IRL-First Dating Models Gain Momentum as Like Love Expands Into Apps

As dating app engagement continues to soften, a growing segment of the dating industry is shifting focus toward in-person connection supported – rather than dictated – by technology. A new wave of companies is betting that face-to-face interaction, paired with lightweight digital tools, is a more sustainable model for modern singles in 2026.

Against this backdrop, real-world-first dating services are expanding rather than retreating. One notable example is Like Love, a dating company that built its reputation through in-person singles events and community-led matchmaking. Only founded in February 2025 and managing to only recently establish traction offline, the company has announced plans to launch an app designed to complement its real-world experiences.

Like Love describes itself as a “community-driven dating company known for bringing singles together in real life,” with most matches formed at events rather than through algorithms. The new app is intended to support those experiences by helping users manage social calendars, assess compatibility, RSVP to events, and organize their own dating activities. “We’ve seen firsthand that people are craving more than endless swiping … They want real connection, community, and support – and they want it in a way that fits their lifestyle and budget. This app brings all of that together in one place,” said co-founder and CEO Kristina Swift.

Like Love is not alone in pursuing this hybrid approach. Long-running matchmaking service It’s Just Lunch has operated for decades with a model centered on offline dates, using technology primarily for coordination. Similarly, event-focused platform Closer organizes in-person gatherings for friendship and dating, positioning structure and human facilitation ahead of algorithms.