Vincent Hess
5. Ghost and Alien Emojis
They, like clowns, scared the crap out of many. Are you one of those crazy alien conspiracy fanatics? Maybe you just like the idea of other life forms in our universe. That’s great, just don’t lead with that. You can talk about your apocalypse survival plans later when you know whether or not your date will run for the hills at the mere mention of them.
What you think it means: I like sci-fi movies.
What your date thinks it means: Ok this person likes sci-fi books, movies, trading cards, t-shirts, conventions, costumes, interior decor, bumper stickers, baby names, wedding themes…
4. Weapon Emoji
We’re not in a cage fight, dummy. While men are often looking for ways to show off their manlyness, dates won’t want to meet you in person if they think you’re not safe. If tridents, shotguns, and hunting knives make you feel all cozy inside, keep it to yourself.
What you think it means: I have pretty awesome bow hunting and nunchuck skills.
What your date thinks it means: “I don’t know who you are. I don’t know what you want. If you are looking for ransom I can tell you I don’t have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now that’ll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you, but if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you and I will kill you.”
—Liam Neeson in the movie Taken—I mean, this guy who’s trying to date me…
3. Explosion and Fire Emojis
Like weapons, this is just a bad idea. You’re either really into fires and bombs, which is an obvious red flag, or you want the explosion as a sort of exclamation point. Whatever you’re trying to do you’re not going to make your date feel safe.
What you think it means: BAM! Emphasis on that point I just made.
What your date thinks it means: Swipe left, please.
2. A Million Cat Heart Eye Emojis
If you absolutely must send a million heart eye emojis in a row to properly confess your love, use the normal round ones. Under no circumstances should you ever use the cat versions of these popular emojis. Unless your date is a crazy cat lover too, they’ll be done with you before you can even say meow.
What you think it means: I love you so much!
What your date thinks it means: She loves cats SOOOOOOO much!
1. Advanced Level Emoji Combinations That Scare People Away
While sometimes appropriate, depending on the relationship, certain advanced level emoji combinations can scare away a potential date if used early on. You have been warned. If using the multiple emoji combo method of communicating while dating, please be aware that some combos come with a steeper price than others.
What you think it means: Oh, wouldn’t it be so amazing if one day we live happily ever after?
What your date thinks it means: Look, we’re not even Facebook official yet. Let’s take this one emoji at a time…
Now that you’re all caught up on online dating emoji etiquette…
Next time you get the urge to send the smiling poop emoji or the awkward kissy face emoji, send some flower emojis and a thumbs up and play on the safe side. If you have second thoughts about an emoji, actually write out how you feel instead! It’s as easy as that. Now, go out there and collect some phone numbers. Happy 21st-century dating!
(Thanks to EmojiOne for providing free emoji icons.)
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