Quick note before we start. The word “midget” is hurtful. I won’t use it here. I’ll say “little person” or “dwarfism,” because people matter more than labels. Cool? Cool.
If you’d like the unabridged story—including extra screenshots and step-by-step message examples—check out my full, candid breakdown of dating as a little person on InternetDating.net.
What I judge by (and why it matters)
Here’s the thing: dating apps feel the same at first. Swipe, match, chat. But tiny details make or break it. I look for:
- Clear profiles with prompts, so I can set the tone right away
- Good filters (height, distance), to save time
- Safety tools (report, block, video chat)
- A decent crowd, not just curious folks who only ask about my body
Also, I like apps that let me state it plainly: “I’m a little person.” I want my words to lead, not rumors.
Hinge: Best for honest chats
I like Hinge when I want real talk. Prompts help me say who I am without it feeling heavy.
- What I like: Strong prompts, photo captions, voice notes, and “Dealbreakers.” It’s easy to show humor and limits.
- What I don’t: Limited likes on free. Now and then, someone treats my height like a dare. Block. Move on.
Example lines I use on Hinge:
- Prompt: “A fact about me that surprises people…”
My answer: “I’m a little person. Yes, I wear cute boots. No, I won’t fit in your carry-on.” - Prompt: “Green flags I look for…”
My answer: “Kind, curious, no weird comments about height. Ask me real stuff. I’ll do the same.” - First message I send: “Your dog looks like a boss. Park walk this week, or are we both hiding from the sun?”
Bumble: Best for control and quick safety
On Bumble, women message first, which helps me set the vibe.
- What I like: I send the first text. Built-in video call. Easy to unmatch if it goes sideways.
- What I don’t: 24-hour timer adds stress. Some chats expire before they warm up.
Example opener I send:
- “Hey! I’m Kayla. Coffee at noon is my love language. What’s yours?”
- If someone says something odd about height, I say: “Please don’t make jokes about my body. Want to start over?”
Tinder: Big crowd, fast pace
Tinder is like a busy street. Loud, messy, but full of chance.
- What I like: Huge pool. Fun for quick plans and light talk.
- What I don’t: More rude jokes. More swipes. I set tight distance and report often.
Bio style that works for me:
- “Book hoarder, breakfast person, little person. If you’re kind and curious, say hi. If you’re here for a height fantasy, keep it moving.”
Openers I use:
- “Best breakfast in town. Go.”
- “Two truths and a lie about me? I’ll start if you promise to play fair.”
For spontaneous, hyper-local meet-ups, I sometimes skip the swipe and browse classified-style boards instead. Westminster locals can scope out the Backpage Westminster feed, where short, photo-friendly ads help you see who’s free tonight, what they’re after, and how to reach out fast without wading through endless profiles.
Feeld: Best for people who read the whole profile
Feeld draws folks who read, ask good questions, and respect clear limits.
- What I like: Tag-based profiles. People are more open-minded and direct. Consent talk is normal here.
- What I don’t: If you don’t set boundaries, it gets weird. I list mine in plain words.
Lines I add:
- “I’m a little person. I like gentle curiosity, not comments about size. Be kind. Ask real questions.”
- “Boundaries: No jokes about my body. Check in before touch. Be a human.”
Niche sites for little people: Mixed bag
Yes, there are small, niche sites aimed at little people. I’ve seen a few. Some look dated, slow, or empty. A couple feel fine, but the pools are tiny. I’ve had better luck on big apps where I can set clear filters and strong bios. If you try niche, cross-post on a mainstream app too. Twice the net, twice the chance. For a curated overview of what’s out there, this rundown of little-people dating sites is a solid starting point.
If you’re weighing which mainstream app deserves your swipe budget, I found that Zoosk’s mix of behavioral matchmaking and easy-to-tweak preference filters can be surprisingly inclusive—check out my full Zoosk review for concrete stats on match quality, screenshot-backed safety tips, and whether its paid coins are actually worth it.
I also took a spin through disability-focused dating apps in general and wrote up every awkward swipe in this hands-on tryout—worth a skim if you’re weighing those options.
Want a broader rundown of popular dating platforms and strategies? Take a peek at the comparison guide on InternetDating.net — it’s a quick, jargon-free read.
Real examples that keep chats healthy
These are lines I’ve used or adapted. Simple, clear, and kind.
When someone asks a blunt height question:
- Them: “So… how tall are you?”
Me: “4’2”. Happy to share more, but please don’t make jokes about it.”
When someone makes a joke I don’t like:
- “That joke doesn’t work for me. Want to try again with respect?”
When I want to set the tone early:
- “I’m a little person. If that’s new for you, ask me real questions. I won’t bite.”
When I end it fast:
- “This isn’t a fit. Take care.”
Then I unmatch. No guilt.
Photos that help (and why)
These photo choices cut confusion and build trust:
- One full-body shot in good light (so there are no surprises later)
- One close-up with a real smile
- One doing a normal thing (groceries, gym, reading at a cafe)
- One with friends, but I’m centered (so I don’t look hidden)
Tiny note: I avoid pics where people are lifting me or crouching “for scale.” I’m not a prop.
Safety moves I keep on repeat
- Meet in bright, busy places first. I like coffee shops with big windows.
- Share the plan with a friend. I send the name, time, and location.
- Video chat before meeting. Five minutes tells you a lot.
- If someone only talks about my body, I end it. No debate.
- If you’re looking for a quick refresher on best practices, I like this concise set of dating and safety tips, which covers everything from first-meet planning to reporting trouble.
Red flags I don’t ignore
- “Can I pick you up?” (Nope.)
- “I’ve always wanted to date someone your size.”
- “Prove you can do X.”
- Dodging my boundaries, even once
Green flags I do notice
- They ask how I like to be asked about dwarfism.
- They read my whole profile and mention a hobby, not just height.
- They offer a step-by-step first meet: time, place, plan B.
My bottom line
- Hinge: Best for real talk and steady dates
- Bumble: Best for control and quick safety checks
- Tinder: Big pond, but more noise
- Feeld: Great for clear boundaries and adults who listen
- Niche sites: Try them, but don’t rely on them
For a look at how these choices stack up against the biggest platforms on the market, see the study where I tried every major dating app of 2025 so you don’t have to.
You know what? Dating as a little person isn’t small. It asks for courage, clear words, and a soft heart. But with the right app and a strong bio, it feels doable—some days even sweet. Say who you are. Set the line. Keep the joy. And if someone can’t meet you with care, that’s not a loss. That’s a win for your time.