I've (f26) just downloaded online dating apps for the first time and so I'm a newbie but I have an idea of what to expect because of my friends but haven't experienced it first-hand. BTW, I'm the type to talk to one person at a time that's just how I am.

So I hit it off with a guy (m28) on Hinge and his communication style was on par with what I was looking for. We had similar interests that enabled a bit fun banter and just overall great flirting and the 'checking up on each other' conversations which is great! We added each other on Instagram and we talked for about a 4-5 days before we set up a date! It was a bit last minute but we were both free the next day however I technically was on call for work so I told him that and apologized if it was a hit or miss on my end. I eventually couldn't make it but I asked him when he was free next to make it up to him and to also show him I'm interested in him and we set another date. He then flaked on me last minute on the day of and never responded to my text however he would constantly be the first one to see my instagram stories and like them. Me being upfront I just asked him 'Are you still interested in me? If not I should just unmatch and unfollow you on insta' and he goes, 'Not sure let's see what happens." Wtf lmfao.

A week later I matched with a guy (m29). Same with the first guy, hit it off, great conversations, we exchanged phone numbers and moved the conversations to text and such and we also followed each other on Instagram. He was a great texter as well and we would text back and forth on a regular basis for at least 3-4 days and we set a date for the following week as him and I were very busy during that period. He would tell me all these things like 'Wowww you're so beautiful!!!' 'We would make a good looking couple for sure ;)' and stuff like that which now to me seem like sweet nothings tbh because the man ghosted me. At first I gave him the benefit of the doubt because I'm not too anxious when it comes to 'Oh, he hasn't replied in x hours!!' but he hasn't replied in almost a day which seemed a bit... suspicious considering he heavily texted me ever since I matched with him. Fast forward the following day when he blocks me on Instagram which I noticed because his notifications on liking my photos were gone, unmatched me on Hinge, and I realized my text didn't send as it wasn't 'Delivered'. And I see the unmatch happen in REAL TIME as I was on Hinge ready to text this man that he was a coward for not communicating that he simply wasn't interested anymore but his profile literally disappeared the moment I refreshed the page.

In total I talked to these two guys for a week each.

Like why did these guys put in effort to compliment me, talk to me for DAYS, telling me how excited they are to meet me only to go bye-bye. It's only been a week with each of these men and I know I shouldn't be butt-hurt but damn my pride is a bit down.

Is this like an online dating tactic I'm missing? Does it give people validation? *Sigh*

EDIT: I know both sexes go through the same thing! I'm not pointing fingers just wanting to rant that's all! And I read comments/advice and for sure I will widen the dating pool and not share social medias instantly!

Also I would like to preface that the reason why I scheduled dates days after matching and not immediately was because I got really busy. But don't worry I told those guys about it and they told me they were okay with that! Hence why there were 'days of texting'.

And yes... I will not get too invested. I learned my lesson however I'M STILL LEARNING.

Thanks :)