Whether you’re a seasoned swiper or brand new to the online dating world, navigating dating apps can sometimes feel like decoding a secret language. Those small symbols and badges — hearts, lightning bolts, stars, and more — are more than just eye candy. Each one has a specific purpose, and understanding what they mean can help you get the most from your digital matchmaking experience.

In this article, we break down the most common notification symbols found in dating apps and explain what they mean. We also dive into how they affect your experience and how you can use them to maximize your chances of finding a match.

Why Do Dating Apps Use Symbols?

Dating apps are built for speed and convenience. Using symbols and icons provides a universal, minimalist language that helps users interact with the platform quickly and efficiently. Instead of using lengthy phrases or text descriptions, apps rely on visually-intuitive icons to guide your actions. These symbols are essential to:

  • Notify users of new activity (likes, messages, matches, etc.)
  • Prompt users to take action (swipe, message, match, upgrade, etc.)
  • Highlight important app features or premium services

Now, let’s explore what some of those icons actually mean.

Most Common Notification Symbols and Their Meanings

1. ❤️ Heart Icon

The heart symbol is probably the most widely recognized. In nearly every dating app, a heart means that someone is expressing interest in you. Depending on the app, this could mean:

  • Someone has liked your profile
  • You’ve liked someone else’s profile
  • A mutual like has resulted in a match (in apps like Tinder or Bumble)

When a red badge appears on this symbol, it typically means there are new likes or matches waiting for you to check.

2. ⭐ Star or Super Like

Stars usually represent a stronger-than-normal interest — often referred to as a “Super Like”. When you give someone a star, it means you want them to know you’re really interested. On apps like Tinder, this will alert the other user that you’ve given them a super like, which can increase your chances of a match.

Some apps limit how many stars or super likes you can use each day, so use them wisely!

3. 🔥 Flame or Lightning Bolt Symbol

These symbols often relate to features designed to increase your visibility or match chances in a short period of time. Here’s what they typically indicate:

  • Boosts: Temporarily puts your profile at the top of the stack, making it more likely to be seen.
  • Surge Hours: Notifies you when app activity is particularly high so you can boost leverage during peak times.
  • Quick Match Mode: When the app is focusing on fast-paced swiping such as in timed events.

A badge or animation on this icon usually means your boost is active, or the platform is prompting you to activate one.

4. 💬 Chat Bubble Icon

The chat bubble symbol (often represented as a speech bubble) is your gateway to conversations. If there’s a badge or number overlaying the icon, it usually means you have:

  • A new message from a match
  • A response to a message you’ve sent
  • A system-generated conversation prompt

Staying engaged with your matches is key to success in online dating, so pay attention to this notification. Ignoring new messages can cause your matches to expire or become inactive.

5. 👁️‍🗨️ Eyeball or Profile View Icon

Less common but available in apps like Plenty of Fish or Badoo, this icon shows you who has viewed your profile. This symbol can be especially useful when you’re trying to figure out who is showing interest but hasn’t swiped or messaged yet. It often requires a premium subscription to access the details of these viewers.

6. 🔔 Bell Icon (General Notifications)

Just like other platforms, a bell icon is used for general alerts and updates. This might include:

  • Daily match suggestions
  • Event invites (like speed dating nights on Bumble)
  • App updates or feature launches

If the bell lights up or features a number badge, there’s likely something new the app wants you to look at.

7. 💎 Diamond or Crown Symbols

These often represent premium features or exclusive users in dating apps. For example:

  • A diamond might highlight your profile as a “Top Pick” (as in Tinder or Hinge)
  • A crown icon may indicate “Elite” members who are highly active or verified

If you see these icons on profiles, you might be looking at someone who has taken extra steps to stand out — or someone you’re encouraged to consider seriously.

Other Common Symbols Worth Mentioning

  • Check Mark: Indicates a verified profile, usually through phone number or photo verification.
  • Hourglass: A time-limited offer or expiring match.
  • Arrow Icons: Suggest swipe direction or rewind (on Tinder Gold, for example).

How to Make the Most of These Symbols

Now that you know what all those icons mean, the next step is using them strategically to enhance your experience. Here’s how:

  • Check notifications regularly: Dating apps are fast-paced, and new messages or matches can become stale if ignored.
  • Use Super Likes and Boosts smartly: Save these premium features for times when the app is busiest to get maximum exposure.
  • Don’t ignore profile views: If someone viewed your profile but didn’t like or message, consider sending them a like first.
  • Customize your push alerts: You don’t need to be overwhelmed by constant notifications. Most apps let you set preferences to balance productivity with your social life.

Symbols Across Different Apps: A Quick Comparison

It’s worth noting that while these symbols are widely used, each dating platform has their own spin on things. Here’s a quick look at how some popular apps use notification icons:

App Unique Icons Notable Features
Tinder Flame, Star, Lightning Boost, Super Like, Top Picks
Bumble Crown, Hive Icons Ladies-first messaging, Profile badges
Hinge Roses, Hearts Detailed profiles, Prompts
OkCupid Matching percentages, Questions Extensive profile matching

Conclusion

Understanding dating app notification symbols is about more than just knowing what each icon looks like. It’s about optimizing your experience, making informed choices, and enhancing your communication with potential matches. Think of these icons as tools that help decode the complex — and often exciting — world of dating apps.

So next time that flame appears or you see a chat bubble light up, you’ll know exactly what’s behind it — and how to act on it!