Groove Safety & dating Tips
Dating Safety Tips
Meeting new people through Groove is exciting – but your safety should always come first. Whether you’re messaging someone for the first time or meeting face-to-face, it’s important to stay alert and use your best judgment. Here are some safety tips to help you protect yourself and enjoy the Groove experience responsibly.
Online Safety
Never Send Money or Share Financial Information Don’t send money, gift cards, or sensitive financial info to anyone – even if they claim it’s an emergency. If someone asks, report them immediately.
Protect Your Personal Information
Keep your home address, daily routines, children’s information, and workplace private. Share carefully, even after chatting for a while.
Stay on Groove
Keep conversations on the app as long as possible. People with bad intentions often try to move to other platforms early to bypass safety features.
Be Wary of Long Distance or " "Stuck Overseas" Stories
Scammers often pretend to be from your area but stuck elsewhere. If someone is overly serious too fast, avoids video calls, or refuses to meet – it’s a red flag.
Report Suspicious or Offensive Behavior
Examples of reportable behavior:
- Requests for money or donations
- Threats, hate speech, or bullying
- Fraudulent or spammy accounts
- Harassment during or after in-person meetings
Use the report function in profiles or chats to notify our team.
Secure Your Account
Use a strong, unique password. Never share your login details. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Groove, contact us directly.
Meeting in Person
Don’t Rush It Take your time to get to know someone. Set boundaries and ask questions. A video chat before meeting in person is highly recommended.
Meet in Public, Stay in Public
Always choose a public location for your first few meetups. Never agree to meet at a private residence or remote spot.
Share Your Plans
Tell a trusted friend or family member who you’re meeting, where you’re going, and when you plan to return. Keep your phone charged and on you.
Control Your Transportation
Drive yourself or arrange your own ride so you can leave if needed. Don’t rely on someone you’ve just met for a ride.
Know Your Limits
Be aware of your alcohol or substance intake. If you feel pressured, don’t hesitate to end the interaction.
Protect Your Belongings
Keep drinks and personal items like your phone, ID, and wallet with you at all times.
If You Feel Unsafe, Leave
Your safety is more important than being polite. It’s okay to walk away. If needed, ask staff or bystanders for help.
LGBTQ+ Travel Considerations
Groove supports all gender identities and sexual orientations. However, we recognize that not all regions are equally safe.
When traveling:
- Research local laws before using dating apps.
- Use the ‘Hide My Profile’ option when in areas with anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
- Be mindful that some authorities have used dating apps as a trap in certain countries.
Visit ILGA World to stay informed on international laws and protections.
Sexual Health & Consent
Protect Yourself Use protection like condoms to help reduce STI risk. Consider vaccines for HPV and other preventable infections.
Know Your Status
Get tested regularly – many STIs don’t show symptoms. Staying informed protects both you and your partners.
Communicate Openly
Talk about STI testing and boundaries before things get intimate. Being honest helps build trust and respect.
Consent is Key
All intimacy must start with clear, mutual consent. Check in often, respect boundaries, and remember: consent can be withdrawn at any time. If someone is intoxicated or unsure – pause and reassess.
Need Help or Support?
Even when you do everything right, things can go wrong – and it’s not your fault. If something makes you uncomfortable or unsafe, please report it through Groove or contact:
- ThroughLine for crisis support worldwide
- RAINN for sexual violence support
- Crisis Text Line or BEAM for mental health resources
In an emergency, call 911 or your local authorities immediately.