"Short Term Fun" Meaning on Tinder & Other Dating Apps

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A relaxed & fun way to describe your intentions on Tinder and more

Co-authored by Connell Barrett and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: February 25, 2025 Fact Checked

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Meaning

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How to Use It on Dating Apps

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Related Dating App Tags & Phrases

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Navigating a Casual Relationship

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Tips

On dating apps, the "short term fun" tag is used when someone is looking for a casual fling or hookup with no strings attached. They aren’t looking for something long term. It is confusing, though, especially when you see phrases like “short term, open to long” and “looking for fun.” To make your dating app experience easier, we put together this article where we explain what the short term fun tag means, related tags, and more!

Short Term Fun: Quick Overview

On dating apps, people use the tag short term fun when they are looking for a casual, non-committed relationship. Some people who use the tag are only looking for one-night stands. Others are looking for casual dating and light hookups. The best way to find out what someone is looking for is to ask them.

Section 1 of 4:

What does "short term fun" mean on dating apps?

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"Short term fun" means someone’s looking for a casual hookup with no strings attached. When you see this tag in someone’s Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge bio, the person is looking for a short term, casual relationship characterized by hookups and no strings attached. They aren’t looking for a committed relationship, but rather something that’s more carefree and casual.^{[1]
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- They may still want to go out on a few dates to get a feel for you as a person.
- People use the short term fun tag to be clear that they’re looking for something casual.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 4:

Using "Short Term Fun" on Dating Apps

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Use short term fun to let others know you’re looking for something casual. When you’re swiping on dating apps and want to let your matches know that you aren’t looking for something serious and would prefer a casual fling or hookup, use the short term fun tag. Say “I’m just looking for short term fun” to explain that you want to explore something casual without any strings attached.
- Example: “Yeah, I’m just getting back in the dating scene so I’m not looking for anything serious. I prefer short term fun!”
- Example: “I’m more of a casual dater. I’ve tried long term and it’s not for me. Right now, I’m looking for short term fun.”

Section 3 of 4:

Related Dating App Tags & Phrases

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On dating apps, this tag means that people are still trying to figure out what they want from a relationship. They’re likely indecisive and open to exploring, but don’t have any expectations. If you see this tag on a dating app, it means that someone is open to anything, as long as they have the opportunity to figure it out themselves.
If someone has “looking for fun” in their Tinder bio, it means they’re looking for a casual hookup or friends with benefits. “Short term fun” tends to indicate that someone is looking for something more casual, while “looking for fun” can range from casual hookups to a situationship.
When someone uses this tag on dating apps, it means they are looking for a short, casual relationship but are willing to explore a long-term, serious relationship if they find someone who checks their boxes. If you match with someone who has this tag, keep an open mind and see where things go.

Section 4 of 4:

How to Navigate a Casual Relationship

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Be clear about what you want by establishing rules and boundaries. In a casual relationship, it is important to speak up for yourself and what you want. Establish clear rules and boundaries for the relationship and make sure things are fair for both partners. Ask questions about what they want out of the relationship, be honest about your intentions, and if your thoughts or feelings on the matter change, let them know so you can navigate the situation together.^{[3]
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- Set your boundaries at the beginning of the relationship so you can prevent any potentially damaging behavior.
- This can be as simple as messaging your match and letting them know that you only date people who have been tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
A casual relationship often lacks the same commitment as an exclusive relationship. If the person you’re dating has established that they’re looking for short-term fun, don’t expect them to be willing to drop everyone and make you their one and only partner. If you want something more exclusive, it may be time to swipe for another partner.^{[4]
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Since the relationship is casual, neither you nor your partner is entitled to commitment. If you know they’re sleeping with other people or you’re doing the same, use protection to prevent the spread of any unwanted sexually transmitted infections and prevent pregnancy. Having sex with multiple people increases your chances of getting an STI, so make sure you’re using protection in casual relationships.^{[5]
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Tips

If you’re unsure of someone’s intentions on a dating app, ask them!

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If you match with someone who’s looking for short term fun when you’re looking for something long term, let them know and see what options you’re willing to explore.

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Be transparent about your dating goals when you’re on a dating app.

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