Turns out LinkedIn is a dating site. Who knew?

There’s a side of LinkedIn (and Instagram for that matter) that you might not know exists. Jana Hocking is here to explain.

Last week I opened my LinkedIn app after a long hiatus and was shocked to see a number of follow invitations. From men. Not even remotely connected to my chosen field of work.

There were plumbers, real estate agents, sales consultants, heck even a dentist — all wanting to connect.

As I questioned loudly in the office why so many random people would be asking me to follow them back, a few girls started laughing.

Turns out I hadn’t got the memo that LinkedIn is now a dating app.

Huh?

One friend told me her sister met her husband on LinkedIn after he messaged her to say he loved a recent campaign she had worked on. Umm, smooth.

There’s another side of LinkedIn that you might have missed, according to Jana Hocking.

I had another friend tell me that after he blocked his ex on phone, email, Instagram and Facebook, his ex eventually reached out on LinkedIn. Ok, Baby Reindeer!

I think it’s fair to say we’ve all got a bit of dating app fatigue, so should we be getting a little more creative with our woo’ing tactics?

I had a ponder on all the other apps people (myself included) have been cheekily using to get their flirt on.

Many aren’t “technically” designed to be a dating apps — and I’m delighted to say I found five.

They are as follows:

1. Instagram

Yes, DM slides are the new “swipe right”.

For example, say you meet someone you think is cute but you’re too nervous to ask them out face to face? Simply follow them on Instagram and either a) like a few of their pictures and wait to see if they follow you back or b) simply slide into their DMs with a flirty message. Honestly, it works a charm. Just ask Joe Jonas who slid into Sophie Turner’s DMs before they went on to get married.

Or Rita Ora and Calvin Harris. Actually… maybe don’t.

Your love life now fits in the palm of your hand.

2. Netflix

I mean, the question, “Do you want to Netflix and chill” didn’t just come from nowhere. Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you will know that “Netflix and chill” is code for “Do you want to come over to my place and hook up?” Yes, it’s the lazy man’s Tinder.

3. Uber Eats

Now this one kinda goes hand-in-hand with the Netflix app. Fancy someone but just want to hook up? Why not ask them to come to your place and you’ll order some food.

It’s for those dates where you don’t want to commit to a restaurant date but wouldn’t mind seeing them in their underwear. May I suggest a delicious sushi delivery. Avoid anything with garlic. Morning breath is for no one.

4. The news.com.au app!

Sometimes the best way to get someone’s attention is by sending them an article you think they may be interested in (may I suggest this one!)

It says, I’ve been actively listening when you’ve told me about your interests and here’s something I think you would enjoy reading. It’s like a little present of literacy. Swoon.

Plus, it gives you something to chat about next time you see them. It lets your crush know you are a person who enjoys literature. And that’s the thinking girls crumpet right there.

The dating game is changing, according to Jana Hocking.

5. Spotify

It’s the modern-day mixtape. Got an epic playlist you think your crush might like? Send it over. Or perhaps you’re having trouble finding the right words to express how you feel about them? Send them a song that does a much better job.

I’m thinking, something by Adele or Zach Bryan, or if you really want to seal the deal – why not a bit of 90s RnB.

So there you have it. The answer to your dating life fits in the very palm of your hand. Just be warned, if you have an android you run the risk of giving a girl the ‘ick’ when she sees a green text message — but that needs a whole new article to explain that situation.

Scrap the swiping on dating apps and get sliding into DMs instead. Just don’t add me on LinkedIn. How ridiculous.

Jana Hocking is a columnist and collector of kind-of-boyfriends | @jana_hocking