The definitive history of speed dating

As dating concepts go, speed dating is a relatively modern way of meeting someone new. Given the amount of inaccurate information on the subject and given our teams somewhat long-term industry knowledge we set about creating a definitive to the history of speed dating.

The concept of speed dating, a method of meeting potential romantic partners through rapid, short interactions, has evolved over time and has a relatively long history. Let's delve into the comprehensive history of speed dating:

1998 - The Birth of Speed Dating: The concept of speed dating can be traced back to Rabbi Yaacov Deyo in the late 1990s. He introduced the concept in Jewish communities in Los Angeles to help Jewish singles meet and marry within their faith. This early form of speed dating was called "Aish HaTorah" and aimed to ensure that Jewish singles had the opportunity to meet many potential partners in a short amount of time.

2000s - "Fast Dating" in New York and Beyond: In the early 2000s, speed dating as we know it today began to take shape. A New York-based group called "Fast Dating" started organising speed dating events in Manhattan. These events were held at various upmarket venues, and participants were given a set amount of time, usually around five minutes, to engage in conversation with potential matches.

Speed dating event organisers also opened in London, UK in the early 2002. The concept gradually expanded further with events taking place in most western capital cities soon afterwards. Many of of the original organisers are still trading today.

2000s - Online Speed Dating Services: With the rise of the internet, the concept of speed dating made it’s first foray into the virtual realm. Online speed dating services started to emerge in the early 2000s, offering a way for people to meet and chat with potential partners through webcam-based sessions. This allowed individuals to participate in speed dating from the comfort of their own homes. However, both computer and internet technology at that time didn’t allow for reliable realtime communication and as such many of these services didn’t continue commercially.

2010s - Popularity and Expansion: Speed dating gained popularity throughout the 2010s, spreading to more cities worldwide. Organisations and businesses began hosting speed dating events in various settings, from bars and restaurants to community centres and even on public transportation – even on board aeroplanes.

During this period the online offerings from speed dating companies improved. Many incorporated online post event matching and messaging and client profiles to enhance the experience for their guests.

2010s - Niche Speed Dating: In the 2010s, speed dating events diversified to cater to niche markets. Specialised events started to emerge, including LGBTQ+ speed dating, religious-themed speed dating, and speed dating for specific age groups or even professions.

2020s - Adapting to Virtual Platforms: The lockdowns ordered by governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the early 2020s forced a shift in the way people date and interact. Many traditional speed dating events temporality transitioned to virtual platforms such as Zoom, allowing singles to continue meeting potential partners while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Virtual speed dating offered a social lifeline to many people who found themselves isolated during this time.

Today - A Modern Approach: Speed dating has evolved into a modern dating strategy that coexists with online dating apps and websites. Many people see it as a valuable tool for meeting people in person and making authentic connections quickly.

While speed dating has evolved over the decades, its core principle remains the same: providing a structured and efficient way for singles to meet and connect with potential partners. It continues to be a popular and effective method for those looking to find romance in a fast-paced world.

With the invent of Fanciful, anyone is empyered to run speed dating events. To find out organising your own speed dating event, visit our organisers pages.