As the internet plays an ever greater part in our social lives, with sites such as Facebook helping us to keep in touch with our friends, it's inevitable that we use it to help run our love lives as well. Online dating and dating apps are one of the most popular ways to meet a new partner and there are more than 1,400 sites in the UK alone, catering for people from all walks of life and interests. Here is the pick of the best dating apps and sites - not forgetting our very own website. The 20 best dating sites and apps in the UK claims its site has led to more dates, marriages and relationships than any other. With millions of members, its large user base should mean there is someone for everyone, although you may have to trawl through a LOT of profiles to find them! Taking a scientific approach to love - matches singles based on key dimensions of compatibility proven to be the foundation for a long-term relationship, like character, intellect and values. The place for those well-meaning types who can't believe their best friend is single. They push your qualities so you don't have to. The net's biggest Jewish dating service, with often hilariously self-deprecating personal descriptions. Probably with the broadest reach of the hundreds of lesbian and gay sites on the net, plus news, features, travel tips, fashion and gossip. Launched in September 2000, Christian Connection is the largest, and longest established subscriber based UK Christian dating site. The romantic social network that found its feet through Facebook, it helps people create and share their romantic journeys, with a multitude of members from around the globe enjoying the service each month. With over 140,000 members - it's THE place for people aged 40+ to meet. Fancy a date in your lunch hour? Claiming to be the world's largest online matrimonial site - it was founded with one simple objective - to provide a superior matchmaking experience to Indians all over the world. Because dating's not just for the youngsters.... The over 50s are one of the fastest groups of online daters these days... Newly merged with Meetic, the giant of the dating scene, giving access to nearly 20 million users across Europe and with plenty of high-tech ways to find them. Matching singles who love the arts. Where you don't have to worry about mentioning the little nippers. It's famous for matching potential soulmates through a gigantic list of questions, designed to increase compatibility. Bumble works on a similar basis to Tinder. It's free, easy to set up and simple to use, and a right swipe indicates a like. A key difference, however, is that women have to begin the conversation, thus avoiding the countless cringey messages of Tinder. There's also a 24-hour time limit to start chatting, so if you find your soulmate you'd better move quickly. If you've crossed paths with another user, they'll show up at the top of your Happn page, and it'll tell you how many times too. This inevitably means half your work colleagues will show up, but it also ensures you meet people with similar interests or living nearby. One of the most popular dating apps out there. It's free, unless you opt for in-app purchases, incredibly easy-to-use, and has a wide enough membership to never run out of potential matches. A website version of the app is also launching soon. For more tips and advice on successful dating after 40, visit our section.
