Skip the Swipe. Find Your Type.

Chicago's vetted dating community for singles in their 50s and 60s who are ready to meet real people in real life

No swiping. No algorithms. Just thoughtfully curated events and a community where every member is personally vetted.

APPLY TO JOIN

You'll hear from us by text and email within 48 hours.

AS SEEN ON

  • Logo with the text 'Chicago's Very Own WGN9' in bold blue letters

    WGN News | Dating Tips for Singles Over 50

    Featured for helping Chicago singles over 50 find meaningful, real-life connections.

    Watch here →

  • Podcast title card with navy background, gold and white text that reads 'In My Hometown with Jamie & Pascal'.

    In My Hometown Podcast | How to Find Love Without Apps

    Megan joined In My Hometown to share why real connection begins when we put down our phones and meet face to face.

    Watch here →

  • Logo of WBEZ 91.5 FM Chicago's NPR news station.

    NPR Chicago (WBEZ) | Finding Love and Companionship Later in Life

    Interviewed about dating after 50 and the power of in-person community.

    Listen here →

why throwback dating feels so different

Group photo of Megan Wessels with a group of Throwback Daters at the Singles In Service event at Kids Above All, where they wrapped gifts for kids in need.

Dating apps try to match people with algorithms.

I get to know people.

Every application is personally reviewed by me. I've interviewed more than 700 singles and hosted nearly 100 events. That means every member joins a community where people are genuinely looking for connection, not just another profile to scroll past.

APPLY TO JOIN

You'll hear from us by text and email within 48 hours.

Hi, I’m Megan

I created Throwback Dating because I believed singles over 50 deserved something better than endless swiping.

Since then I've spent hundreds of hours sitting across the table from people just like you, learning what they're really looking for.

My goal isn't to build the biggest dating community.

It's to build one you can trust.

APPLY TO JOIN

You'll hear from us by text and email within 48 hours.

  • I was skeptical at first, but after she interviewed me, she connected me with an incredible gentleman… someone with the very qualities I had been praying for. Through that connection, I found my second chance at love.

    Eden

  • At 55, I was a successful, self-employed woman who wanted a real connection, not another match. Megan personally introduced me to someone empathetic, fun, and a true gentleman — exactly who I'd been hoping to meet.

    Ursula

  • Throwback Dating opened me up to possibilities I didn't know existed. I found a connection with someone special I never would have met any other way, and stepped into a whole new chapter of my life.

    Rob

  • A year on the apps left me feeling like a profile instead of a person. I met Rob at my very first Throwback Dating event, and months of easy friendship turned into a real, unforced relationship.

    Kate

READ MORE STORIES →

Photos may be representative and used to protect member privacy.

Upcoming events

Here's what our members are doing together this month.

SUMMER HAPPY HOUR AT CINDY’S ROOFTOP

Thursday, August 13th | 4:30pm

Cindy's Rooftop, Chicago

HOW TO DATE OVER 50 MASTERCLASS - DRESS TO IMPRESS

Monday, August 17th | 7:00pm

Google Meets

MORNING HIKE AT DEER GROVE

Saturday, August 29th | 9:00am

Deer Grove Forest Preserve, Palatine

SEE ALL EVENTS →