Date.com Is So 2004

One-size-fits-all dating sites have gone by the wayside in favor of niche appeals

Online dating has boomed into a $500 million industry. But as sites for singles multiply, the old one-size-fits-all approach seems hopelessly dated. Amid such innovations as romantic search engines and cell-phone coupling, here's a look at some new trends at the heart of today's digital romance.

•"AM I 4 U?" A new U.S. service called Match.com Mobile enables online daters to transfer their profiles to cell phones, which they then use to search for--and send text messages to--nearby singles. In Britain, the 3G Dating Agency takes things a step further, enabling video messaging on high-tech phones.

•DATE RATERS If...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!