How to Respond to 'Hey' on Tinder: 25+ British Responses That Actually Work (2024)

Online dating has become an integral part of our social lives in the UK, with platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge allowing us to connect with potential matches in just a few swipes.

But what happens when you receive a "Hey" message? How do you respond to create a lasting impression that stands out in the British dating scene?

Let's dive into the art of crafting engaging responses to "Hey" messages and learn how TinderProfile.ai can boost your dating game.

Understanding the "Hey" Message

Why People Use "Hey" as an Opener

"Hey" is a common opener for many people because it's simple, casual, and doesn't require much effort. For some, it might be a way to test the waters and see if the other person is interested before investing time and energy into a conversation. It's a quick tap on the shoulder, really.

The Significance of a Simple "Hey"

Although it may seem like a lacklustre opening, responding to a "Hey" message can be a gateway to more meaningful conversations. It's an opportunity to show your personality and engage your match in a way that sets you apart from the crowd, especially in a landscape filled with generic greetings.

25+ Brilliant Ways to Respond to 'Hey' (British Edition)

Instead of sending a boring "hey" back, you need an arsenal of replies that grab attention and start a proper chat. Here are over 25 examples, broken down by style, to get you started.

Witty & Banter-Heavy Replies

1. "Hey is for horses. But since you're not a horse, what's your go-to pub?"
2. "Alright, you've passed the first test by saying hello. For the second, what's the most controversial opinion you hold about crisps?"
3. "Careful, you nearly took my eye out with that 'Hey'."
4. "You say 'Hey', I say '...is that the best you've got?' 😉"
5. "And a 'hey' to you too. Now that the formalities are out of the way, what's your plan to save me from a boring Tuesday?"
6. "A 'Hey' of that calibre deserves a response. What's the most British problem you've faced this week?"
7. "I'll accept your 'Hey' and raise you a 'What's the worst film you've ever seen?'"

Intriguing Questions

8. "Hey back! Quick, you've got 30 seconds to pack a bag for a spontaneous weekend away. What are you taking?"
9. "Hey! If you had to describe your personality using only a sandwich filling, what would it be?"
10. "Hello! What's something you're secretly a massive nerd about?"
11. "Hey. Let's settle this now: Jaffa Cakes. Biscuit or cake?"
12. "Hey there. What's the best bit of useless trivia you know?"
13. "Hey! What's a song you can listen to on repeat and never get tired of?"
14. "Hey. If you could have any superpower but only use it for incredibly minor inconveniences, what would it be?"

Flirty & Confident Responses

15. "Well hello there. I was wondering when you'd show up."
16. "Hey. Is your profile as good as it looks in person, or even better?"
17. "If this 'Hey' is the start of you trying to win me over, I'm listening."
18. "Hey yourself. Other than being ridiculously good-looking, what do you do for fun?"
19. "That's a bold opener. Let's see if you can follow it up."
20. "Hey. Your profile made me stop scrolling, so you've already won a point."

Profile-Specific Observations

21. (If they have a dog pic) "Hey! Never mind you, what's your dog's name? And is he/she taking applications for a new step-parent?"
22. (If they have a travel pic) "Hey! That photo in [Location] looks amazing. Was it as good as it looks or did you just find a good angle?"
23. (If their bio mentions a TV show) "Hey. I see you're a fan of [TV Show]. Are we talking a casual viewer or a 'seen every episode 5 times' kind of fan?"
24. (If they list a hobby) "Hey. Your bio says you're into [Hobby]. On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to beat me at it?"
25. (If they have a photo at a gig) "Hey! Great taste in music. What's the best gig you've ever been to?"
26. (If they're in a group photo) "Hey! Took me a second to figure out which one you were, but I'm glad I did. What's the story behind that photo?"

How to Respond to 'Hey' as a Man: Taking the Lead

For our male audience, getting a "Hey" isn't a sign of a lazy match. It's an opportunity. Think of it from an optimization standpoint: she's made the first move and given you a blank canvas. Your job is to take that low-effort opener and efficiently convert it into a high-value interaction.

• See it as a green light: She's interested enough to reach out. The ball is now in your court.
• Take control: Your goal is to immediately steer the conversation somewhere interesting. You lead, she'll follow.
• Showcase personality: A witty or observant reply instantly sets you apart from the guys who just say "Hey back."
• Make it easy for her: Your response should give her a clear, easy question to answer or a joke to react to. This removes the pressure from her and gets the conversation flowing.

A simple "Hey" is your chance to demonstrate confidence and prove you're more engaging than the competition.

The 5 Conversation-Killing Mistakes to Avoid

When you get a "Hey," your response is critical. Avoid these common blunders that will get you unmatched faster than you can swipe.

1. Replying with "Hey" back: This is the number one mistake. It shows zero effort and puts the burden right back on her to start the actual conversation. You've killed the momentum instantly.
2. Asking a boring, generic question: Replying with "How are you?" or "What's up?" is almost as bad as "Hey." It's uninspired and makes you sound like every other guy.
3. Being negative about the opener: A reply like "Is that the best you've got?" comes across as arrogant and confrontational, not clever. You're starting on a negative footing.
4. Sending a wall of text: Don't overwhelm her with a massive paragraph about yourself. It seems desperate and overeager. Keep your first reply concise and focused on getting her to engage.
5. Being instantly creepy or sexual: This should be obvious, but jumping straight to overly sexual comments is the fastest way to get blocked and reported. Build some rapport first. For inspiration, check out some of the best Tinder openers that build intrigue.

The 3-Message Playbook: From 'Hey' to a Real Conversation

Having a list of one-liners is good, but understanding the flow of a conversation is better. Here are two simple playbooks to show how you can turn a "Hey" into a proper chat in just a few messages.

Playbook 1: The Witty Banter Flow

• Her: Hey
• You: Alright, you've passed the first test by saying hello. For the second, what's the most controversial opinion you hold about crisps?
• Her: Haha, okay. Prawn cocktail are the worst, no debate.
• You: Woah, controversial! We clearly need to discuss this over a pint to see if we can still be friends. What's your local?

Why it works: You start with a fun, low-stakes challenge that shows personality. You then use her answer to playfully suggest a date. It's smooth, confident, and moves things forward.

Playbook 2: The Profile-Based Flow

• Her: Hey
• You: Hey! That photo in Italy looks amazing. Was it as good as it looks or did you just find a good angle?
• Her: It was even better! The pasta was incredible.
• You: I'm incredibly jealous. I've been meaning to go. What was the best dish you had? I'm planning my trip vicariously through you...

Why it works: You show you've actually looked at her profile. You ask an open-ended question that invites a detailed response. You then build on her answer, creating a natural conversation about a shared interest. This is key to learning how to start a conversation on Tinder.

Responding to "Hey" from a Match You Fancy

When you receive a "Hey" from someone you're genuinely interested in, your response sets the tone. Whether it's a girl or a guy, the goal is to signal interest while encouraging them to reveal more about themselves.

• Compliments That Resonate: Compliment your match on something unique from their profile, such as their taste in music or their sense of style. Make it specific and genuine, not just a generic line.
• Genuine Interest in Their Hobbies: Demonstrate genuine curiosity about their interests by asking more in-depth questions. This will make them feel valued and encourage them to share more about herself or himself.
• Flirting Without Being Creepy: Flirting should be light-hearted and respectful. A good flirty response to "Hey" could be something like, "Well hello there! Your profile pic stopped me mid-scroll... how's your Tuesday going?" Avoid overly sexual or aggressive language. Building a connection is key.

How to Respond to "Hey" on Bumble and Hinge

Differences Between Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge

Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge each have slightly different vibes. Bumble empowers women to initiate conversations, creating a more balanced environment. Hinge is "designed to be deleted," focusing on prompts to spark specific conversations.

Adjusting Your Responses for Bumble

Since women initiate conversations on Bumble, they often send slightly more than just "Hey," perhaps referencing a profile prompt or photo. Respond thoughtfully, expanding on what they've said or asking a follow-up question that shows you've put effort in. Craft sincere, engaging answers that demonstrate your interest in getting to know them.

How to Respond to "Hey" on Hinge

Hinge relies heavily on prompts, so a simple "Hey" is less common as a first message unless it's a like on a picture without a comment. If you get a "Hey" on Hinge, it might signal they're not sure how to use the app or want you to take the lead. Respond by referencing something specific on their profile or a prompt. This is a chance to use a Hinge Conversation Starter yourself!

For example: "Hey! Loved your answer about your ideal Sunday. Mine involves [mention something related]. What's the best Sunday roast spot you know?"

The Importance of Personalised Responses

• Standing Out from the Crowd: A personalised response shows that you're genuinely interested in your match and sets you apart from others sending generic replies. This extra effort can make a significant difference in building connections and fostering engaging conversations on British dating apps.
• Making a Strong First Impression: Your initial response plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your conversation. A well-crafted, personalised message can create a positive first impression and pave the way for a fruitful interaction.

"Authenticity is the key to unlocking meaningful connections in the world of online dating, especially when moving past simple greetings like 'Hey'."

Emojis and Their Role in Responses

The Do's and Don'ts of Using Emojis

Emojis can add a touch of fun and express emotions effectively. However, overusing emojis or using inappropriate ones can be off-putting. Use emojis sparingly and ensure they complement your message. A well-placed emoji can soften text or add a bit of cheekiness that British texting etiquette often appreciates.

Conveying Emotions Effectively

Emojis can help convey emotions that may be difficult to express through text alone. Use them to add warmth and personality to your responses without going overboard.

Tip: Emojis can be the bridge between words and emotions in online conversations, but don't rely on them solely.

GIFs and Memes: Adding Fun to Your Responses

When to Use Them

GIFs and memes can lighten the mood and inject humour into your conversations. Use them when the context is appropriate and when they align with your match's sense of humour. A well-timed GIF or meme, perhaps referencing a popular UK show or meme format, can turn a simple "hey" into a memorable conversation starter.

Choosing the Right GIF or Meme

Select a GIF or meme that's relevant to the conversation or your match's interests. This will demonstrate that you're paying attention and can help foster a connection.

Tip: Keep your responses light and fun by incorporating relevant GIFs or memes that resonate with your match's sense of humour, especially British ones if appropriate!

Moving the Conversation Towards a Date

Once you've exchanged a few engaging messages, you'll want to gauge interest in meeting up. Subtle suggestions often work best in the British dating scene. You could say, "It's been brilliant chatting, you seem really interesting. We should grab a coffee/drink sometime if you're free?" Or, if you've discussed a shared interest like a specific pub or park, you could suggest meeting there. Don't rush it, but don't let the conversation fizzle out either.

Tailoring Your Response to Match Your Personality

Authenticity Is Key

Being genuine and true to yourself is vital when crafting responses. Your match will appreciate your authenticity, and it lays the foundation for a genuine connection. Don't try to be someone you're not, just to get past the "Hey."

Showcasing Your Unique Traits

Your individuality sets you apart from others. Highlight your unique qualities, interests, or experiences to create a memorable impression on your match. Let your response reflect your unique British charm, whatever that looks like for you!

Timing: When to Respond to "Hey"

Responding Too Soon vs. Too Late: Finding the right balance between responding too quickly and taking too long is crucial. Responding too soon might come across as overly keen, while taking too long can signal disinterest in UK dating culture.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe, such as a few hours to a day. This shows that you're interested and engaged without appearing overly eager.

How TinderProfile.ai Can Improve Your Dating Game

AI-Generated Photo Optimisation

TinderProfile.ai uses artificial intelligence to analyse your photos and generate a set of high-quality, professional-looking images that enhance your dating profile. This is crucial for making a great first impression in the competitive UK dating app market. Learn more about how TinderProfile.ai can optimise your photos.

Ensuring a Great First Impression

A well-curated profile with captivating images can make a lasting first impression, increasing your chances of receiving more "Hey" messages and potential matches. It makes people want to message you in the first place! Check out tips on How to make a good Tinder Profile.

Increasing Your Chances of More Matches

With the help of TinderProfile.ai, you can boost your profile's appeal and elevate your online dating experience. More matches mean more opportunities to practise those brilliant "Hey" responses! Discover the benefits of using TinderProfile.ai.

Conclusion: Turning a Simple 'Hey' into Your Next Date

Mastering the art of responding to "Hey" messages is crucial in the world of online dating. With personalised, engaging, and authentic responses, you can create lasting impressions and foster meaningful connections in the British dating scene.

By using TinderProfile.ai to optimise your profile pictures, you can further increase your chances of success and enjoy a more fulfilling dating experience, turning those initial "Hey" messages into genuine conversations.

Answering Your Questions About Responding to "Hey" on British Dating Apps

How Should I Respond to a Simple "Hey" on Tinder or Bumble in the UK?

Craft a personalised, engaging response that demonstrates your genuine interest in your match. Draw from their profile details, ask open-ended questions, use humour or lighthearted British banter, and try to reference something specific to them. Avoid generic replies.

Is it rude to just reply "Hey" back to someone on a dating app in the UK?

While not strictly "rude," it's generally ineffective in the UK dating scene. Simply replying "Hey" offers nothing new and puts the burden back on the other person to start the real conversation. A more engaging response shows effort and increases the chances of a continued chat.

What's the best way to keep a conversation going after a simple greeting like "Hey" or "Hi"?

The best way is to transition quickly from the greeting to a substantive topic. Ask an open-ended question about their profile, mention a shared interest, use a lighthearted joke, or share a quick, interesting observation. The goal is to give them something specific to respond to.

How do British dating app users typically start conversations?

While "Hey" is common, many successful British users aim for more engaging openers. They might reference a profile photo (e.g., "Love that pic from [place]!"), ask about a prompt answer (e.g., "Your take on [topic] sounds interesting, tell me more!"), or use a bit of witty banter related to something on the profile.

Should I ignore a "Hey" message on a UK dating app if I'm interested in someone?

No, don't ignore it! If you're interested, a "Hey" is your chance to take the lead and turn a low-effort opener into an engaging exchange. Ignoring it will signal disinterest, and you might miss out on a potential connection. Use the tips in this guide to craft a brilliant response.