The second annual hot girl/city boy summer is upon us and we’re all eager to partake in the shenanigans this year. Since the chances of meeting a potential fling IRL are pretty slim right now, this is the perfect time to see who's out there in the virtual world. Dating doesn't have to stop just because you’re in the house. We can still be single and ready to mingle and Bumble is here to help.

The dating app is helping people find meaningful connections while social distancing by advocating for safe, but fun digital interactions. You can make your first move and have your first date all from the comfort of your own couch. And, since we are all itching for some social interaction, there’s no better time to put yourself out there than now.

Need a little help getting started? Check out these flirty conversation starters curated by the Blavity Team to help you score a date on Bumble in 'Rona (and non 'Rona) times.

Ready to get in the game? Let’s go!

1. You: “He told me to DM you.”

   Potential Bae: “Who is he?”

   You: “The Lord.”

Who would deny this approach? When the spirit hits, that’s when you know it’s real. This opener sourced from social media will definitely make bae chuckle and maybe even land you a virtual date.

2. Since COVID-19 won't let us out, can I take you out (virtually)?

It’s a bold move, but it could pay-off. Virtual dates can bring out more meaningful conversations and spark creativity between you and your Bumble match!

3. Hey! Can I ship you a drink?

Offering to buy a drink doesn’t always have to happen at the bar. This is a question that rarely gets denied.

4. Ask, “What book are you reading?” Then buy the book, so you can both read it together. 

On an intellectual note, this can ignite an intriguing conversation between you and your Bumble match. There’s no better time to read than now, and it always helps to have a reading buddy.

5. That mask brings out the beauty in your eyes.

No mask shaming here. A genuine compliment that is sure to make the receiver of it smile and is a shoo-in to start a conversation.

6. Can’t spell quarantine without “u r a q t.”

Speaking of a play on words, this classic one-liner, “I wish I could rearrange the alphabet and put U and I together,” can also be a cute one to use while shooting your shot. 

7. What was your best drop the mic moment?

Here’s a great conversation starter to keep you two engaged. You can talk about an iconic personal, business or family-related moment that happened in your life to impress your match. A humble brag goes a long way.  

8. Did Lloyd say, “She’s 5’2” or fine too?” 

Still a QTNA in 2020. If you two aren’t on the same page with the lyrics from Lloyd’s classic song, ‘You’, it’s sure to spark a longer conversation. Opposites attract like magnets!   

9. The only snack I want this quarantine is you.

Since we’re all on the verge of gaining the “Quarantine 15” by eating all of our snacks at home, why not use this line to possibly snag a potential bae? Who knows, you might end up getting a meal.

If these lines aren’t quite your style, try the in-app Bumble Conversation Starters for canned ice-breakers to get the convo going after you match. Another convenient feature is the Question Game. This is a great way to start a conversation if you don’t want to use one of our catchy openers. The Question Game is a fun way to get to know a person to spark either a fun, flirty or in-depth discussion. You have the option to pick from Bumble’s pre-written questions or you can type one in on your own. You and your match both have to respond to the question before your answers are revealed.

The dating app has also added more features to help you communicate with your potential boo in a more genuine way. The Video Chat and Voice Call features allow you the ability to communicate with or without giving out your personal phone number yet.  Once you match with someone, the phone and video icon pop up at the top right corner of the screen.

Bumble also allows you to change your distance filter, opening up the chance to connect with people across the country. Bumble wants us to find love, regardless of state lines. To take advantage of this feature, just go to your settings and move the distance slider all the way to the right.

Photo: Bumble

These three features can help you get the right vibes from the person you are interested in and make it easier than ever to spark real conversations. Just think about it; dating virtually allows you to be authentic in the comfort of your own home, without the distractions an IRL date might come with.

Who doesn’t love the option of dating in your pajamas or dressing real cute in the living room? You can even be creative and try fun activities like watching a movie together, and still have flowers and food sent to your match’s home. 

Just because socializing outside is canceled, doesn’t mean your dating life has to be. So, don’t knock this opportunity. You know what they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. So get to Bumbling friends, and maybe you’ll be stung by the right bee. Download the Bumble app here! #MakeTheFirstMove