Jumping back into dating when you might have thought that chapter was over forever can be nerve-wracking, but once you get into it you’ll be FINE, we promise. You might even enjoy it...

Whether you're ‘young, free and single’ days were 20 years ago or a couple of years ago, there have been some changes in the dating world. Let’s get you up to speed on what's new in dating so that you can dive gracefully back into the dating pool rather than throw yourself in with a (painful) belly flop…

Here are 5 things you need to know about what's new in the dating world:

1. Online is where it’s at

Meeting people IRL (in real life) will never go out of style but let’s face it, you will seriously increase your chances of meeting your perfect match if you use a dating app.

It can be daunting if you’ve never done it before but once you get used to it, online dating is easier than you think and allows you to meet more potential matches than ever before.

The Frolo Dating App is here, so if you're looking to date other single parents, we've got you covered with our safe, user-verified frolo-friendly dating space!

2. Texting is a key skill

Most of us know how to send a text message but do you know how to really communicate effectively by text?

When it comes to modern dating, texting is one of the most important skills to become comfortable with – it’s how you’ll make a first impression with your matches, how you’ll get to know them and how you’ll ask them out on an in-person date, or be asked out.

So learn to flirt over text, use emojis and ask open-ended questions. Once you get into it you might be surprised at how much fun it is.

3. Dating multiple people at a time

There are no hard and fast rules about this, but in general it’s more acceptable to be talking to multiple matches at the same time these days than it used to be. As long as you find what’s comfortable for you, set your boundaries, and communicate appropriately with your matches, you can date on your own terms.

Speaking with a match online and maybe meeting up with them doesn’t mean you’re exclusive, it just means you’re getting to know each other. And it’s perfectly acceptable to get to know more than one match at a time.

4. It can be anything you want it to be

Before becoming parents many of us were dating with a goal: a long-term relationship, marriage, children perhaps. Now, you might have gone through a divorce, or maybe you’ve just split up from your long-term partner and the last thing you want is a serious relationship.

So spend this time getting to know yourself again. Rediscover what you like and don’t like in a partner. Keep it casual if that’s what you want, just make sure you’re upfront about your intentions with matches first.

On the other hand, if you are looking for something long-term, don’t feel discouraged, there are plenty of single parents looking for exactly the same thing.

5. You’re in the strongest position you’ve ever been

Dating as a single parent can often be more straightforward – in some ways at least! You’re likely have experienced some highs and lows in life, and have a pretty good idea about who you are, what you want in a partner and how you want to spend your time. And having kids makes your spare time precious, so you’re going to be discerning about who you spend it with.

And that’s our round-up of 5 things that have changed if you’re newly back on the dating scene. Remember, navigating dating at any age can be tricky and the dating world might look different from the last time you saw it, but there are PLENTY of advantages to dating as a single parent, so get ready to dive back in!

If you’re interested in meeting another single parent who just gets it, try Frolo Dating, the world’s first fully user-verified dating app for single parents, for a respectful, safe and fun dating experience.

Frolo Dating for single parents is now live.

To find out more, head over to our blog post ‘Everything You Need to Know about Frolo Dating’

Learn more about modern dating in our blog ’12 Modern Dating Terms You Need to Know – But Don’t Need to Experience’

‍