I [M 33] used to meet intelligent interesting women at professional events and technical user groups. Since the pandemic and quarantine I have been forced to rely on online dating and the results are terrible. I am average height, moderately attractive, and very successful in my career, but trying to date online takes up a ton of my time, and feels like pulling teeth. I was recently recommended finding local hobby groups that meet over zoom, but this seems very unlikely to lead to any kind of romantic interactions (you can't casually talk to anyone privately, you can't be in the same room or pick up subtle social cues that could indicate attraction). Has anyone had luck meeting a romantic partner this way? Are there some other alternatives for meeting people safely during a pandemic? I feel like my life is passing me by and if there is any other way than torturing myself with online dating I would love to know about it.

Thanks for any help or advice you can offer.