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In the crowded world of dating apps, Down Dating (formerly known as “Bang With Friends”) takes a straightforward approach to casual encounters. With its provocative tagline “Get Down with who you’re already friends with,” this app promises no-frills connections without the pretense of traditional dating platforms. But does it live up to its reputation in 2024?
This comprehensive review examines:
- The app’s unique “Facebook friends” matching system
- How it compares to Tinder and Pure App for discreet hookups
- Real user experiences from major cities
- Safety concerns and privacy features
How Down Dating Works: A No-Nonsense Approach
1. The Controversial Sign-Up Process
Down Dating requires Facebook integration, accessing:
- Your friend list (to find matches)
- Basic profile information
- Work and education history
Key Difference: Unlike Pure App’s anonymity, Down Dating leverages your existing social circle.
2. The “Get Down” System
Users can classify contacts as:
- “Date” (for potential relationships)
- “Get Down” (explicitly for hookups)
Unique Feature: Matches only occur when both parties select “Get Down” for each other, creating mutual consent for casual encounters.
Pros & Cons: Is Down Dating Safe and Effective?
✅ Pros
✔ Honest intentions – No guessing about what users want
✔ Built-in social verification – Matches come from your extended network
✔ Free messaging – Unlike Adult Friend Finder’s paywall
❌ Cons
✖ Privacy concerns – Facebook integration raises red flags
✖ Limited user base – Only works if your friends use it
✖ Outdated design – Feels clunky compared to Feeld or Tinder
Down Dating vs. Competitors
| Feature | Down Dating | Tinder | Pure App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | ❌ | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
| User Base | 2M+ | 75M+ | 500K+ |
| Hookup Focus | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
| Social Graph | ✅✅✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Verdict:
- Best for: Those comfortable mixing social media and dating
- Worst for: Privacy-conscious users or people with small networks
Pricing Model
- Free version: Full functionality
- Premium ($9.99/month): See who voted for you, unlimited rewinds
Our Take: One of the few apps where free version suffices.
Safety & Privacy Warnings
Major concerns include:
- Facebook data sharing (app accesses friend lists indefinitely)
- Potential for social awkwardness (friends might see your profile)
- Limited blocking features
Protection Tip: Use a secondary Facebook account if possible.
Real User Experiences
“Matched with a coworker’s friend – amazing chemistry but SUPER awkward when we ran into each other at a party.” – Jake, 29 (Chicago)
“Dead in my area. Only 3 active users within my extended network.” – Priya, 26 (Austin)
Final Verdict
Best for: Social butterflies comfortable with blurred social/dating lines
Avoid if: You value privacy or have a conservative professional circle
Rating: 2.8/5 (Unique concept but limited appeal)
