Things That Are Automatic Green Flags On Online Dating Apps

13 Green Flags on a Dating App That Make Online Daters Instantly Swipe Right (Especially When Someone Has a Picture of Themselves Being Goofy)

In today’s world of online dating, navigating a sea of profiles can feel overwhelming. With so much emphasis placed on spotting a red flag, we often forget the importance of recognising a green flag—those subtle yet powerful indicators that someone could be a genuinely compatible partner.

So, what’s a green flag? Essentially, it’s a behaviour, quality, or trait that signals emotional maturity, kindness, and compatibility. When you notice a green flag on someone’s profile, it’s a sign that you should probably swipe right and give that conversation a chance to grow.

Let’s explore 13 green flags that instantly signal someone may be worth your time (and potentially your heart).

1. A Thoughtful Profile That Goes Beyond the Basics

A strong bio is more than a few emojis or “ask me anything”—it’s a digital first impression. A thoughtful profile that goes beyond the superficial gives you a real sense of who someone is.

If someone’s profile includes detailed hobbies, clear values, and a dash of personality, it’s a good sign. For example:

• “I spend Sundays cooking Thai food with my mum.”
• “Big fan of horror films and bad puns.”

These details reflect positive attributes and show effort. As one woman from the BuzzFeed community noted, “When he said he was seeking a gentleman–style relationship, I knew we had similar values.”

If a person has taken time to craft their profile, they’re likely to approach a relationship with the same thoughtfulness.

2. When Someone Has a Picture of Themselves Being Goofy

When someone has a picture that’s intentionally silly or offbeat, it reveals much more than just their face. A picture of themselves being goofy demonstrates confidence, playfulness, and authenticity.

It might be a photo of them wearing a ridiculous costume or pulling a silly face at a wedding. These funny photos suggest the person doesn’t take themselves too seriously—a hugely attractive quality.

One user once said, “I saw a profile with a man in a chicken onesie. That photo made you laugh right away. I messaged him, and now he’s my fiancé.”

Humour is powerful, and the ability to laugh at oneself is a classic green flag.

3. They’re Upfront About What They’re Looking For on the App

Let’s be honest: vagueness on dating apps is exhausting. If someone is upfront about their intentions—whether it’s dating, friendship, or something long-term—it shows emotional clarity.

When a profile says, “Looking for a serious relationship,” or “Not here to play games”, they’re demonstrating maturity.

Contrast this with the all-too-common “just looking for fun” with no further context. That phrase often signals ambiguity or avoidance.

Being direct helps both parties avoid wasting time. It says: I respect your time, and I hope you respect mine.

4. They Engage with Your Profile Meaningfully

It’s easy to copy-paste “Hey” to 50 matches. But when someone takes the time to reply to something you’ve written—especially your conversation starters—that’s a clear green flag.

Maybe they mention your love of 90s R&B, ask you about your dog, or comment on your cooking photos. It means they’re paying attention and see you as a real person, not just a pretty face.

This kind of conversation builds from mutual interest, which is essential for any strong connection.

5. They Display a Genuine Sense of Humour

If someone says they love to laugh, that’s lovely—but show us, don’t just tell us. When a person shares quirky anecdotes, clever captions, or witty one-liners, it reveals their personality.

A great sense of humour isn’t just about making jokes—it’s about timing, playfulness, and the ability to find joy in small things.

Having fun early in a chat, even before your first date, sets a positive tone. And let’s face it: funny people tend to be more engaging, more open, and more attractive.

6. They Use Proper Grammar and Seem Educated

It may sound petty, but grammar matters. If a person doesn’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re,” it may suggest a lack of care or attention to detail.

No one expects you to be Shakespeare, but a well-written bio with correct spelling shows you’ve made an effort—and effort is sexy.

As one person put it, “Proper grammar was my ‘one green flag.’ I couldn’t explain why, but it showed me he’d show up in life the same way.”

It’s not about perfection. It’s about pride in communication.

7. They Highlight Their Values and Emotional Maturity

People who mention positive attributes like kindness, resilience, or self-awareness often make great partners.

Statements like:

• “I’ve worked hard on communication.”
• “I value honesty and emotional availability.”

…are powerful. They don’t just want to get a relationship—they want to build one.

A man who says, “He’s likely mature, even though he still loves Lego” is showing balance: playful and grown-up. That’s a major green flag.

8. They Present as Supportive and Kind

Actions speak louder than bios. Maybe they share stories about helping friends, volunteering, or cheering on their sister’s football team.

A truly supportive person will show signs of empathy, reliability, and loyalty from the start. These little things add up.

Being the sweetest or kindest match isn’t about grand romantic gestures—it’s about the daily, thoughtful ones. Holding space. Asking how your day went. Offering encouragement.

9. They Describe Themselves as a Gentleman (Without Overdoing It)

Some may cringe at this, but describing oneself as a gentleman—if done sincerely—can be endearing.

“I’ve been accused of being a gentleman more than once,” or “Always a lady, seeking someone equally kind” are common bios that still resonate.

In a sea of edgy, aloof profiles, a polite and warm one stands out. These are classic profile green flags, especially for those seeking meaningful connections.

10. They Aren’t Just Trying to ‘Hang’ – They Want to Connect

If someone opens with, “Want to hang?” with zero context, it often suggests a lack of intent.

However, if they say, “I’d love to meet for coffee and talk about your favourite films,” it shows initiative, curiosity, and genuine interest.

Many online daters are tired of flaky plans and vague intentions. Someone who puts in the effort to plan a proper date, especially a first date, is making it clear they aren’t here to waste time.

11. They Take Pride in the Little Things

Sometimes, the strongest green flags are subtle:

• They messaged you when they said they would.
• They remember your dog’s name.
• They asked about your upcoming work trip.

These details may seem small, but they reveal character. The ability to remember and act on the little things is the foundation of emotional connection.

12. They Show a Bigger Picture Mindset

Someone who writes, “I’m working on being a better communicator,” or, “I’ve learned a lot from past relationships,” is likely seeing the bigger picture.

This reflects growth, humility, and emotional intelligence.

In contrast, someone who only jokes or stays guarded may not be ready for a meaningful relationship. While not every profile needs to be deep, some mention of past lessons or future goals is often a good sign.

13. They Love Animals (Especially Cats)

Let’s end on something delightfully wholesome.

A person with a cat in their profile shows warmth, responsibility, and care. Pets are excellent character indicators. One woman shared that her fiancé won her over when her grumpy old cat curled up in his lap.

If a pet is featured in one photo, that image alone can reveal how someone treats those more vulnerable than themselves. That, in itself, is a major green flag.

Conclusion: Share the Green Flags and Swipe Smarter

The beauty of online dating is in the details. When we stop focusing solely on avoiding red flags and start looking for what feels right, we begin attracting the people we want.

These 13 green flags aren’t exhaustive, but they’re a strong framework to help you recognise emotional availability, maturity, and authenticity.

So the next time you’re scrolling, don’t just ask, “Are they hot?” Ask, “Are they kind?”

Rachel Hall

Rachel Hall, M.A., completed her education in English at the University of Pennsylvania and received her master’s degree in family therapy from Northern Washington University. She has been actively involved in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, and coping with life changes and traumatic events for both families and individual clients for over a decade. Her areas of expertise include narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and therapy for traumatic cases. In addition, Rachel conducts workshops focusing on the psychology of positive thinking and coping skills for both parents and teens. She has also authored numerous articles on the topics of mental health, stress, family dynamics and parenting.