Skip is designed to help create a safer dating experience by combining multiple safety features across the full dating process, before, during, and after the date.
Skip helps people go on safer and better dates with more accountability and less wasted time. By removing in-app chat, we are able to automate the entire dating process with custom deal breakers, background checks, scheduling, and date reviews built in.
Take a moment to review the safety and compatibility tools available to you on Skip.
Set your deal breakers
Deal breakers are not just about compatibility. They also help you set expectations early, communicate boundaries clearly, and spot red flags before meeting in person. Setting clear boundary deal breakers upfront makes it easier to recognize when someone intentionally crosses a line, because your boundaries were clearly communicated from the start.
Do a dating readiness check-in
Before dating, take a moment to check in with yourself and whether you feel ready to date in a way that supports your safety and well-being. Past sexual assault or trauma can affect dating safety in real ways, especially if those wounds have not had space to heal, often with the help of therapy or other support. It may show up as freezing, fawning, ignoring your instincts, going along with things to avoid conflict, struggling to enforce boundaries, dissociating, or feeling pressure to stay in situations that do not feel right. These responses are common after trauma and are not your fault, but they can make it harder to recognize risk, hold boundaries, and leave unsafe situations. If you notice these patterns coming up, consider pausing dating for now and focusing on support and healing first. To learn more, read our full guide on date readiness check.
Require a background check
Depending on your match type and settings, you may be able to require a match to complete a background check before they can propose a date. Background checks help make first dates safer. Skip uses SSN verification, which helps reduce fraud risk compared to name-only screening.
Find someone you like
You can tap the heart icon to like someone already on the Skip app — or, if you meet someone in person you're interested in, hand them a Date Card to invite them to be screened for a potential date with you. Date Cards help turn an offline connection into a safer first date by guiding the other person through your required safety steps on Skip, like background checks and deal breakers, before going on a date.
Look for multiple trust signals
Before liking someone on Skip, review their profile, photos, prompts, verification status, and past date review tags carefully and trust your judgment if something seems unusual or does not add up.
Meet in a public place
Once you receive a date proposal from a match who has passed your deal breakers and background check requirement, use Skip’s date planning flow to align on a time and location that works for both of you. For safety, only choose a public, well-lit place where you feel comfortable and can easily leave if needed.
Share your date details
Let a trusted friend or family member know who you are meeting, where you are going, and when. Skip can help you keep those details organized.
Use your own transportation
Try to avoid relying on someone you do not know well for a ride to or from the date.
Be mindful with alcohol
If you choose to drink, keep it moderate and stay aware of how you feel. Do not leave your drink unattended, and do not feel pressured to drink more than you want. If someone pushes your limits, encourages you to drink more, or makes you feel less in control, take that seriously.
Have an exit plan
Before the date, make sure your phone is charged, you know how you are getting home, and you have a simple reason ready to leave if needed. You do not need to debate or explain your way out of an uncomfortable situation.
Watch for pressure to change the plan
Be cautious if someone tries to move the date from a public place to a private one, pressures you to stay longer than you want, or pushes past what you already agreed to. That can be an early red flag.
Pay attention to behavior
Badges and features matter, but behavior matters more. If someone pressures you, ignores your boundaries, or makes you feel uncomfortable, take that seriously.
If something feels off
Trust your instincts. You do not owe anyone more time, more information, or another chance just because they say they did not mean it. If you feel uncomfortable, leave. If someone behaves in a way that feels unsafe or inappropriate, report them through Skip. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services right away.
Review what consent looks like when dating
Consent is not just about saying yes or no. It is about making sure any interaction is clear, voluntary, informed, and respectful.
Key aspects of consent:
If these things are not true, then it is not consent.
If something happened without your consent, it was not your fault. If you froze, did not fight back, felt pressured, went along with something out of fear, or someone used manipulation or coercion, what happened still matters, and your experience is valid. If you want a deeper look at this topic, see our Consent 101 guide.
After the date, both people are prompted to leave an anonymous review. These reviews are not publicly displayed on user profiles and are used as part of Skip’s internal safety and accountability processes, including flagging issues and helping remove people when needed. Depending on the review options selected, a user may also choose to share specific feedback with your date directly.
Take a moment to check in with yourself.
Did you feel respected and comfortable? Did this person honor your boundaries you had set? Did the date feel aligned with what you want and your deal breakers?
Protect your privacy
After the date, you decide what contact information to share, if any. Skip is designed so you wait until after the first date to share contact information, if you choose. For added privacy and safety, Skip gives you the option to use a second phone number, such as Google Voice, until you feel comfortable sharing your primary number.
No background check, badge, or app feature can guarantee safety. Always use good judgment and take normal safety precautions when meeting anyone in person.