatsApp
If they quickly suggest moving off the dating platform to a private messenger app, this could be a red flag. While it’s natural to transition to more personal communication eventually, rushing it can indicate they’re trying to avoid accountability on the app.
Red Flag Indicator:
Insistence on communicating only through Instagram, Snapchat, or WhatsApp immediately.
6. They Avoid Meeting in Person (or Keep Cancelling)
Someone who’s genuinely interested in getting to know you will make an effort to meet in person. If they keep coming up with excuses or postponing your date, they may be hiding something, such as a double life or lack of real interest.
Red Flag Indicator:
Multiple cancelled dates with vague or questionable excuses.
7. Inconsistent Stories or Details
Pay attention to their stories. If they mention working a job in finance one day, and then say they’re a photographer the next, something isn’t adding up. Inconsistencies in their background, work, or personal life could be a sign that they’re being dishonest.
Red Flag Indicator:
Details that keep changing or don’t match what they initially shared.
8. They Don’t Respect Boundaries
If someone pushes your boundaries early on, that’s a major red flag. Whether it’s pressuring you to meet too soon, asking inappropriate questions, or ignoring your comfort level, these are signs that they may not respect you in the long run.
Red Flag Indicator:
Ignoring requests for space, continuing to push after you’ve set boundaries, or making you feel uncomfortable.
9. Excessive Complaints About Exes
We’ve all had bad breakups, but if someone spends too much time bashing their ex, that’s a sign they may still be harboring unresolved issues. If their profile or conversations are filled with negativity towards past relationships, it could spell trouble for any future connection.
Red Flag Indicator:
Ranting about exes or frequently bringing them up in conversation.
10. Overly Evasive or Secretive
Transparency is key when building a new relationship. If they dodge questions about their personal life, or seem secretive about basic details (like what they do in their free time), they might be hiding something.
Red Flag Indicator:
Avoiding direct questions or giving only vague responses.
11. They Seem Too Good to Be True
If everything about them seems perfect — their job, their looks, their lifestyle — you may want to dig a little deeper. While some people do live fabulous lives, profiles that seem overly idealized or “too good to be true” can often be just that.
Red Flag Indicator:
Everything seems picture-perfect without any sign of normal, everyday flaws.
12. They’re Only Interested in Physical Appearances
If the bulk of their conversations center around how attractive you are or how much they enjoy looking at your photos, it could indicate that they’re only interested in a superficial connection. A healthy relationship should be built on more than just looks.
Red Flag Indicator:
Constant compliments about appearance with little to no interest in your personality or interests.
13. They Ask for Personal Info Too Soon
In the digital age, it’s important to be cautious with your personal information. If they start asking for details like your home address, financial information, or other personal data early on, consider this a major red flag.
Red Flag Indicator:
Requests for personal or financial information early in the conversation.
