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A night of dancing while Cupid might be aiming his arrows at you. Doesn’t that sound a lot more exciting than swiping on your phone while lounging on the couch in your sweatpants? At a singles party, you can not only show off your dance moves, but also make a live and direct impression. No catfishing, no fake profile pictures – what you see is what you get , and that goes for your potential new flame too.
Imagine this: you’re standing there with a glass of bubbly in your hand, and your gaze meets with someone on the other side of the room. No more swiping, but straight to your target. You know immediately if the spark ignites, without a screen in between. Doesn’t that feel a lot more real? We’ll tell you more about these singles parties and who they’re meant for.
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What is a singles party?
A singles party is a special party for all singles who want to find love in real life. It is exclusively accessible for people who are single and looking. And if an evening party is too late for you, don’t worry – there are also singles lunches and singles dinners. Usually you buy a ticket for a fixed price, and that also includes snacks and drinks.
The parties can be very diverse. You have editions for specific age groups, interests or even musical tastes. Well-known dating apps also dive into this industry and organize their own parties. But there are also independent organizers who turn these parties into a true love spectacle.
Right balance between men and women
The last thing you want is a party where you are one of five women among 40 hungry men. Let’s face it, that will be more like an episode of The Bachelor than a fun night out. A good organizer keeps a close eye on the male-female ratio. On the event website you can often see how many spots are still available for each gender. That way you know in advance that you have a fair chance.
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For special target groups
In our cozy Netherlands, everyone is thought of. There are singles parties specifically for gay men and lesbian women , including division into age categories. Because love may not have labels, but sometimes a specific setting is so nice. Apart from the LGBTQ+ target groups, there are more singles events that are organized for specific target groups.
For certain ages
Imagine you’re 33 and you end up at a singles party full of 20-year-olds or people twice your age. Not really your scene, right? Unless of course you want to be a cougar or a toyboy, but that’s another story. That’s why there are parties specifically organized for different age groups. Whether you want to be with the young guns or feel more like you belong in the 50- or 60-plus age group, there’s something for everyone. In other words: you’ll find yourself among people who are in the same phase of life as you.
Expats
Are you an expat in the Netherlands and feeling a bit lost? Maybe you are still struggling with the language barrier or simply don’t know anyone. Singles parties for expats are your go-to event. English is usually the main language, so that everyone understands each other and you don’t have to struggle through a jungle of Dutch sounds.
Faith
If your faith is important to you, you probably want a partner who shares your faith. Fortunately, there are also singles parties for specific religious groups, such as Muslims and specific Christian denominations . Super convenient, because then you don’t have to struggle with awkward questions of faith on your first date.
Whatever your background, age or lifestyle, there is a singles party where you can feel at ease. And who knows, you might not leave the party single. And if not, you still had a blast. Win-win, if you ask us.
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Where can I find information?
The internet is your playground when you are looking for singles parties or bachelorette dinners. Dutch dating apps like Lexa and e-Matching have special events for their members, and you can be there. We are not just talking about standard parties. Think of adventurous trips like mudflat hiking on Ameland, or hilarious workshops where you learn how to make a cocktail. Registration often costs you less as a member or admission is free. And there are even international trips exclusively for singles. These are some of the organizers of singles parties.
1. Lexa
Lexa, the popular Dutch dating app , does much more than just online hookups. They are also actively organizing singles events, and have been doing so for a decade. They have truly mastered the art of bringing people together, as they have organized over 12,000 events across Europe.
2. VillaVibes
VillaVibes is not just a travel agency; they are the go-to destination for highly educated singles looking for adventure and fun. In addition to their popular singles holidays , chosen by over 5,000 singles each year, VillaVibes also offers a range of local events. And you know what the best part is? It’s not all about dating. These events are designed to have fun and meet new people, from big parties and intimate dinners to sporty outings. New to their offering are the Murder Mystery Weekends; an exciting twist that guarantees fun.
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What are the risks of a singles party?
There are hardly any risks, except that you might find it too cozy. As a single, you sometimes feel like the fifth wheel at a party full of couples. That is not the case at a singles party. It is a paradise of possibilities.
But let’s be honest, it can also be a minefield of potential discomfort. You enter a room full of people who – just like you – are looking for something or someone. The vibe can be very diverse, from easy-going to exuberant. A singles party can feel awkward and uncomfortable at first, but it forces you to be social, push your boundaries and sometimes overcome a little bit of your shyness.
For example, if you see someone who really catches your eye. Normally you might wait for that person to come to you, but this is your chance to take the initiative yourself. It can be exciting, your heart rate goes up and you feel the nerves rushing through your body. But once you do it, it not only gives you an adrenaline rush, but also a boost of confidence.
And you know what the best part is? Even if it doesn’t go the way you hoped, you’ll have learned something valuable. Every time you challenge yourself, you grow a little bit. You’ll get better at social interactions, learn how to set boundaries, and discover what you really want in a partner.
You also learn to deal with rejection or discomfort, which is a valuable life lesson in itself. And it makes it all the sweeter when you do find that connection, that chemistry, that spark that only comes when you really open yourself up. It’s a risk, but the potential reward is more than worth it.
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What next after the singles party?
Let’s say you’ve met someone and the connection is there. What now? It’s not just about liking someone, the question is whether this can become more than a one-night fairytale. You’ll only find out when you get to know each other better, away from the disco lights and cocktails.
So plan a follow-up date, but keep it relaxed. You don’t have to go out to a five-star restaurant right away. A walk in the park, a cup of coffee in that cozy place around the corner, or even a simple evening with Netflix; it’s about the quality time. This is the moment to have some deeper conversations. What are your dreams, irritations, plans for the future and do they match each other?
During this date, you can ask the right questions to find out if this is something for the long term. Questions like ‘What are you looking for in a relationship?’ or ‘What are your deal breakers?’ can give a lot of insight. It sounds a bit like a job interview, but sometimes you just have to be direct to get what you want.
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