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Alternative to ROMEO

Take a different route to connection.

ROMEO helps people explore a global queer community. If you'd like to try a more guided introduction, give Known a look. Start with a conversation about you and the connection you're hoping for. We'll make an introduction and help plan a date when you both want to meet. The interesting part is getting to know each other.

Night and day compared to other dating apps. Excited to see what comes of this in my life!
FrankS8360App Store review
i thought this ai thing wouldnt work (i hate customer service calls w ai) but this one wasn’t bad.. better than creating another profile
catalina_reApp Store review
This app is awesome. It makes life in San Diego so fun. Definitely recommend
evhdkcksApp Store review

How is Known different?

Too many profiles, not enough possibility?

Dating that cares about your time

Known is searching for your match every day, so you don’t have to spend hours swiping or checking for someone new. When we find someone you want to meet, we plan the date and send you the details. You just have to show up.

More than a good first photo?

Meet someone chosen for you

There’s a lot about you that could never fit into a dating profile. At Known, we get to know all the little things that make you, you - your quirks, values, aspirations, and what you’re looking for in a relationship. We do the same with your potential matches, so we can introduce you to someone we believe you’ll have real compatibility with.

Ready to get off the screen?

Skip the pen-pal phase

We believe chemistry is best discovered in person, not over a screen. Known skips the endless small talk and conversations that go nowhere, so you can see if there’s a spark in person. Once you both say yes to an introduction, Known finds a time that works and plans the date. Save the real getting-to-know-you part for when you meet.

Who is making the actual plan?

We make the date happen

When you and your match are ready to meet, Known finds a time that works for both of you, picks a spot nearby, books the reservation, and sends you the details. We take care of everything so you don’t have to.

Still wondering where it’s going?

Meet people looking for what you are

Known is a community of intentional daters who are ready for a real relationship. Whether you’re newly single, divorced, have been dating for a while, or simply ready to find your person - our matchmaker gets to know you and what you’re looking for so we can find the same in the people we introduce you to.

Want a date that fits your life?

Your preferences matter.

Your match, preferences, and availability help shape the date. Known looks for a place that fits, not just somewhere to meet.

Known vs ROMEO

The starting point

ROMEO serves a global community of gay, bi, trans and queer people.

Known starts with a conversation about your values, preferences and relationship goals.

Getting to know someone

Members can search nearby or use travel discovery, with chat and controls over precise GPS visibility.

When both people want to meet, Known helps plan the date and its practical details.

Your phone

ROMEO has listings on both the US App Store and Google Play.

Known is available on iOS and Android, so you can choose the same matchmaking service on either phone.

This is genuinely one of a kind. Went on a great date through the platform and enjoyed the entire experience
catlemon99App Store review
Love the app- especially the intro. What an awesome idea- I can’t wait for this to go global! 🤩
Teeps73App Store review
finally an app without creeps! thank god!
known reviewApp Store review
More stories, less swiping. Read our testimonials ↗

How Known Works

A little more personal.

Swipeless dating.

You don't browse people. You're introduced to them.

Known starts by getting to know you. Not just your profile, but how you think, what you value, and who you're drawn to.

From there, we introduce you to one person at a time. Someone chosen with intention. Someone worth meeting.

No endless options. No small talk.

If there's mutual interest, we set the date. Time, place, everything handled. All you have to do is show up.

It gets better over time.

After each date, Known learns. What felt right. What didn't. What surprised you.

So every introduction becomes more accurate. More natural. More you.

Less searching. More knowing.

Get to know how it works ↗

Some of our favorite places

Where Known dates take place

Herb & Wood

San Diego

Herb & Wood

Herb & Wood is a warm, low-lit restaurant in Little Italy built around an open wood-burning hearth, with an indoor fireplace tucked off to the side. Much of the Mediterranean-meets-California menu comes off the fire and is meant to be ordered across the table and shared.

Go on a date here with Known
Coastal bluffs and the Pacific Ocean at Sunset Cliffs

Point Loma / San Diego

Sunset Cliffs

The bluffs along Point Loma face straight into the Pacific, making Sunset Cliffs one of the easiest places in the city to turn an ordinary evening into a date. Park near Ladera Street, walk along the cliffs, and find a spot to sit before the sun starts to drop.

Go on a date here with Known
Dolores Park Cafe

Mission / San Francisco

Dolores Park Cafe

Dolores Park Cafe is a useful meeting point when you want a coffee date with an obvious next step. Order an espresso and an egg sandwich at the café on Dolores and 18th, then decide whether to stay on the patio or take something into the park.

Go on a date here with Known

A few possibilities from our venue library. Your date’s location depends on your match, preferences, and availability.

Your pocket matchmaker

Less searching.
More knowing.

A conversation. An introduction. A date worth getting ready for.

Download Known

App StoreGoogle Play

Scan to DownloadAvailable on Android & iOSTap to Install

A little more to know

Good questions.

How long does it take to chat with the matchmaker?
A typical conversation takes around 15 minutes, but take your time. You can always pause and come back to it whenever you're ready. We suggest finding a quiet place with good internet for the best experience.
Does Known plan the first date?
Yes! Once you confirm your match and your schedules align, we select a venue based on both of your preferences and make the reservation. All you have to do is show up and be yourself.
Do I get to talk to my date before meeting them?
Yes, you can chat with your date up to 2 hours before your reservation. Just enough time to break the ice without overthinking it.
Where is Known available?
Known is live in San Francisco and San Diego, with plans to expand worldwide soon. If you’re outside the US, join the worldwide waitlist to be notified when we launch in your city.
Is Known available on Android?
Yes, in the US. Download it for Android, or use known.com/join and we will send you to the right place for your phone. Outside the US, join the global waitlist.
When will I get off the waitlist?
We don't have a set timeline, but our algorithm is working on it daily. Every new member who joins Known gets us closer.