it's official, facebook dating is now available

even if it wasn’t official, many have used facebook as a sort of dating app. now facebook users — starting in the united states — can officially use the social network giant to find a new partner. called facebook dating, the company is giving people the opportunity to start meaningful relationships through things in common, like interests, events and groups. the app, which creates a dating profile for you, will also give you a more authentic look at who someone is.

‘finding a romantic partner is deeply personal, which is why we built dating to be safe, inclusive and opt-in,’ comments nathan sharp, product manager, facebook dating. ‘safety, security and privacy are at the forefront of this product. we worked with experts in these areas to build protections into facebook dating from the start, including the ability to report and block anyone; prohibiting people from sending photos, links, payments or videos in messages; and by providing easy access to safety tips.’

since last week, users in the U.S. have been able to choose to opt into facebook dating and create a dating profile — one that is separate from their main profile. possible matches are proposed based on user’s preferences, interests and other things they do on facebook. as with other dating apps, this one is not about swiping left or right. if you are interested in someone, you can comment directly on their profile or like their pictures. if not, you can simply just pass on. the app won’t match you with friends unless you choose to use secret crush and you both add each other to your list.

in addition to the US, the app is currently available in 19 other countries: argentina, bolivia, brazil, canada, chile, colombia, ecuador, guyana, laos, malaysia, mexico, paraguay, peru, the philippines, singapore, suriname, thailand, uruguay, and vietnam. it will arrive in europe by early 2020.