What is VR Dating and How Does It Work?

Updated December 23, 2025

At first, online dating apps and sites may have seemed a little strange. Many people didn’t even want to admit that they were using them, or that they initially met their significant other online. But as more and more people started dating online, it became less taboo. Now, it’s one of the most common ways that people meet and begin dating.

Virtual reality dating is still in the early stages, similar to the early years of online dating. We haven’t yet seen the perfect combination of VR hardware and software to drive widespread adoption among most of the population.

That said, VR dating is becoming more and more popular. According to search data, each month thousands of people in the US alone are searching for information about VR dating. The VR dating app Nevermet claims that they have connected over 200,000 people in the metaverse. I expect it will continue to grow in popularity as technology and software applications continue to develop.

So how does it actually work? There are currently two main options for how dating happens in virtual reality. (Scroll for more)

What is VR Dating and How Does It Work Featured Photo

Option 1: Remote Dating via VR Chat or Similar Apps

One way to date using VR is to use the VR headset and a VR app to connect with people in other locations around the world. This could be someone you are already dating who is currently in another location, or someone that you met online or in the metaverse.

Some people choose to use video cameras with their VR headset to clearly see the other person that they are interacting with, similar to a video call but with more immersion due to the use of a virtual reality headset and virtual environment. Others choose a virtual character or avatar to represent themselves while navigating and meeting others in a fully virtual world.

While dating with avatars may sound a little strange at first, many people find that it’s an interesting way to connect with others based purely on conversation and ideas. Using avatars and messages means that it doesn’t really matter how you look, how much money you have, or where you live.

This use of avatars can reduce unconscious bias during the process of connecting with others and open up amazing VR dates that might not have naturally happened in the physical world. For those who are open to it, even gender filters can be removed from the equation as users can choose avatar based profiles that they feel represent who they are regardless of physical gender. Many people feel that this enables them to enjoy love and limitless relationships.

As virtual reality technology has developed VR headsets, full body tracking, and haptic suits have become more affordable and widespread. This has allowed dating in VR to become more realistic and immersive. You can now interact with your partner in ways that replicate many aspects of being in the same room together.

Option 2: Using a VR Dating Simulator

Another way to date using VR is using dating simulators, which are basically video games where you can choose what to say and do in order to try to win over a virtual character. The virtual character, or datingbot, is usually programmed to respond in certain ways based on your actions and dialogue choices. While these datingbots can’t fully think for themselves, the software characters can often behave and communicate in a very realistic way that feels surprisingly natural.

Some dating simulators focus on giving users the opportunity to date multiple characters, while others let you play through an entire relationship from start to finish. No matter what type of dating simulator you choose to play, they can all be a fun and interesting way to explore dating in a virtual world.

How do dating simulators work in VR and why are they so popular?

Dating simulators can be played on a VR headset or on a computer. They are becoming increasingly popular, especially among dating app users who want to try something new. Dating simulators are usually visual novels where you make choices that affect the outcome of the story. They often have multiple storylines and endings, meaning you can replay them multiple times and still have a new experience.

There are many different dating simulators available, with new ones being created all the time. Some dating simulators are more realistic and lifelike, while others are more fantasy-based (almost like going on a VR date inside a comic book).

What are the best VR dating games available right now and why should people try them out?

Are there any dangers to VR dating that people should be aware of?

Risks of VR dating via remote chatrooms

When interacting with people you don’t know online, whether virtual friends or romantic partners, it’s important to exercise common sense precautions. There shouldn’t be a need to give out sensitive personal information like bank accounts, credit cards, or other personally identifying information

People who are underage in particular should exercise caution as there have been instances of grooming in dating simulators. In one case, a 19-year-old man was arrested for posing as a 15-year-old boy in order to meet and groom teenage girls in VRChat, a dating simulator. Younger children should not participate in virtual chats without parental supervision, as it is not uncommon to see inappropriate adult topics.

It’s also important not to meet up with people you’ve only met online in real life without taking precautions like meeting in a public place and letting someone else know where you’ll be.

While VR Chat and dating can be a fun way to meet new people, it’s important to remember that not everyone is who they say they are online. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when meeting strangers from the internet.

And as with a relationship in the physical world, watch out for people who may try to control or manipulate you emotionally. If you’re in doubt, consider sharing some of your interactions with a trusted friend to get some independent advice.

Risks of VR dating simulators

It may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that dating simulators are not real and don’t truly have the ability to know and understand you and your personality. Since the characters you virtually date are not real people, they shouldn’t actually hurt your feelings or break your heart. But, they can be a fun and safe way to explore dating without any of the real-world risks. Dating simulators can be a fun way to explore different dating scenarios and get to know more about yourself and what you want in a relationship.

What could the future of VR dating look like?

The future of virtual reality dating could look very different from what we’re used to today. With the increasing popularity of dating simulators and the development of new technology, we could see dating simulators that are even more realistic and lifelike. We might also see dating simulators that are less focused on heterosexual relationships and offer more diverse dating options.

Virtual reality dating could also become more mainstream, with dating apps incorporating VR features or even developing their own VR dating simulators. We could see dating simulators being used as a tool for people to explore different dating scenarios and learn more about themselves and what they want in a relationship.

Matchmaking could take on new and interesting forms as applications leverage machine learning to find potential romantic matches based on common interests and observed personality traits as opposed to focusing on looks.

The possibilities are endless, but one thing is for sure: VR dating is likely to become more popular and mainstream in the years to come.