A plain "hey" usually means they are interested enough to start, but did not know what to say. It is an open door, not a lack of interest. The best reply is short, matches their energy and ends with something they can answer.
What does "hey" mean?
A plain "hey" usually means they are interested enough to start, but did not know what to say. It is an open door, not a lack of interest.
Playful replies to "hey"
- “Hey yourself. I was starting to think my profile scared everyone off”
- “Hey! Quick, rate your day from 1 to 10 — no explaining allowed”
- “A classic opener. Bold choice. I respect it”
Flirty replies to "hey"
- “Hey you. I was hoping you would say something”
- “Hey — your smile in the second photo is doing a lot of work”
- “Hey! You just made this app a lot more interesting”
Sincere replies to "hey"
- “Hey! How is your week going so far?”
- “Hi! I saw you like hiking — what is the best trail you have done?”
- “Hey, nice to match with you. What made you swipe right?”
What not to send
- Replying with just "hey" back — it stalls the chat
- Sending a long paragraph straight away
How to keep the conversation going
Ask one specific question based on their profile. Specific questions get far more replies than "how are you".
FAQ
Is "hey" a bad sign on a dating app?
No. Many people open with "hey" because they are unsure what to say; your reply sets the tone.
What is the best reply to "hey"?
A short greeting plus a specific question about their profile keeps the chat moving.