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Blackhawks News: Patrick Kane leaves game vs LightningVincent Pariseon January 4, 2023 at 5:36 am

The Chicago Blackhawks have a lot of big decisions to make soon. What is going to happen with Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and a few others as they are clearly trying to tank?

Connor Bedard is on their mind and they are setting themselves up nicely to have a good chance at him. He is the type of player worth wishing for as the NHL season hits the dog days.

With the three-time defending Eastern Conference Champion Tampa Bay Lightning in town, this was another game that would not be easy for the Blackhawks.

The Hawks scored the first goal of the game to make it 1-0 but that was it. The Lightning scored four unanswered to give themselves a 4-1 win as they keep pace in their playoff race in the Atlantic Division. This is a team trying to make another deep run.

The biggest story of the game revolves around Patrick Kane’s status.

The biggest story of the game, however, had nothing to do with the Lightning who came away victorious. It didn’t even have anything to do with hockey. Patrick Kane left the game early without nobody ever really knowing why.

After the game, Luke Richardson said that it was a lower-body injury that could have started with a hit that he took in their most recent game before this one. He said that it got progressively worse on Tuesday night before they finally ended the game for him.

Patrick Kane is being examined tonight. Luke Richardson said Kane got hit last game and is still feeling it.

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) January 4, 2023

MEDICAL UPDATE: Patrick Kane will not return to tonight’s game.

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 4, 2023

This is big news because Kane is on an expiring contract and could very well be traded before the trade deadline. In fact, this injury came exactly two months before the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline so things might start heating up on the hot stove soon.

It probably was a bit of an injury for Kane but the team is probably also being extra cautious with him. They want him as healthy as possible in case they need to ask him to waive his no-move clause because a team is willing to give up a lot. He could say no but he won’t.

Kane isn’t having a banner season like we are used to seeing because he has no help. This team is absolutely terrible and is only going to get worse.

When he is finally moved, you will see a jump in his numbers to a more Patrick Kane-line total again. Hopefully, he is okay because Hawks fans would like to see him play just a bit more before he is moved out of town.

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Blackhawks News: Patrick Kane leaves game vs LightningVincent Pariseon January 4, 2023 at 5:36 am Read More »

Best Hookup Sites and Apps for Adult Dating in 2023

Traditional dating isn’t for everyone. Some people want serious relationships while others want something more casual, like a hookup. The taboo around casual dating has subsided in recent years. Casual daters have plenty of options, but most opt to try hookup sites to find what (and who) they want.

Different sites cater to different tastes. A site’s speciality is not always immediately apparent. So it can be a challenge to find the right site for you. That’s where we come in. We’ve signed up for and tried the best hookup sites and apps for casual encounters to get some action.

Let’s dive into the reviews and ratings.

Click ↓ next to the name of the site to jump straight to the review.

Best Hookup Sites and Apps for Casual Dating in 2023

RankSiteBest For1.Adult FriendFinder Best overall hookup site2. BuddyBang Runner-up3.BeNaughty Best for flirtiest singles4.Ashley Madison Best for affairs5.Seeking Best for sugar baby/sugar daddy/mommy6.ALT Best for alternative and BDSM sex7.OKCupid Top choice for millennials8.Hinge Somewhat serious, but mostly FWB9.Zoosk Best for short-term dating10.Bumble Best for women11.Plenty of Fish Best for lots of options12.Tinder Most popular app13.Pure App Best for fantasy based14.Feeld Most open-minded singles15.Sex Messenger Best for anonymous hookups16.Reddit R4R Best completely free option

1.  Adult FriendFinder – Best overall hookup site

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Sex- and kink-positive
Any kink you can think of (practically)
Not difficult to find like-minded people

Cons

Can get expensive (i.e. Gold memberships)
Ad-heavy free version

Adult FriendFinder is one of the oldest hookup sites and remains one of the most popular. oldest and most popular hookup site. Although its name sound relatively innocent, you can think of it as being short for “Adult Friends with Benefit Finder.”

Adult FriendFinder caters primarily to people looking for FWB, swinging, non-monogamous relationships, threesomes, and other more experimental arrangements. Whether you’re looking for something with NSA (no strings attached), a one-night stand to spice up your marriage, or a quick fling, you likely won’t have to go too far to find someone who’s interested.

Once you create a profile on Adult FriendFinder, you can customize your search quite a bit to make your search more efficient and find these like-minded people more quickly.

Adult FriendFinder also has bonus content such as webcam shows and erotic stories. So, if you need a little warming up before connecting with someone, you’re covered. In some senses, you can think of Adult FriendFinder as a kind of interactive PornHub, as it really is home to a large community of kinky and sex-positive people.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$39.95 totalThree months$26.95/month ($80.85 total)One year$19.95/month ($239.40 total)

What Users Think About Adult FriendFinder

“I was on another site. Met a guy who told me about Adult FriendFinder (AFF). I signed up. Have been on AFF for a little over a year and a half. Have nothing but praise. When AFF works, it WORKS! For the most part, I have met some truly wonderful men. Local men, business men coming through my area, couples. Overwhelmingly positive experience and exactly what I was looking for: no strings, no drama, casual sex.”

Belinda S

Need a little more info before taking the plunge? Check out our in-depth Adult FriendFinder review.

2.  BuddyBang Runner-up

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

Responsive users
Straightforward people
Advanced search and filtering functions
Relatively affordable

Cons

Annoying ads with the free version
Can be hard to find anything besides hookups

As you might expect, BuddyBang is all about linking up people interested in no-strings-attached hookups or being friends with benefits. This no-judgment site operates like an express train to sex. Its goal is to be as simple as browse, chat, bang.

While you are not likely to find romance here, you will find plenty of passion. Horny adults flock to BuddyBang to chat and make new erotic connections. Ultimately, the goal is to arrange a meetup with a saucy stranger in your area. If you’re lucky, that one-night stand might turn into a longer-term arrangement.

With a relatively affordable monthly subscription and advanced search filters, getting laid on BuddyBang is fairly straightforward. In any case, it’s likely to be more efficient—and more bang for your buck (see what we did there)—than shelling out tons of cash for dinner dates that may lead nowhere.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$39.95 totalThree months$26.95/month ($80.85 total)One year$19.95/month ($239.40 total)

What Users Think About BuddyBang

“A lotta hookup sites out there, which means a lot of scams. Gotta be honest, at first I was skeptical of BuddyBang. Seemed like another fake site that just wanted your cash. But I was pleasantly surprised. More than that, I was very happy with my experience. I met a couple real girls here who, let’s just say, were down to get down. And that’s all I wanted. I wasn’t a creep. I kept it cool, wasn’t aggressive with messaging and it all worked. I recommend it!”

Chris745

3.  BeNaughty – Best for flirty singles

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

Multiple ways to connect
Sex- and kink-positive
Great for finding singles and couples
Cheap three-day trial

Cons

Users are often appearance-driven
Not great without a premium membership

BeNaughty unsurprisingly attracts people who are kinky and after a good time. I mean, it’s right there in the name. Fortunately, breaking the ice is easy as BeNaughty gives users many different ways to connect. You can browse the gallery or enter a naughty chat room for potential dates. When you find someone you like, you can send a wink, a message, or start a live one-on-one chat.

BeNaughty works well because it gets right to the point. Users are looking for fast fun, leaving little time for hot and cold games. They want a hookup and they usually want it ASAP. BeNaughty uses a Tinder-type function that’s geography based, which helps keep your searches relevant. After all, who’s trying to drive (or fly) hundreds or thousands of miles for a one-night-stand?

Open-minded and discreet, BeNaughty provides many filtering options that help streamline your search, whether that’s for singles or couples to join. By adjusting your searches and filters, you can find your ideal scenario and dispense with people who aren’t a good fit for you.

Membership LengthPriceThree day trial$1.05/dayOne month$27.01 totalThree months$15.15/month ($45.45 total)Six months$12.24/month ($73.44 total)

What Users Think About BeNaughty

“Here you can be selective. The choice of profiles is quite large. The girls are active, many of them are constantly online. There are those who only like online communication and do not want to go on dates. However, it is their choice. If you are interested in online flirting, it will be a lot of fun with this site. Some people want more, so I’m still looking for someone to go on a real date with me.”

Robert S

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for affairs

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

Free for women
Highly discreet
Judgment-free because most users are fine with infidelity

Cons

Not for the faint of heart when it comes to morals
Expensive for men to use (the Priority Man option)

Ashley Madison has the reputation of being a site for affairs and discreet married dating. Its slogan is literally “Life is short. Have an affair.” The brand has become notoriously in recent years for being a site for married people to flirt and hook up.

Since the site caters to people in relationships or looking to have sex with married people, Ashley Madison is generally a place where you don’t need to fear negative judgment. It’s a great site for anyone looking to add some excitement to their life and explore the world of extramarital affairs.

Ashley Madison is the first website dedicated to helping married people have affairs, and its highly committed to discretion. Despite the backlash and its somewhat negative reputation, this site remains popular and boasts a massive database that crisscrosses the globe.

Membership TierPriceBasic100 credits at $0.59/creditClassic500 credits at $0.34/creditElite1,000 credits at $0.29/credit

You message and live chat with users in exchange for credits. It’s about 5 credits to sent a message or 50 credits/hour to live chat. For more information about credits and other aspects of the site, see our full Ashley Madison review.

What Users Think About Ashley Madison

“As a woman, I can tell you that this site works. I’ve met and hooked up with a lot of great guys. However, I will say that since there are considerably more men than women on the site you have to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Women like to be wined and dined and brought on business trips, to a nice hotel, etc… Be patient, it works. I found a great guy who I have been hooking up with on a regular basis for over 2 years now and we are very happy with the arrangement.”

JennaK

5.  Seeking – Best for sugar relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Very active community
Useful filtering options
Fairly thorough verification process

Cons

Inactive profiles remain visible
Gets expensive for men

Seeking may have undergone a brand transformation (fka Seeking Arrangement), but it still attracts a straightforward target audience: wealthy and experienced individuals seeking the young and attractive. This sugar daddy site is all about helping daddies and mommas find sugar babies or cubs for hookups.

There are many more women than men because the “sugar baby” focus attracts many young women to the site. In fact, Seeking claims to have four times the number of women than men in their database. The only real prerequisite for would-be sugar daddies is that they have money to throw around. They give priority to verified “elite members” who join with the sole intention of lavishing money and attention on would-be sugar babies.

While Seeking is a great site for beautiful young women looking for fun, attention, and a “daddy” to spoil them, it can be quite competitive for sugar babies. And the hopeless romantics out there are probably best avoiding sites such as Seeking in general. It’s much more geared toward hookups that may have a rather transaction-like feel.Women who’d like to meet a well-off older man also aren’t risking much with Seeking because it’s free for women seeking men.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$89.95/monthThree month$79.95/month ($239.85 total)Diamond (more premium features)$249.95/month

What Users Think About Seeking

“Came across them on Facebook and decided to spend a few bucks to find some men. Although not all the men were true to their description and some being scammers, it was pretty easy to find the genuinely interested ones from the fakes. It is a dating site for the wealthier crowd as we spend a lot of money but you can find a suitable candidate here.”

Brenda T

Still not sure or need more information? Check out our full Seeking review.

6.  ALT – Best for alternative relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Easily find people that share your kink
Lots of X-rated content to browse through
Live cams and shows

Cons

Too many fake profiles
Have to buy a premium account to get the most access

ALT is a full-on casual sex website. It’s not for anyone who is on the hunt for a serious relationship. This site is all about casual sex in every form to gratify any sex-seeker! The website’s community is made up of those who are into alternative bondage, who enjoy hooking up online, live, and in-person for sex dates.

It’s a dating site that caters to people who want to find alternative, BDSM, bondage, and fetish partners who can connect online and meet in person. ALT speaks to swingers, dominatrixes, and mistresses looking for power exchange.

ALT is the leading BDSM site, with almost 2 million members. You can easily customize your fetish and find someone who is into the same kinks as you! Remember that this site is all about kink, such as orgies, being humiliated, or being tortured, and not about vanilla sex. So, if you’re looking for just plain sex, opt for another option on this list.

Membership TierPriceSilver$19.95/monthGold$29.95/month

What Users Think About ALT

“Don’t listen to all the haters!!!! Alt.com is one of the best sites. Been using it in the past and it worked quite good. Nowadays I’d also try Casuasexonly.com and Fetlife.com. And there are also a few smaller sites that work but they are more ‘special niche sites’.”

Daniel

7. OKCupid – Best for millennials and young people

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

Vast user base of people
Find locals who are looking for casual sex and dating
Affordable

Cons

May find many looking for long-term relationships
Will have to answer quite a few questions to see matches

OKCupid is a mainstream dating app that caters to many different kinds of relationships. It provides a multitude of choices for millennials looking not just for long-term relationships but options for short-term relationships, casual dating, and hookups. All you have to do is set that as what you are looking for, and they match you to like-minded people!

This site gears toward a generally younger audience—the age group between 18-29. This site is also one of the most inclusive mainstream dating websites that includes many gender and orientation options, helping you zero in on the particular pool of choices you want!

OKCupid may be a mainstream dating app that includes finding long-term relationships, but given its wide range of options, filters, and preferences, it’s a great app for hookups and casual sex as well. Just be up-front and be prepared to meet a great bunch of locals looking for the same things as you.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.95 totalSix months$9.95/month ($59.70 total)

What Users Think About OKCupid

“OkCupid is a dating app worth checking out. For the most part I have been disappointed with my dating app experiences. I have been pleasantly surprised with the results from OkCupid. There seems to be an endless supply of genuine women interested in a relationship. After several weeks of using the app for free, I decided to become a subscriber. I have been satisfied with my decision.”

Robert S

8.  Hinge – Best for hybrid serious and FWB relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

Popular with millennials
Matchmaking algorithm is great (apt for FWB)

Cons

Created for finding long-lasting relationships
May not find a large user base of casual sex enthusiasts

Hinge is a mainstream dating app that focuses on finding real romance—but it is also used to find casual sex and friends with benefits. The truth about Hinge is that it’s “designed to be deleted.”

But fear not! This app is incredibly popular with the younger crowd (18 to 29 years of age) and has filters to state the nature of the relationship you’re interested in. This setup is the best for friends with benefits because you have to answer questions about yourself and your preferences, which will bring you closer to meeting someone you share similar interests with and are attracted to!

Hinge is a great hookup app for those who want to find a casual relationship where you hook up with the same person a few times instead of just a one-night stand. Just be straight up with what you’re looking for—and you might just meet a new FWB with absolutely no strings attached.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.95 totalThree months$20.99 totalSix months$29.99 total

What Users Think About Hinge

“Hinge is amazing! I think the thing that I like about it is that if you don’t pay it limits you to 10 likes a day and so it’s more likely that people will pay attention to you rather than getting distracted by yet another profile. And everyone is more careful about who they pick so if you match you’re more likely to talk I think. It also does a great job of conversation prompts that go with photos or without. Definitely check it out.”

James B

9.  Zoosk – Best for short term dating

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Very active users
Used in over 80 countries
Diverse selection to find what you’re looking for

Cons

May not be the best site for casual sex
Additional features cost extra

Zoosk is a great short-term dating site that is internationally famous. It has a community of 35 million users in 80 different countries, and it is open to singles of all ages, races, religions, and sexual orientations—making it one of the most diverse casual dating apps.

This app may not be the best for casual hookups and one-night stands, but it is a good contender for short-term dating. If you’re in your early to mid-20s, you’ll find a great selection of singles who are interested in short-term or casual relationships.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$29.95 totalThree months$19.98/month ($59.94 total)Six months$12.49/month ($74.94 total)

What Users Think About Zoosk

“Satisfied with the outcome, pretty good dating site. I think the price is OK and I liked the option of pausing account, very useful when you’re trying to focus on one person. As we all know, it takes several attempts to meet someone you are really interested in.”

Ewa S

10.  Bumble – Safest for women

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

More women than men
Women initiate contact
Comprehensive and easy-to-use interface

Cons

Other relationships (friendships and business networking) get in the way of potentials

Bumble has gained a reputation for being different from most other mainstream dating and hookup apps. If you haven’t heard of this app already, Bumble is one of the first and only sites where women make the first move and get to screen potential men immediately. Men simply cannot reach out to any women unless they’ve initiated contact and interest.

It is catered towards and attracts more women than men looking to mingle or find networking opportunities, friends, or hookups! Even though it has a relatively positive and clean rep, it’s a great site for educated, good-looking men who are searching for successful, bold women.

Membership TierPricePremium$8.99/month

What Users Think About Bumble

“The Bumble app has an easy format to navigate and I like that women have to make the first contact. That Helped me out of my comfort zone. I liked that you can adjust your distance from possible matches.”

Leanne N

11.  Plenty of Fish – Best for lots of options

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Multiple search filters
Largest user base of profiles

Cons

May come across bots or fake accounts

Plenty of Fish has the largest user base. POF was launched in 2003, being one of the oldest dating sites. Since it’s free and easy to sign up, you’re going to be exposed to a lot of different types of people, looking for different things, so you’ll have to filter through them all.

Since it’s been around for a long time, it has gained a reputation as a matchmaker site that will ask questions about your family, career, and interests to match you with similar users. It’s catered for people who want to dip their toes into dating and hookup sites to explore options.

Plenty of Fish may or may not have people looking for casual sex, depending on your luck. It’s a matchmaker site that is geared more for a long-term commitment. So you have to be prepared to screen different kinds of people.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.99/monthThree months$9.80/month ($29.40/total)One year$5.95/month ($71.40 total)

What Users Think About Plenty of Fish

“Plenty of catfish and foreigners who can’t speak English. However, even if you’re not a paid subscriber you can opt in for only paid subscribers. The site also provides an option for voice calls through the app. I’m going to try the site out for a month or so, then may upgrade to being a paid subscriber. POF has really improved its website since I was on it a year ago. Have fun and meet someone!”

Kathleen M

12.  Tinder – Most popular app

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Best starter app for quick sex
Lots of escorts

Cons

Lots of fake profiles
Very superficial and appearance-focused

You didn’t think this list was going to end without this sex gem of an app, did you? Tinder is the most widely known hookup app of this generation. It has an infamous rep for finding casual sex ASAP.

Tinder caters to men and women looking to get laid based on appearance. It’s known for its classic swiping left to reject and swiping right to like someone’s profile. If you’re looking for sex, Tinder has a huge user base and a large number of locals, meaning you can probably secure a sex date tonight—but the catch is that your profile needs to stand out. If you’re not conventionally attractive, you’re going to struggle to find dates.

For men who can’t seem to find dates, Tinder has a large user base of escorts who will private message their rates. If you’re horny and want it—then maybe you can meet a potential escort on Tinder.

Membership Length/TierPriceLimited SwipesFreeOne month$9.99 total if you’re under 30One month$19.99 total if you’re over 30

What Users Think About Tinder

“I’ve been using tinder for quite some time and I really enjoy it! I travel a lot and t’s great way to meet new people. Tinder has a feature called Face To Face you can use to video chat within the app. Tinder has on-demand safety features via Noonlight, which offers a Timeline feature where users can share first date details on their Timelines, like who they’re meeting, when and where. Users can also discreetly contact emergency services via Noonlight.”

Sophia F

13.  Pure App – Best for fantasy based hookups

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Profiles, messages, and photos shared will disappear once you’re done
Starting up is easy: post a photo and sentence
Embraces individuality and authentic fantasies

Cons

Only popular in major cities

Pure App was created for shameless and judgment-free fantasy and desire-based dating. This app is purely for NSA affairs and is completely secretive and anonymous. It encourages its users to be whoever they choose to be and still be themselves.

It caters to people who have wild fantasies or desires that aren’t celebrated on mainstream dating and hookup apps. It allows your individuality to shine through—choosing your gender and sexuality—and providing guaranteed privacy and safety to video chat and meet whoever shares the same fantasies as you.

Pure App uses your GPS location on your phone to find other Pure users looking for some NSA action. You just have to post a photo and an up-front headline and wait to see if anyone close is interested. When you’re done, your profile will vanish, along with all your messages and photos—no need to worry about deactivating or privacy issues.

Membership LengthPriceOne week$14.99 totalOne month$19.99 total

What Users Think About Pure App

“I am a 25 year old attractive woman, I have never been on a site before however After almost a year of dating and taking things slowly and 4 months of not being interested enough to take things further, I broke and downloaded pure. Downloaded Wednesday, Thursday (yesterday) spontaneously arranged to meet a really really attractive guy who spent a few great hours with me. We got along really well. I also had a video chat with a really attractive couple who I’ll be meeting soon. I’m speaking to other really attractive guys as well.”

Abi S

14.  Feeld Best for adventurous singles

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

One of the largest open-minded communities worldwide
Sex-positive and promotes ethical dating choices

Cons

Premium version is not available on Android
Must have a Facebook account to verify your identity during sign-up

Feeld is a hookup app for couples and singles to explore their kinks and desires in a no-judgement atmosphere.

It includes couples’ accounts where you and your partner can date a lover or meet someone for a threesome. It’s inclusive for all genders and sexual orientations. Overall, it’s a sex-positive space for anyone looking to explore beyond “the norm” in today’s society.

Feeld prides itself on being responsible and ethical. It connects people with like-minded folk and encourages curious monogamous couples to link with partners who are also interested. It is a safe space that allows couples to explore their desires in the most honest way possible.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$14.99 totalThree months$29.98 total

What Users Think About Feeld

“It’s called the ‘Tinder for threesomes’ for a reason. I’ll let you do the imagining.”

Jon R

15.  Sex Messenger – Best for anonymous hookups

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Safe way to send and receive nudes
Anonymity is key
Goal is to meet up for anonymous sex—NSA!

Cons

Need to pay for a premium account to access live chat or live cams

Sex Messenger is an anonymous instant messaging app—like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. But you never share your name because it’s meant to be discreet and only for sexting and trading nudes.

This app is an adult social network that is much more than an online sex chat. It caters to people who want to connect with other people who want to engage in sex and dirty talk, and fulfill each other’s sexual fantasies. Instant messaging on this app and posting blog entries will help you gain the attention you want from like-minded people.

All members must verify their accounts, so this weeds out fake profiles, scammers, and bots. Members can contribute to the website through Sex Messenger’s forums, chats, group sections, sex stories, and blogs. It’s all anonymous and fully discrete. This app is a great way to sext, increase sexual tension, and finally meet up to do the deed.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$14.95 total

What Users Think About Sex Messenger

“I’m recently single and wanted to have a little fun but was skeptical about trying something online. You hear about the horror stories. I found Sex Messenger and immediately thought SCAM. But I gave it a shot and found a couple fun guys within a couple weeks. I didn’t need to renew my membership.”

Olivia B

16.  Reddit R4R – Best completely free option

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★

Pros

Free
No membership needed
Lots of daily interactions and hits

Cons

Hard to stand out
Can’t pay to boost your posts
Mostly guys

Reddit R4R is one of the best options for browse casual sex options for free. If you’re looking for a hookup but don’t want to sign up, post photos of yourself, and write out a bio to describe who you are and what you want . . . you found the site for you!

This site works as a personals subreddit. It works like any other subreddit. Anyone can post—no photos, no personal information needed! All you have to do is list some things about yourself and the type of person you’re looking for. And then you wait to see if anyone responds to your post.

Reddit R4R is free, so all you have to do is download the Reddit app, and you don’t need to worry about spending money. If you want to be a trusted member and not get blocked, just follow the posting rules! Users love this site to get laid because it’s easy to use, free, and starts an instant conversation with like-minded people.

Membership TierPriceUnlimitedFree

What Users Think About Reddit R4R

“Look, it’s Reddit. You ‘get what you pay for,’ but it’s cool to scroll the profiles and chat for free. Too many guys but I definitely found and met up with a couple hotties.”

Jack P

Hookup Site Guide

Still on the fence about whether or not you should start using hookup apps? Or maybe you’re already using them but want some more information? Check out this useful guide to answer any lingering questions you may have and walk away with some important safety tips about casual sex.

What Makes a Hookup Site Good?

It’s important to note that different sites cater to different kinds of people. So before creating a profile on any old hookup site, read the reviews to make sure it meets your needs.

Here are a few tips to find the best hookup site specific to you:

If you have a particular kink or preference, keep an eye out for it. (example: Looking for discreet affairs? Ashley Madison is the one for you!)
Make sure the size of the user base is relatively large. More options mean a better chance of finding someone to hook up with.
Find a site that allows users to be up-front about what they want. Usually, apps have preferences, and you can set yours to “casual relationship” or “hookup.”
Make sure the customer service contact information is front and center. You shouldn’t have to go on an expedition to contact the site.

FAQs About Hookup Sites

Q: Are hookup sites safe?

Like any online dating platform, reputable hookup sites have embedded safety features that still require user discretion. It can be dangerous if you don’t take proper safety measures. Generally, these sites and apps regulate safety by banning bots and scammers and have options to report any bad or suspicious behavior. So if you’re planning on joining, be aware and try your best not to be too gullible—you can never be sure who you will come across online!

Q: Are there any completely free hookup sites?

It sucks that most dating apps and casual sex apps require you to subscribe to get optimum results. But sites like Reddit R4R and Craigslist Activities offer a free platform to chat, flirt, and arrange sex dates. But the only downside is that there is no moderation and you won’t be talking to a verified profile and have to be extra cautious.

Q: What hookup sites are free for women?

The reality is that dating apps make it very easy for women to find sex. Most high-rated dating sites offer women free memberships (mostly to balance out the male/female ratio on their site). Sex sites that are free for women include Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, Seeking, Hinge, Her, and Pure.

Q: What is the best LGBTQ+ option?

Though there are a few options, only two rise to the top. HER is the best for women seeking women and Grindr is best for men seeking for men. These two sites also cater to non-binary people.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for some action tonight, welcome to the world of casual sex sites and apps.

The best hookup sites are on top for a reason—everyone on there is eager to find sex and casual flings just like you! More than mainstream dating apps that cater to a plethora of things such as long-term dating, friendships, and so on, hookup apps are catered only towards sex and NSA fun!

The best hookup site is Adult FriendFinder (AFF) followed closely by BuddyBang. AFF emphasizes anonymity, safety, a massive user base, and a brand name that is verified. Most people on this site are looking for a good time with so many different types of kinks and fantasies. So what are you waiting for?

Hopefully, this list gives you an idea of what sex app is the best for you to get started on today.

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‘Queer joy and success as revolution’

Jonathan Larson is well known as the playwright of the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent, but that powerful musical about struggling artists affected by the out-of-control AIDS epidemic in New York’s Alphabet City was not his only contribution to the genre. The playwright, who never even saw one of his own plays produced—he died of an aortic aneurysm before the first preview of Rent—also left us tick, tick . . . BOOM!, an angry, angsty autobiographical show about trying to write an earlier, never-produced piece called Superbia.  

Tick…tick…BOOM! enjoyed an off-Broadway run in the early aughts and has had a couple of revivals (also off-Broadway) since then, as well as a couple of London productions. But it has never found even a fraction of the incredible success of its younger sibling. In fact, it’s probably safe to say that most musical theater fans had few chances to see the show until last year’s Lin-Manuel Miranda-directed film starring Andrew Garfield. 

Locally, Pegasus Players, now called Pegasus Theatre Chicago, produced tick, tick . . . BOOM! in 2006, and there was a touring production via Broadway in Chicago in 2003. Now BoHo Theatre is about to up that total by one with its new production, to be staged at the Edge Theater beginning January 12.

tick, tick . . . BOOM!1/12-2/5: Thu-Fri 7:30 PM, Sat 3 and 7:30 PM, Sun 3 PM; also industry night Mon 1/30 7:30 PM; open captions Sat 1/21 and 1/28 3 PM; Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway, bohotheatre.com, $35 general, $20 seniors, military, and first responders, $12 transgender and gender nonconforming people, students, and educational professionals

Directed by transgender, gender nonconforming director Bo Frazier (they/them), who themself performed in a London version a decade ago, this production may well be the only one ever to use a cast exclusively comprised of transgender and gender nonbinary and nonconforming actors. 

“I always knew I wanted to revisit [tick, tick . . . BOOM!] as a director,” says Frazier. “Back in 1993, Jonathan Larson wrote one of the only humanized gender nonconforming characters in the musical theater canon that isn’t constantly the butt of a joke [Angel in Rent], so I’d like to think he would truly champion this production.”

Casting director Catherine Miller (they/them) provided Frazier with a cast consisting of Alec Phan (he/they) as Jonathan, Crystal Claros (they/he/she) as Michael, and Luke Halpern (they/he/she) as Susan. (The understudies—Lizzie Mowry, Larry D. Trice II, and Nathe Rowbotham—are also trans gender and gender nonconforming.)

“It definitely adds an extra layer of nuance to our production,” Frazier notes. “It has been really fun to subvert gender norms with the staging of these characters.” 

Phan completely agrees. “Because we, the actors, have many layers to identities, our characters have that many more layers too.”

More than Phan’s gender identity makes them a unique Jonathan. “Jonathan Larson was a white, cishet man, and this version of him created for tick, tick . . . BOOM! has been portrayed almost exclusively by white, cishet actors. Despite his anxieties, the character knows his worth and talent—a wild, foreign concept to me!”

Phan sees “the doubt and the nay-saying Jonathan experiences” as bigger than “the tough musical theater industry. It’s white supremacy. It’s hetero- and cisnormativity. It’s East- and Southeast Asian cultural expectations. It’s all these things in combination and more!”

Frazier says that, while the focus of the show is on Larson’s attempt to break free from the predetermined structure of the Broadway musical rather than anything to do with the playwright’s or character’s identity, the notion of putting on this show with a trans and gender nonconforming cast derives from some of its lyrics. 

“The idea was birthed from lyrics in the final song [“Louder Than Words”] that I think every TGNC person can relate to: ‘Why do we blaze a trail when the well-worn path seems safe and so inviting? Cages or wings, which do you prefer?’” 

They feel that every TGNC person at some point has to “choose cages or wings: whether to live a lie and conform to societal pressure or blaze a trail and live a life of personal truth.” 

In the current political climate in which so-called conservatives have made repressive, regressive, anti-trans laws an enormous element of their “agenda,” them. writer Nico Lang says 2022 has “felt like a particularly heavy time to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community in America.” Lang quotes Sybastian Smith, an organizer for the National Center for Transgender Equality, as stating that “trans people usually choose to live their lives in silence or do not disclose their gender identity as a way to protect themselves,” choosing cages over spreading their wings.

Citing Texas governor Greg Abbott’s order to investigate parents who allow minors to socially or medically transition; the more than 124 drag shows, Drag Queen Story Hours, and Pride parades that have faced protests and even threats of violence; as well as the 300+ anti-LGBTQ+ laws that have been passed in 36 states, Lang says that the “oppressive legislation environment” has “made life particularly challenging for LGBTQ+ people but especially youth.”

Because of this, Frazier says that “it is so important to humanize the TGNC community with this production. So often we are demonized in the media and fetishized on dating apps, but I truly want to normalize our existence. We are presenting a relatable story that many audience members will be familiar with, just this time we have different identities on stage.” 

Frazier knows that it is not only LGBTQ+ people who will find empathy with the struggles Jonathan goes through in the play. “There is a universal message that every audience member can relate to in tick, tick . . . BOOM!” they say: “that feeling of being lost, your life not being what you thought it would be, and trying to find your way in the world.”

For their part, Phan notes that the theater business itself, despite its liberal reputation, has not taken any kind of leadership role in countering the problems that Lang and Frazier mentioned, and their being Asian just compounds them. 

“Roles for queer, trans brown folks are sparse unless we are creating them ourselves, and production spaces that are truly safe for us to just be in are even sparser,” they say.  Far too often, they have experienced “blatant racism” or worse.” 

However, as they explain, “More often than not, I have a bad experience because my boundaries are crossed, and I don’t have the tools or support to reinforce them. In terms of my identity, this has meant sharing parts of myself during the creative process that are then either used or discarded without my enthusiastic consent.”

Both the director and the actor feel that this production of tick, tick . . . BOOM! will provide some of the positive messaging that is too often missing from the conversation.

Frazier says that “it is incredibly important to see TGNC and queer joy, creativity, and love instead of the constant, harmful narrative of trans trauma we see in media most of the time.”

Phan believes that “the all-queer casting of this show just reinforces the themes of self-acceptance and creative trailblazing in the story” and that the overriding feeling of “queer joy and success as revolution” may well begin to shift the narrative around trans issues. 

“I hope our queer audiences leave the theater knowing their simple existence—and especially within artistic fields—is revolution: that they deserve a seat at all tables and that it is entirely possible to build our own dang tables and be successful.”


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Best Hookup Sites and Apps for Adult Dating in 2023Corvelay Mediaon January 3, 2023 at 8:04 am

Traditional dating isn’t for everyone. Some people want serious relationships while others want something more casual, like a hookup. The taboo around casual dating has subsided in recent years. Casual daters have plenty of options, but most opt to try hookup sites to find what (and who) they want.

Different sites cater to different tastes. A site’s speciality is not always immediately apparent. So it can be a challenge to find the right site for you. That’s where we come in. We’ve signed up for and tried the best hookup sites and apps for casual encounters to get some action.

Let’s dive into the reviews and ratings.

Click ↓ next to the name of the site to jump straight to the review.

Best Hookup Sites and Apps for Casual Dating in 2023

RankSiteBest For1.Adult FriendFinder Best overall hookup site2. BuddyBang Runner-up3.BeNaughty Best for flirtiest singles4.Ashley Madison Best for affairs5.Seeking Best for sugar baby/sugar daddy/mommy6.ALT Best for alternative and BDSM sex7.OKCupid Top choice for millennials8.Hinge Somewhat serious, but mostly FWB9.Zoosk Best for short-term dating10.Bumble Best for women11.Plenty of Fish Best for lots of options12.Tinder Most popular app13.Pure App Best for fantasy based14.Feeld Most open-minded singles15.Sex Messenger Best for anonymous hookups16.Reddit R4R Best completely free option

1.  Adult FriendFinder – Best overall hookup site

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Sex- and kink-positive
Any kink you can think of (practically)
Not difficult to find like-minded people

Cons

Can get expensive (i.e. Gold memberships)
Ad-heavy free version

Adult FriendFinder is one of the oldest hookup sites and remains one of the most popular. oldest and most popular hookup site. Although its name sound relatively innocent, you can think of it as being short for “Adult Friends with Benefit Finder.”

Adult FriendFinder caters primarily to people looking for FWB, swinging, non-monogamous relationships, threesomes, and other more experimental arrangements. Whether you’re looking for something with NSA (no strings attached), a one-night stand to spice up your marriage, or a quick fling, you likely won’t have to go too far to find someone who’s interested.

Once you create a profile on Adult FriendFinder, you can customize your search quite a bit to make your search more efficient and find these like-minded people more quickly.

Adult FriendFinder also has bonus content such as webcam shows and erotic stories. So, if you need a little warming up before connecting with someone, you’re covered. In some senses, you can think of Adult FriendFinder as a kind of interactive PornHub, as it really is home to a large community of kinky and sex-positive people.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$39.95 totalThree months$26.95/month ($80.85 total)One year$19.95/month ($239.40 total)

What Users Think About Adult FriendFinder

“I was on another site. Met a guy who told me about Adult FriendFinder (AFF). I signed up. Have been on AFF for a little over a year and a half. Have nothing but praise. When AFF works, it WORKS! For the most part, I have met some truly wonderful men. Local men, business men coming through my area, couples. Overwhelmingly positive experience and exactly what I was looking for: no strings, no drama, casual sex.”

Belinda S

Need a little more info before taking the plunge? Check out our in-depth Adult FriendFinder review.

2.  BuddyBang Runner-up

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

Responsive users
Straightforward people
Advanced search and filtering functions
Relatively affordable

Cons

Annoying ads with the free version
Can be hard to find anything besides hookups

As you might expect, BuddyBang is all about linking up people interested in no-strings-attached hookups or being friends with benefits. This no-judgment site operates like an express train to sex. Its goal is to be as simple as browse, chat, bang.

While you are not likely to find romance here, you will find plenty of passion. Horny adults flock to BuddyBang to chat and make new erotic connections. Ultimately, the goal is to arrange a meetup with a saucy stranger in your area. If you’re lucky, that one-night stand might turn into a longer-term arrangement.

With a relatively affordable monthly subscription and advanced search filters, getting laid on BuddyBang is fairly straightforward. In any case, it’s likely to be more efficient—and more bang for your buck (see what we did there)—than shelling out tons of cash for dinner dates that may lead nowhere.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$39.95 totalThree months$26.95/month ($80.85 total)One year$19.95/month ($239.40 total)

What Users Think About BuddyBang

“A lotta hookup sites out there, which means a lot of scams. Gotta be honest, at first I was skeptical of BuddyBang. Seemed like another fake site that just wanted your cash. But I was pleasantly surprised. More than that, I was very happy with my experience. I met a couple real girls here who, let’s just say, were down to get down. And that’s all I wanted. I wasn’t a creep. I kept it cool, wasn’t aggressive with messaging and it all worked. I recommend it!”

Chris745

3.  BeNaughty – Best for flirty singles

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

Multiple ways to connect
Sex- and kink-positive
Great for finding singles and couples
Cheap three-day trial

Cons

Users are often appearance-driven
Not great without a premium membership

BeNaughty unsurprisingly attracts people who are kinky and after a good time. I mean, it’s right there in the name. Fortunately, breaking the ice is easy as BeNaughty gives users many different ways to connect. You can browse the gallery or enter a naughty chat room for potential dates. When you find someone you like, you can send a wink, a message, or start a live one-on-one chat.

BeNaughty works well because it gets right to the point. Users are looking for fast fun, leaving little time for hot and cold games. They want a hookup and they usually want it ASAP. BeNaughty uses a Tinder-type function that’s geography based, which helps keep your searches relevant. After all, who’s trying to drive (or fly) hundreds or thousands of miles for a one-night-stand?

Open-minded and discreet, BeNaughty provides many filtering options that help streamline your search, whether that’s for singles or couples to join. By adjusting your searches and filters, you can find your ideal scenario and dispense with people who aren’t a good fit for you.

Membership LengthPriceThree day trial$1.05/dayOne month$27.01 totalThree months$15.15/month ($45.45 total)Six months$12.24/month ($73.44 total)

What Users Think About BeNaughty

“Here you can be selective. The choice of profiles is quite large. The girls are active, many of them are constantly online. There are those who only like online communication and do not want to go on dates. However, it is their choice. If you are interested in online flirting, it will be a lot of fun with this site. Some people want more, so I’m still looking for someone to go on a real date with me.”

Robert S

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for affairs

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

Free for women
Highly discreet
Judgment-free because most users are fine with infidelity

Cons

Not for the faint of heart when it comes to morals
Expensive for men to use (the Priority Man option)

Ashley Madison has the reputation of being a site for affairs and discreet married dating. Its slogan is literally “Life is short. Have an affair.” The brand has become notoriously in recent years for being a site for married people to flirt and hook up.

Since the site caters to people in relationships or looking to have sex with married people, Ashley Madison is generally a place where you don’t need to fear negative judgment. It’s a great site for anyone looking to add some excitement to their life and explore the world of extramarital affairs.

Ashley Madison is the first website dedicated to helping married people have affairs, and its highly committed to discretion. Despite the backlash and its somewhat negative reputation, this site remains popular and boasts a massive database that crisscrosses the globe.

Membership TierPriceBasic100 credits at $0.59/creditClassic500 credits at $0.34/creditElite1,000 credits at $0.29/credit

You message and live chat with users in exchange for credits. It’s about 5 credits to sent a message or 50 credits/hour to live chat. For more information about credits and other aspects of the site, see our full Ashley Madison review.

What Users Think About Ashley Madison

“As a woman, I can tell you that this site works. I’ve met and hooked up with a lot of great guys. However, I will say that since there are considerably more men than women on the site you have to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Women like to be wined and dined and brought on business trips, to a nice hotel, etc… Be patient, it works. I found a great guy who I have been hooking up with on a regular basis for over 2 years now and we are very happy with the arrangement.”

JennaK

5.  Seeking – Best for sugar relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Very active community
Useful filtering options
Fairly thorough verification process

Cons

Inactive profiles remain visible
Gets expensive for men

Seeking may have undergone a brand transformation (fka Seeking Arrangement), but it still attracts a straightforward target audience: wealthy and experienced individuals seeking the young and attractive. This sugar daddy site is all about helping daddies and mommas find sugar babies or cubs for hookups.

There are many more women than men because the “sugar baby” focus attracts many young women to the site. In fact, Seeking claims to have four times the number of women than men in their database. The only real prerequisite for would-be sugar daddies is that they have money to throw around. They give priority to verified “elite members” who join with the sole intention of lavishing money and attention on would-be sugar babies.

While Seeking is a great site for beautiful young women looking for fun, attention, and a “daddy” to spoil them, it can be quite competitive for sugar babies. And the hopeless romantics out there are probably best avoiding sites such as Seeking in general. It’s much more geared toward hookups that may have a rather transaction-like feel.Women who’d like to meet a well-off older man also aren’t risking much with Seeking because it’s free for women seeking men.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$89.95/monthThree month$79.95/month ($239.85 total)Diamond (more premium features)$249.95/month

What Users Think About Seeking

“Came across them on Facebook and decided to spend a few bucks to find some men. Although not all the men were true to their description and some being scammers, it was pretty easy to find the genuinely interested ones from the fakes. It is a dating site for the wealthier crowd as we spend a lot of money but you can find a suitable candidate here.”

Brenda T

Still not sure or need more information? Check out our full Seeking review.

6.  ALT – Best for alternative relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Easily find people that share your kink
Lots of X-rated content to browse through
Live cams and shows

Cons

Too many fake profiles
Have to buy a premium account to get the most access

ALT is a full-on casual sex website. It’s not for anyone who is on the hunt for a serious relationship. This site is all about casual sex in every form to gratify any sex-seeker! The website’s community is made up of those who are into alternative bondage, who enjoy hooking up online, live, and in-person for sex dates.

It’s a dating site that caters to people who want to find alternative, BDSM, bondage, and fetish partners who can connect online and meet in person. ALT speaks to swingers, dominatrixes, and mistresses looking for power exchange.

ALT is the leading BDSM site, with almost 2 million members. You can easily customize your fetish and find someone who is into the same kinks as you! Remember that this site is all about kink, such as orgies, being humiliated, or being tortured, and not about vanilla sex. So, if you’re looking for just plain sex, opt for another option on this list.

Membership TierPriceSilver$19.95/monthGold$29.95/month

What Users Think About ALT

“Don’t listen to all the haters!!!! Alt.com is one of the best sites. Been using it in the past and it worked quite good. Nowadays I’d also try Casuasexonly.com and Fetlife.com. And there are also a few smaller sites that work but they are more ‘special niche sites’.”

Daniel

7. OKCupid – Best for millennials and young people

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

Vast user base of people
Find locals who are looking for casual sex and dating
Affordable

Cons

May find many looking for long-term relationships
Will have to answer quite a few questions to see matches

OKCupid is a mainstream dating app that caters to many different kinds of relationships. It provides a multitude of choices for millennials looking not just for long-term relationships but options for short-term relationships, casual dating, and hookups. All you have to do is set that as what you are looking for, and they match you to like-minded people!

This site gears toward a generally younger audience—the age group between 18-29. This site is also one of the most inclusive mainstream dating websites that includes many gender and orientation options, helping you zero in on the particular pool of choices you want!

OKCupid may be a mainstream dating app that includes finding long-term relationships, but given its wide range of options, filters, and preferences, it’s a great app for hookups and casual sex as well. Just be up-front and be prepared to meet a great bunch of locals looking for the same things as you.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.95 totalSix months$9.95/month ($59.70 total)

What Users Think About OKCupid

“OkCupid is a dating app worth checking out. For the most part I have been disappointed with my dating app experiences. I have been pleasantly surprised with the results from OkCupid. There seems to be an endless supply of genuine women interested in a relationship. After several weeks of using the app for free, I decided to become a subscriber. I have been satisfied with my decision.”

Robert S

8.  Hinge – Best for hybrid serious and FWB relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

Popular with millennials
Matchmaking algorithm is great (apt for FWB)

Cons

Created for finding long-lasting relationships
May not find a large user base of casual sex enthusiasts

Hinge is a mainstream dating app that focuses on finding real romance—but it is also used to find casual sex and friends with benefits. The truth about Hinge is that it’s “designed to be deleted.”

But fear not! This app is incredibly popular with the younger crowd (18 to 29 years of age) and has filters to state the nature of the relationship you’re interested in. This setup is the best for friends with benefits because you have to answer questions about yourself and your preferences, which will bring you closer to meeting someone you share similar interests with and are attracted to!

Hinge is a great hookup app for those who want to find a casual relationship where you hook up with the same person a few times instead of just a one-night stand. Just be straight up with what you’re looking for—and you might just meet a new FWB with absolutely no strings attached.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.95 totalThree months$20.99 totalSix months$29.99 total

What Users Think About Hinge

“Hinge is amazing! I think the thing that I like about it is that if you don’t pay it limits you to 10 likes a day and so it’s more likely that people will pay attention to you rather than getting distracted by yet another profile. And everyone is more careful about who they pick so if you match you’re more likely to talk I think. It also does a great job of conversation prompts that go with photos or without. Definitely check it out.”

James B

9.  Zoosk – Best for short term dating

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Very active users
Used in over 80 countries
Diverse selection to find what you’re looking for

Cons

May not be the best site for casual sex
Additional features cost extra

Zoosk is a great short-term dating site that is internationally famous. It has a community of 35 million users in 80 different countries, and it is open to singles of all ages, races, religions, and sexual orientations—making it one of the most diverse casual dating apps.

This app may not be the best for casual hookups and one-night stands, but it is a good contender for short-term dating. If you’re in your early to mid-20s, you’ll find a great selection of singles who are interested in short-term or casual relationships.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$29.95 totalThree months$19.98/month ($59.94 total)Six months$12.49/month ($74.94 total)

What Users Think About Zoosk

“Satisfied with the outcome, pretty good dating site. I think the price is OK and I liked the option of pausing account, very useful when you’re trying to focus on one person. As we all know, it takes several attempts to meet someone you are really interested in.”

Ewa S

10.  Bumble – Safest for women

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Pros

More women than men
Women initiate contact
Comprehensive and easy-to-use interface

Cons

Other relationships (friendships and business networking) get in the way of potentials

Bumble has gained a reputation for being different from most other mainstream dating and hookup apps. If you haven’t heard of this app already, Bumble is one of the first and only sites where women make the first move and get to screen potential men immediately. Men simply cannot reach out to any women unless they’ve initiated contact and interest.

It is catered towards and attracts more women than men looking to mingle or find networking opportunities, friends, or hookups! Even though it has a relatively positive and clean rep, it’s a great site for educated, good-looking men who are searching for successful, bold women.

Membership TierPricePremium$8.99/month

What Users Think About Bumble

“The Bumble app has an easy format to navigate and I like that women have to make the first contact. That Helped me out of my comfort zone. I liked that you can adjust your distance from possible matches.”

Leanne N

11.  Plenty of Fish – Best for lots of options

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Multiple search filters
Largest user base of profiles

Cons

May come across bots or fake accounts

Plenty of Fish has the largest user base. POF was launched in 2003, being one of the oldest dating sites. Since it’s free and easy to sign up, you’re going to be exposed to a lot of different types of people, looking for different things, so you’ll have to filter through them all.

Since it’s been around for a long time, it has gained a reputation as a matchmaker site that will ask questions about your family, career, and interests to match you with similar users. It’s catered for people who want to dip their toes into dating and hookup sites to explore options.

Plenty of Fish may or may not have people looking for casual sex, depending on your luck. It’s a matchmaker site that is geared more for a long-term commitment. So you have to be prepared to screen different kinds of people.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.99/monthThree months$9.80/month ($29.40/total)One year$5.95/month ($71.40 total)

What Users Think About Plenty of Fish

“Plenty of catfish and foreigners who can’t speak English. However, even if you’re not a paid subscriber you can opt in for only paid subscribers. The site also provides an option for voice calls through the app. I’m going to try the site out for a month or so, then may upgrade to being a paid subscriber. POF has really improved its website since I was on it a year ago. Have fun and meet someone!”

Kathleen M

12.  Tinder – Most popular app

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Best starter app for quick sex
Lots of escorts

Cons

Lots of fake profiles
Very superficial and appearance-focused

You didn’t think this list was going to end without this sex gem of an app, did you? Tinder is the most widely known hookup app of this generation. It has an infamous rep for finding casual sex ASAP.

Tinder caters to men and women looking to get laid based on appearance. It’s known for its classic swiping left to reject and swiping right to like someone’s profile. If you’re looking for sex, Tinder has a huge user base and a large number of locals, meaning you can probably secure a sex date tonight—but the catch is that your profile needs to stand out. If you’re not conventionally attractive, you’re going to struggle to find dates.

For men who can’t seem to find dates, Tinder has a large user base of escorts who will private message their rates. If you’re horny and want it—then maybe you can meet a potential escort on Tinder.

Membership Length/TierPriceLimited SwipesFreeOne month$9.99 total if you’re under 30One month$19.99 total if you’re over 30

What Users Think About Tinder

“I’ve been using tinder for quite some time and I really enjoy it! I travel a lot and t’s great way to meet new people. Tinder has a feature called Face To Face you can use to video chat within the app. Tinder has on-demand safety features via Noonlight, which offers a Timeline feature where users can share first date details on their Timelines, like who they’re meeting, when and where. Users can also discreetly contact emergency services via Noonlight.”

Sophia F

13.  Pure App – Best for fantasy based hookups

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Profiles, messages, and photos shared will disappear once you’re done
Starting up is easy: post a photo and sentence
Embraces individuality and authentic fantasies

Cons

Only popular in major cities

Pure App was created for shameless and judgment-free fantasy and desire-based dating. This app is purely for NSA affairs and is completely secretive and anonymous. It encourages its users to be whoever they choose to be and still be themselves.

It caters to people who have wild fantasies or desires that aren’t celebrated on mainstream dating and hookup apps. It allows your individuality to shine through—choosing your gender and sexuality—and providing guaranteed privacy and safety to video chat and meet whoever shares the same fantasies as you.

Pure App uses your GPS location on your phone to find other Pure users looking for some NSA action. You just have to post a photo and an up-front headline and wait to see if anyone close is interested. When you’re done, your profile will vanish, along with all your messages and photos—no need to worry about deactivating or privacy issues.

Membership LengthPriceOne week$14.99 totalOne month$19.99 total

What Users Think About Pure App

“I am a 25 year old attractive woman, I have never been on a site before however After almost a year of dating and taking things slowly and 4 months of not being interested enough to take things further, I broke and downloaded pure. Downloaded Wednesday, Thursday (yesterday) spontaneously arranged to meet a really really attractive guy who spent a few great hours with me. We got along really well. I also had a video chat with a really attractive couple who I’ll be meeting soon. I’m speaking to other really attractive guys as well.”

Abi S

14.  Feeld Best for adventurous singles

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

One of the largest open-minded communities worldwide
Sex-positive and promotes ethical dating choices

Cons

Premium version is not available on Android
Must have a Facebook account to verify your identity during sign-up

Feeld is a hookup app for couples and singles to explore their kinks and desires in a no-judgement atmosphere.

It includes couples’ accounts where you and your partner can date a lover or meet someone for a threesome. It’s inclusive for all genders and sexual orientations. Overall, it’s a sex-positive space for anyone looking to explore beyond “the norm” in today’s society.

Feeld prides itself on being responsible and ethical. It connects people with like-minded folk and encourages curious monogamous couples to link with partners who are also interested. It is a safe space that allows couples to explore their desires in the most honest way possible.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$14.99 totalThree months$29.98 total

What Users Think About Feeld

“It’s called the ‘Tinder for threesomes’ for a reason. I’ll let you do the imagining.”

Jon R

15.  Sex Messenger – Best for anonymous hookups

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pros

Safe way to send and receive nudes
Anonymity is key
Goal is to meet up for anonymous sex—NSA!

Cons

Need to pay for a premium account to access live chat or live cams

Sex Messenger is an anonymous instant messaging app—like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. But you never share your name because it’s meant to be discreet and only for sexting and trading nudes.

This app is an adult social network that is much more than an online sex chat. It caters to people who want to connect with other people who want to engage in sex and dirty talk, and fulfill each other’s sexual fantasies. Instant messaging on this app and posting blog entries will help you gain the attention you want from like-minded people.

All members must verify their accounts, so this weeds out fake profiles, scammers, and bots. Members can contribute to the website through Sex Messenger’s forums, chats, group sections, sex stories, and blogs. It’s all anonymous and fully discrete. This app is a great way to sext, increase sexual tension, and finally meet up to do the deed.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$14.95 total

What Users Think About Sex Messenger

“I’m recently single and wanted to have a little fun but was skeptical about trying something online. You hear about the horror stories. I found Sex Messenger and immediately thought SCAM. But I gave it a shot and found a couple fun guys within a couple weeks. I didn’t need to renew my membership.”

Olivia B

16.  Reddit R4R – Best completely free option

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★

Pros

Free
No membership needed
Lots of daily interactions and hits

Cons

Hard to stand out
Can’t pay to boost your posts
Mostly guys

Reddit R4R is one of the best options for browse casual sex options for free. If you’re looking for a hookup but don’t want to sign up, post photos of yourself, and write out a bio to describe who you are and what you want . . . you found the site for you!

This site works as a personals subreddit. It works like any other subreddit. Anyone can post—no photos, no personal information needed! All you have to do is list some things about yourself and the type of person you’re looking for. And then you wait to see if anyone responds to your post.

Reddit R4R is free, so all you have to do is download the Reddit app, and you don’t need to worry about spending money. If you want to be a trusted member and not get blocked, just follow the posting rules! Users love this site to get laid because it’s easy to use, free, and starts an instant conversation with like-minded people.

Membership TierPriceUnlimitedFree

What Users Think About Reddit R4R

“Look, it’s Reddit. You ‘get what you pay for,’ but it’s cool to scroll the profiles and chat for free. Too many guys but I definitely found and met up with a couple hotties.”

Jack P

Hookup Site Guide

Still on the fence about whether or not you should start using hookup apps? Or maybe you’re already using them but want some more information? Check out this useful guide to answer any lingering questions you may have and walk away with some important safety tips about casual sex.

What Makes a Hookup Site Good?

It’s important to note that different sites cater to different kinds of people. So before creating a profile on any old hookup site, read the reviews to make sure it meets your needs.

Here are a few tips to find the best hookup site specific to you:

If you have a particular kink or preference, keep an eye out for it. (example: Looking for discreet affairs? Ashley Madison is the one for you!)
Make sure the size of the user base is relatively large. More options mean a better chance of finding someone to hook up with.
Find a site that allows users to be up-front about what they want. Usually, apps have preferences, and you can set yours to “casual relationship” or “hookup.”
Make sure the customer service contact information is front and center. You shouldn’t have to go on an expedition to contact the site.

FAQs About Hookup Sites

Q: Are hookup sites safe?

Like any online dating platform, reputable hookup sites have embedded safety features that still require user discretion. It can be dangerous if you don’t take proper safety measures. Generally, these sites and apps regulate safety by banning bots and scammers and have options to report any bad or suspicious behavior. So if you’re planning on joining, be aware and try your best not to be too gullible—you can never be sure who you will come across online!

Q: Are there any completely free hookup sites?

It sucks that most dating apps and casual sex apps require you to subscribe to get optimum results. But sites like Reddit R4R and Craigslist Activities offer a free platform to chat, flirt, and arrange sex dates. But the only downside is that there is no moderation and you won’t be talking to a verified profile and have to be extra cautious.

Q: What hookup sites are free for women?

The reality is that dating apps make it very easy for women to find sex. Most high-rated dating sites offer women free memberships (mostly to balance out the male/female ratio on their site). Sex sites that are free for women include Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, Seeking, Hinge, Her, and Pure.

Q: What is the best LGBTQ+ option?

Though there are a few options, only two rise to the top. HER is the best for women seeking women and Grindr is best for men seeking for men. These two sites also cater to non-binary people.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for some action tonight, welcome to the world of casual sex sites and apps.

The best hookup sites are on top for a reason—everyone on there is eager to find sex and casual flings just like you! More than mainstream dating apps that cater to a plethora of things such as long-term dating, friendships, and so on, hookup apps are catered only towards sex and NSA fun!

The best hookup site is Adult FriendFinder (AFF) followed closely by BuddyBang. AFF emphasizes anonymity, safety, a massive user base, and a brand name that is verified. Most people on this site are looking for a good time with so many different types of kinks and fantasies. So what are you waiting for?

Hopefully, this list gives you an idea of what sex app is the best for you to get started on today.

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Best Hookup Sites and Apps for Adult Dating in 2023Corvelay Mediaon January 3, 2023 at 8:04 am Read More »

‘Queer joy and success as revolution’Karen Tophamon January 3, 2023 at 10:08 pm

Jonathan Larson is well known as the playwright of the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent, but that powerful musical about struggling artists affected by the out-of-control AIDS epidemic in New York’s Alphabet City was not his only contribution to the genre. The playwright, who never even saw one of his own plays produced—he died of an aortic aneurysm before the first preview of Rent—also left us tick, tick . . . BOOM!, an angry, angsty autobiographical show about trying to write an earlier, never-produced piece called Superbia.  

Tick…tick…BOOM! enjoyed an off-Broadway run in the early aughts and has had a couple of revivals (also off-Broadway) since then, as well as a couple of London productions. But it has never found even a fraction of the incredible success of its younger sibling. In fact, it’s probably safe to say that most musical theater fans had few chances to see the show until last year’s Lin-Manuel Miranda-directed film starring Andrew Garfield. 

Locally, Pegasus Players, now called Pegasus Theatre Chicago, produced tick, tick . . . BOOM! in 2006, and there was a touring production via Broadway in Chicago in 2003. Now BoHo Theatre is about to up that total by one with its new production, to be staged at the Edge Theater beginning January 12.

tick, tick . . . BOOM!1/12-2/5: Thu-Fri 7:30 PM, Sat 3 and 7:30 PM, Sun 3 PM; also industry night Mon 1/30 7:30 PM; open captions Sat 1/21 and 1/28 3 PM; Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway, bohotheatre.com, $35 general, $20 seniors, military, and first responders, $12 transgender and gender nonconforming people, students, and educational professionals

Directed by transgender, gender nonconforming director Bo Frazier (they/them), who themself performed in a London version a decade ago, this production may well be the only one ever to use a cast exclusively comprised of transgender and gender nonbinary and nonconforming actors. 

“I always knew I wanted to revisit [tick, tick . . . BOOM!] as a director,” says Frazier. “Back in 1993, Jonathan Larson wrote one of the only humanized gender nonconforming characters in the musical theater canon that isn’t constantly the butt of a joke [Angel in Rent], so I’d like to think he would truly champion this production.”

Casting director Catherine Miller (they/them) provided Frazier with a cast consisting of Alec Phan (he/they) as Jonathan, Crystal Claros (they/he/she) as Michael, and Luke Halpern (they/he/she) as Susan. (The understudies—Lizzie Mowry, Larry D. Trice II, and Nathe Rowbotham—are also trans gender and gender nonconforming.)

“It definitely adds an extra layer of nuance to our production,” Frazier notes. “It has been really fun to subvert gender norms with the staging of these characters.” 

Phan completely agrees. “Because we, the actors, have many layers to identities, our characters have that many more layers too.”

More than Phan’s gender identity makes them a unique Jonathan. “Jonathan Larson was a white, cishet man, and this version of him created for tick, tick . . . BOOM! has been portrayed almost exclusively by white, cishet actors. Despite his anxieties, the character knows his worth and talent—a wild, foreign concept to me!”

Phan sees “the doubt and the nay-saying Jonathan experiences” as bigger than “the tough musical theater industry. It’s white supremacy. It’s hetero- and cisnormativity. It’s East- and Southeast Asian cultural expectations. It’s all these things in combination and more!”

Frazier says that, while the focus of the show is on Larson’s attempt to break free from the predetermined structure of the Broadway musical rather than anything to do with the playwright’s or character’s identity, the notion of putting on this show with a trans and gender nonconforming cast derives from some of its lyrics. 

“The idea was birthed from lyrics in the final song [“Louder Than Words”] that I think every TGNC person can relate to: ‘Why do we blaze a trail when the well-worn path seems safe and so inviting? Cages or wings, which do you prefer?’” 

They feel that every TGNC person at some point has to “choose cages or wings: whether to live a lie and conform to societal pressure or blaze a trail and live a life of personal truth.” 

In the current political climate in which so-called conservatives have made repressive, regressive, anti-trans laws an enormous element of their “agenda,” them. writer Nico Lang says 2022 has “felt like a particularly heavy time to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community in America.” Lang quotes Sybastian Smith, an organizer for the National Center for Transgender Equality, as stating that “trans people usually choose to live their lives in silence or do not disclose their gender identity as a way to protect themselves,” choosing cages over spreading their wings.

Citing Texas governor Greg Abbott’s order to investigate parents who allow minors to socially or medically transition; the more than 124 drag shows, Drag Queen Story Hours, and Pride parades that have faced protests and even threats of violence; as well as the 300+ anti-LGBTQ+ laws that have been passed in 36 states, Lang says that the “oppressive legislation environment” has “made life particularly challenging for LGBTQ+ people but especially youth.”

Because of this, Frazier says that “it is so important to humanize the TGNC community with this production. So often we are demonized in the media and fetishized on dating apps, but I truly want to normalize our existence. We are presenting a relatable story that many audience members will be familiar with, just this time we have different identities on stage.” 

Frazier knows that it is not only LGBTQ+ people who will find empathy with the struggles Jonathan goes through in the play. “There is a universal message that every audience member can relate to in tick, tick . . . BOOM!” they say: “that feeling of being lost, your life not being what you thought it would be, and trying to find your way in the world.”

For their part, Phan notes that the theater business itself, despite its liberal reputation, has not taken any kind of leadership role in countering the problems that Lang and Frazier mentioned, and their being Asian just compounds them. 

“Roles for queer, trans brown folks are sparse unless we are creating them ourselves, and production spaces that are truly safe for us to just be in are even sparser,” they say.  Far too often, they have experienced “blatant racism” or worse.” 

However, as they explain, “More often than not, I have a bad experience because my boundaries are crossed, and I don’t have the tools or support to reinforce them. In terms of my identity, this has meant sharing parts of myself during the creative process that are then either used or discarded without my enthusiastic consent.”

Both the director and the actor feel that this production of tick, tick . . . BOOM! will provide some of the positive messaging that is too often missing from the conversation.

Frazier says that “it is incredibly important to see TGNC and queer joy, creativity, and love instead of the constant, harmful narrative of trans trauma we see in media most of the time.”

Phan believes that “the all-queer casting of this show just reinforces the themes of self-acceptance and creative trailblazing in the story” and that the overriding feeling of “queer joy and success as revolution” may well begin to shift the narrative around trans issues. 

“I hope our queer audiences leave the theater knowing their simple existence—and especially within artistic fields—is revolution: that they deserve a seat at all tables and that it is entirely possible to build our own dang tables and be successful.”


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‘Queer joy and success as revolution’Karen Tophamon January 3, 2023 at 10:08 pm Read More »

Listen to The Ben Joravsky Show

Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

With support from our sponsors

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.


Baby steps

The good news about 2022 is that it could have been worse.


Good riddance

The best thing Alderperson Ed Burke ever did for Chicago was to leave office.


The Florida strategy

MAGA’s attempt to scare white voters into voting against Pritzker didn’t work so well, to put it mildly.

Read More

Listen to The Ben Joravsky Show Read More »

Listen to The Ben Joravsky ShowBen Joravskyon January 3, 2023 at 8:01 am

Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

With support from our sponsors

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.


Baby steps

The good news about 2022 is that it could have been worse.


Good riddance

The best thing Alderperson Ed Burke ever did for Chicago was to leave office.


The Florida strategy

MAGA’s attempt to scare white voters into voting against Pritzker didn’t work so well, to put it mildly.

Read More

Listen to The Ben Joravsky ShowBen Joravskyon January 3, 2023 at 8:01 am Read More »

Blackhawks News: Connor Bedard stole the show once againVincent Pariseon January 3, 2023 at 5:31 pm

The Chicago Blackhawks, because of their status as one of the worst teams in the National Hockey League, have a special interest in this year’s edition of the World Junior Championships. Every team in the league cares about it but the Hawks might care more than others.

In particular, Team Canada is incredibly important to their scouts this year. For one, they have multiple prospects playing for that team so everyone wants to see how they do. Colton Dach has been injured but Kevin Korchinski, Nolan Allan, and Ethan del Mastro have been great.

As fun as those guys are, nothing matches the anticipation that comes from the elite players that are draft eligible in 2023.

If the Blackhawks end up with the second overall pick, Adam Fantilli will be a great selection for them. He does a lot of things right that will translate well in the NHL.

The Chicago Blackhawks have their eyes on a lot in the World Juniors.

However, Connor Bedard (the projected number-one overall pick) is on another level. He has been the best player in the tournament for any team and he hasn’t even been drafted yet. We are starting to see that he might be on that Sidney Crosby/Connor McDavid level of greatness.

Obviously, that is some high praise but it is fair at this point. The things that he has done have been as impressive as any junior player ever.

Bedard stole the show once again in the quarterfinals for Canada. Against a very good Team Slovakia, Bedard saved his team from a massive upset. For one, he scored the first goal of the game that gave Canada a 1-0 lead. He also had another assist later on in regulation.

Slovakia put on a show themselves and got the game to overtime against this Canadian team that is always going to be the favorite this year.

Connor Bedard showed us why he has so much hype surrounding him when he scored one of the most beautiful goals in the overtime period to hold off that Slovakian squad. It was a very impressive moment.

Chicago Blackhawks fans had to love seeing Bedard do this. They don’t have his rights and may never but they might enter the off-season with the greatest odds to get him. If the season ended today, that would be the case.

Now, Bedard and Canada will face Team USA in the semi-final. The winner will advance to the Gold Medal Game which should be incredibly exciting. If Bedard came to Chicago, the franchise would change forever.

For now, we just need to see them be smart in other areas to potentially take advantage of a good-luck situation that might present itself later on.

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Blackhawks News: Connor Bedard stole the show once againVincent Pariseon January 3, 2023 at 5:31 pm Read More »

Lovie Smith wants to hand the Chicago Bears the number 1 pickRyan Heckmanon January 3, 2023 at 1:00 pm

After Week 17, the Chicago Bears now have prime draft position locked down for the 2023 NFL Draft. But, just how high will they be picking? That’s the question that won’t be answered for a few days.

Losing their ninth game in a row, the Bears now sit at 3-13, and still stay in the no. 2 draft spot behind the Houston Texans who are 2-13-1.

You do the math. If the Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18 and improve to 3-13-1, and the Bears lose to the Minnesota Vikings who are still playing for playoff positioning, then Chicago will move into the number 1 overall pick.

Would the Texans really do that to themselves? Would they really win one, meaningless game in order to take themselves out of position to draft Alabama’s Bryce Young? If head coach Lovie Smith has anything to say about it, that’s exactly what the Texans are trying to do.

Lovie Smith made it abundantly clear that Texans will play to win the game against the Colts.

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 2, 2023

Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith could give the Chicago Bears the ultimate holiday gift in Week 18.

The Texans have a feasible win on the table, here. Let’s not pretend like it’s doing the near-impossible like they almost did a few weeks ago when they took the Kansas City Chiefs to overtime. This is the Colts, who are amidst a train wreck season of their own this year.

To be clear, the Texans have played more competitively over the past month and a half. Though they’re bottom of the barrel in terms of record, and coming off a blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston has played in some close games, so a phrase like this doesn’t come as a surprise from Smith.

Lovie Smith: ‘We’ve been trying to win for a long period of time. None of that has changed.’

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 2, 2023

Before getting beat by Jacksonville, the Texans beat the Tennessee Titans, lost to the Chiefs by 6 and were beating the Dallas Cowboys before finally relinquishing their lead, losing 27-23.

To say the Texans will lay down and die in Week 18 isn’t such a sure bet. However, passing up an opportunity to land a quarterback like Young would be hilarious. The Texans could end up with Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick, which would be a nice consolation prize.

Then, there’s the Bears, who would own the first overall pick and it’s all but a guarantee for the Bears to trade that selection. The draft haul for the first overall pick would be one for the record books, certainly, and could alter the state of the franchise in a monumental way.

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Lovie Smith wants to hand the Chicago Bears the number 1 pickRyan Heckmanon January 3, 2023 at 1:00 pm Read More »

5 things to hope that happens for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023Todd Welteron January 3, 2023 at 12:00 pm

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2022 was not a great year for the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Hawks won just 25 games in the calendar year. They finished next to last in the Central division in the 2021-22 season and are currently in dead last this year.

That is thanks in part to the Blackhawks beginning a necessary long-term rebuild.

That meant trading away Brandon Hagel, Kirby Dach, and Alex DeBrincat. Dominik Kubalik and Dylan Strome were allowed to walk in free agency.

Hopefully, all this losing pays off in the long haul and general manager Kyle Davidson can restock the farm system to get enough good, young players to contend for a Stanley Cup again.

To get there, a lot of losing must happen. It will not be fun to watch. There are still a few things to be hopeful for in 2023 for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Kyle Davidson gets a good return when he trades Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and other veteran players.

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have been franchise icons for a decade-plus. Both are set to be free agents after the season.

While watching these legends still skate in a Blackhawks sweater is one of the few reasons to turn the Hawks on, they are more valuable to the Chicago Blackhawks in the trade market.

Kane is having a down year in goals with just seven, but he is still a playmaker with 20 assists. Toews is playing much better after last season as he has 11 goals. He can still win a faceoff with the best of them.

Any contending team would want Kane or Toews playing for them and helping win a Stanley Cup. Both would have to waive their no-movement clause.

Kane might want to stay as he has always been conscious of his Blackhawks legacy.

Patrick Kane faces the clash between staying in Chicago and moving to a contender. @SpectorsHockey‘s Rumour Roundup: https://t.co/mNH6iGW0Lj

— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) November 30, 2022

Toews has not given any indication as to whether he would approve a trade.

Per @PierreVLeBrun, Pat Brisson says he’ll talk with Jonathan Toews & Patrick Kane about their futures “within the next 3 weeks” & that signing extensions with new teams as part of any potential trades is not likely going to be the case, but isn’t ruled out for either#Blackhawks

— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) December 29, 2022

If they do agree to leave the only franchise they have ever known, Davidson needs to get a good return of prospects and picks. Davidson needs to get as many top-100 picks as he can get in a deep draft.

If Kane and Toews do not waive their no-movement clauses, Davidson still has some pieces to trade before the deadline that should fetch a decent return of prospects or picks.

Max Domi is showing he can stay healthy and provide some offense. Andreas Athanasiou is also playing some good hockey and displaying he could help a contender.

Jack Johnson is a valuable veteran defender who has already won a Stanley Cup. A contender could be interested in Alex Stalock to provide goalie depth.

Davidson needs to keep acquiring more draft picks or prospects. Trading away two franchise icons is a way of accomplishing it-no matter how painful it will be to do.

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5 things to hope that happens for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023Todd Welteron January 3, 2023 at 12:00 pm Read More »