60+ Best Answers To Hey That Will Get You a Date in 2026

Navigating a dating app in 2026 like Tinder or Bumble brings a rush of excitement as new matches appear on your screen. However, that thrill often fades when the first message you receive is a simple, low-effort "hey." It feels like something is missing, making it difficult to find the best answers to hey that actually lead somewhere. Many people send this because they are simply gauging your level of interest or lack the initiation skills to ask something more engaging. It is possible they are just tired and rely on it as a safe default.

While receiving such a short response is frustrating, don’t let it discourage you. There are many effective ways to respond to hey that can transform a dry start into a vibrant conversation. Even if it doesn't give you much to work with, knowing how to respond to hey with a meaningful message is key. By understanding the psychology of why they sent it, you can take control of the interaction and move toward a real date.

Flirty Answers to Hey

Show her you’re genuinely interested in her by sending a flirty answer to her message. You can use a flirty pickup line or one-liner, or even just a sarcastic response that's flirty and funny. Keep the conversation on a positive note with an enthusiastic response that's flirty and works as a great response. While these tips help with replies, ensuring your overall presence is appealing is crucial; you can always find out why you don't get matches and optimize your profile for better results.

Make sure to respond in a timely manner so that she doesn't feel offended, and that you're not responding in a rude way. Here are the best flirty answers to hey that will lead to a great conversation.

1. Hey there yourself! How are you?
2. What a pleasant surprise! How are things?
3. Hello beautiful, how is it going \insert name\]?
4. Well hello there \insert wink emoji\].
5. I couldn't wait to send you a good morning text.

Fun Answers to Respond to Hey

Keep the conversation upbeat and interesting on the dating app with a fun answer to break the ice. When you’re just starting a conversation, it’s important to ask questions and show your match you want to get to know her in a lighthearted way. Pay attention to her profile pictures, and ask a question or two about something you’ve noticed about her photos.

You don't want to give off the wrong impression by talking by yourself, which can lead her to not wanting to talk anymore. Avoid small talk and instead, give her a fun question to respond to hey.

1. You seem to have a lot of travel photos! What’s your favorite place that you’ve been to?
2. Is that your dog in your profile picture? What kind of dog are they?
3. Hey! I love your hiking photos. What’s your favorite trail you’ve ever been on?
4. Where was your last picture taken? That looks like a fun day out!

Witty Responses to Hey

Show off your clever side with a witty response to the short and sweet opener. The right response should show your great sense of humor without coming off as a bit rude, as this can cut the conversation short. Show her your witty side and that you can work with any text, even the basic hey from a girl and turn it into an amazing thing like a long conversation and date.

Here are the best witty responses to hey to use on a dating app.

1. I’m a firm believer in second chances. So, what do you say to a new and improved first message other than “Hey?”
2. You look like you could come up with a message more interesting than “hey” \insert wink emoji\].
3. You could have at least mentioned something about my cute cat!

Funny Responses

A witty reply to hey is something that can instantly break the ice in a dating app conversation. It is often the best way to respond to hey when you want to show that you are fun and don't take it too seriously. Most people on these apps appreciate a message that makes them laugh because that response makes it feel like a real connection is starting. If they send a simple greeting, use it as a chance to ask something playful with your match.

1. The Minimalist: You had me at “Hey.”
2. The Sarcastic: I wasn’t sure I’d be able to top your first message, but I’ll give it a try.
3. The Relatable: Hey, I’m not the best at sending first messages either, if that makes you feel better insert funny emoji].
4. The Redo: Not everyone can nail the first message, let me try: insert pickup line].
5. The Romantic: Is this the part where we fall in love, or do I need to wait for a second message?
6. The Sassy: Wow, such a bold opening move. I like your style.
7. The Flattered: I was going to play it cool, but that "hey" just swept me off my feet.
8. The Overwhelmed: Stop, you’re making me blush with all those words.
9. The Judge: 10/10 for brevity, 1/10 for my heart rate not skyrocketing yet—let's fix that.

Pickup Lines To Respond to Hey on Dating Apps

A pickup line will show her you’re interested but don’t take yourself too seriously. From cheesy to cute and funny pickup lines—you’re guaranteed to grab her attention with one of these pickup lines.

1. I have to say, I’m a huge fan of your mom’s work.
2. Are you nicotine? Because I can see myself getting addicted to you.
3. Do you believe in love at first swipe? Or should we unmatch and match again?
4. You’re so fine, you’re what the library gives me when I return a book.
5. The last time I checked, Michelangelo was dead. So what brings a masterpiece like you here?
6. Your love makes me feel like vodka, cause I’m Russian to have more.
7. Someone needs to call God because he’s clearly missing an angel.

Questions To Ask in Response to Hey

While you don’t want to overwhelm your match with constant questions and have them feel like they’re in an interview— asking a question, especially after a short first message can spark up a fun conversation. Ask your match about themselves, or about something you’ve noticed in their photos or social media profiles.

You don't have to get too personal, but a good question will give you a good response and will help you respond to hey with confidence.

1. What is one inspiring thing you live by?
2. That's a cute pet in your picture! What's your favorite cute animal?
3. What's the most amazing thing to happen to you this week?
4. Hey! What are some ways you spend the weekend? Want me to join next time?
5. How would you feel if I were to send you a good morning text tomorrow?

Now that you know how to respond to hey, you'll be able to court your match and pique her interest in you over other guys on the dating app. With these answers, you'll be that much closer to landing a date and a relationship in real life. For an even greater edge, why not get a personalized profile review to ensure every part of your dating presence is optimized for success?

Conclusion

Final Verdict and Next Steps

Navigating the world of online dating in 2026 is all about standing out from the crowd. While a simple message like hey might feel uninspiring, it is actually an opportunity for you to take control of the conversation. Whether they are busy or just playing it safe, how you choose to respond to hey determines the vibe of your connection moving forward. The best answers we’ve covered show that adding a bit of personality or asking something specific can transform a stale greeting into a genuine spark.

Most people on a dating app are simply looking for a reason to stay engaged. If you can make them laugh or ask a question that they find interesting, it is much easier to transition from a digital message to an actual date. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles of response to see what works best for you. Now that you have these tools, go back to your inbox and try one out—that next great story starts with a clever reply. If you're consistently getting low-effort messages or fewer matches than you'd like, consider getting an expert profile review to truly maximize your dating app potential.