If you spy a few pretty pictures of a recent vacation, consider that your in. “Travel always seems to make it onto people's dating profiles," Grant says, which is why this topic is often the easiest place to start. Scroll through their bio in search of a shot of a mountain or a European city, and start asking about it.

If someone's career stands out to you, let them know that it piqued your interest. Maybe they're a zoologist, or a coffee taste-tester, or a professional cuddler. Whatever the case may be, they'll likely laugh, agree that they have a weird gig, and then tell you all about it.

Dating bios can start to blur together, so the moment you spot someone with a similar interest, cling to it like the proverbial life raft it is. If you're both obsessed with comedy, for example, ask if they've heard your favorite album. If yes, commence bonding. If not, offer to send them a Spotify link.

“You can tell a lot about a person based on what they're watching,” says relationship expert Sameera Sullivan, so why not kick things off by asking for a show rec? It’ll also give you a reason to check back in a few hours later to share your thoughts.

Nobody likes it when strangers saunter up in a bar to say something lame, like "Hey baby, what's your sign?" But when said in a low-key, jokey kind of way on a dating app, cheesy pick-up lines can suddenly seem like fun icebreakers.

Use this one if it seems like the other person has a good sense of humor and won't take you too seriously. Hopefully, they'll volley right back with an equally cringe response, and before you know it you'll be in love.

For another knee-slapper, send a literal opening line in the form of a bunch of dashes. (Get it?) It's perfect for when you aren't quite sure where to start a conversation, but still really want to say hi.

Again, this is just about breaking the ice and getting a convo rolling. Once they respond, follow up with a deeper getting-to-know-you question, possibly by asking about where they grew up and what they do for fun. Oh, or if they'd like to meet up for a date.

It’s always fun to talk about travel, whether it’s faraway destinations or places a little closer to home. Open up with a question about where they’d like to visit, then follow up with Qs about past vacations, what they love about being on the road, the best meals they’ve had, etc. Travel-adjacent topics truly are endless.

Nothing bonds two people quite like a shared love of books, so if you notice they're also a reader — like, maybe you spy a photo of their bookshelf or a link to their reading list — use it to your advantage. You’ll be offering to swap books in no time.

Try something else instead of saying “hey, cool motorcycle” or “hi, cute car,” ask if they’ve been on any fun road trips lately, suggests dating coach Katie Grimes. She says honing in on someone’s unique interests is a good way to get them talking.

When in doubt, talk about food, cooking, or recipe ideas — none of which should elicit a one-word response. If it does, follow up by asking for a recipe.

It's tough to accurately represent who you are as a person on a dating app. Many people are secretly hoping to share more about themselves or explain their profile answers in greater detail, which is why this opening line is such a good one. The other person will likely jump at the chance to clarify a thing or two, and maybe even tell a few fun stories about themselves.

Susan Trombetti, a matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, recommends being a bit cheeky and flirty on dating apps by pointing out someone’s most appealing traits. “This line shows them you aren’t shy to take notice of the little things,” she tells Bustle. To make sure they really take the hint, call out their tattoo, their mullet, or their cheeky smile.

For more inspo, think about how you start conversations in real life. Typically, you’ll notice something about a person, like their shirt, or comment on a shared experience, like the weather or how long the line is to get into a bar.

Grant says you can do something similar on dating apps by perusing a person’s photos or profile, picking up on small details, and molding them into a conversation. When the opening line feels natural, the convo will be, too.

Trombetti is also a fan of this question. Not only is it unexpected and fun, but it also ends up being oddly revealing about a person’s hobbies and interests.

Send them two truths and one lie about yourself and have them guess which is which. Trombetti says it’s an easy way to get to know each other — and again, get a bit flirty.

This conversation starter feels casual since all you're doing is acknowledging the weather. But it’ll also provide useful insight into what the other person likes to do on a chill evening at home. Do they like to listen to music? Watch Netflix? Bake? Their answer will tell you a lot about them — and hopefully lead to a cozy convo that lasts all night.

Choose a light-hearted topic and message them to take a poll. Do they like savory or sweet? Beach or mountains? Staying in or going out? See what they say and ask why.

If you don't hear back right away or are worried your opening line has fallen flat, Grant suggests sending this message to see if it inspires a response. Remember it isn't worth it to force a conversation or waste your time waiting around for someone to write back. Consider this a last resort, before gracefully moving on.

Relationship coach Nancy Ruth Deen suggests this question as a fun way to halfway admit you don’t know what else to say, while also still taking control. It could result in a fun and honest exchange about all the bizarre opening lines you’ve both received over the years.

Everyone knows pet parents can talk about their fur children for days. If you are among those ranks, you’ve got a super easy way to break the ice. “This is a great way to be flirtatious and get the conversation going,” Sandra Myers, a matchmaker and relationship expert, tells Bustle.

Want something straightforward? Dating expert Mindie Barnett actually loves going in with a simple greeting like this one. It leaves a nice blank slate for further discussion, but also feels warm and inviting since it’s bathed in enthusiasm.

Come up with a list of half-funny, half-serious “pre-screening” questions to ask from the jump, suggests Myers, and run through them like you’re giving a cheeky interview. If you don’t like their answers, politely move on. That’s what dating apps are for, after all.

So many people ask what others do for work on dating apps, and while that’s OK, it’s fun to turn the question on its head. “This one will get their attention without going too far off the beaten path,” dating expert Melissa Braverman tells Bustle.

If you’re on the cusp of a weekend, Barnett suggests following up by asking if they have any weekend plans or what they hope to get into. If you’re messaging on a Monday, simply ask how their weekend went to get them chatting. Easy peasy.

While there’s a lot of pressure that comes with being the one to start a conversation on a dating app, try to look at it as a positive thing. Enjoy the experience and see who you meet.

“The worst opening line on an app is one that doesn't ask for information,” says professional matchmaker Erika Kaplan. So instead of liking one of their photos, dig for more info.

According to Kaplan, it’s easy to get a conversation going if you ask them to tell you more about where they live. You’ll instantly have something in common, and you can always branch out from there by asking about their favorite bars, restaurants, and picnic spots. It’s the perfect lead-up to scheduling a date.

“If you recognize a local place from one of your match’s photos, go with it,” Kaplan says. “Asking them when they were last there makes for an easy opener.” You can always segue this into a playful invitation to “bump into each other” there sometime soon.

“It really, truly is better to lead with a question or something that makes it easy for your match to answer. But if you're not feeling creative, it's still always worth shooting your shot,” says Kaplan. “Your match might even find your candor charming.”

As long as you remain positive and friendly you still have a chance of getting a response. This would work best if you notice a hint of silly self-deprecation in your match’s own bio, too.

If, by some magical chance, you recognize a person in their profile pics, go ahead and call it out. It’ll put you both at ease, knowing that you move in the same circles, and it’ll also give you plenty to talk about as you try to figure out your connection.

Again, looking for things you have in common is always going to be an ideal way to wriggle your foot in the door. Hey, even if it’s your second cousin twice removed who’s an architect, you can still use it as your in.

Nothing beats a shared taste in music, especially when you’re hoping to fall in love. Ask them if they’d like to get coffee to talk about your favorite songs, then, if all goes well, you can follow up a few days later by suggesting you get concert tickets.

Lob your match a softball by asking them to talk a little bit more about their themselves, like their journey to the big city. By asking a question they definitely know the answer to, they’ll be way more likely to respond, says Kaplan. People love to talk about themselves, so lean into it.

If your match has lots of group photos, then it’s clear they value their friendships. To get them gabbing, ask them to explain who everyone is.

If your match is a mega-sports fan, this question will have them responding in seconds. An intense sports rivalry will certainly inspire a heated conversation, and maybe even one that quickly moves to text.

Ask your match to choose truth or dare, and see what they say. (And, of course, have a juicy follow-up ready to go.) How could they possibly ignore such an intriguing question?

This is such a fun one because it gets you thinking, but it’s also one that doesn’t apply too much pressure. Dating experts recommend getting the other person talking about themselves and this is an easy way to do it.

Just like books and movies, people have strong opinions about podcasts, so they’ll surely answer soon.

To make sure that you’re compatible in all the ways that matter most, you’ll want to check in and find out if they’re more of a morning or a night person, ASAP.

Who they loved when they were 15 is kind of like a built-in character assessment, and it’ll also strike up a fun conversation.

While Bumble is all about being the first one to reach out, it doesn’t mean you have to do all the work. Ask them to impress you and see what they say. Bonus points if it’s really clever.

If you feel like being sassy, go for this opening line. It’s flirty, and it also shows that you know who the real prize is.

Choose a show, movie, or book that fits your taste and ask them to identify with one of the characters, as a way to break the ice. Here’s hoping they’re just as much of a fan as you.

Think of a category — food always works — and give them options to see what they’re keeping and what they can do without.

For when it’s 11 p.m. and you’re feeling bold.

Dating experts recommend getting off the apps as soon as possible, so you can see if you’re compatible IRL. Offer to meet up for a quick coffee.

Once you start talking, you can commiserate over how tough it is about there.

Treat it like a test and see what they send.

Send with lots of winky faces.

This one’s risky, but it could pay off.