Grindr

This app can be a godsend for an instant hookup or to meet new friends in your neighborhood. It not only tells you how far the guys are from you, but it has instant chat, picture messaging, an easy favoriting system and each guy’s age, weight and height.
[ iTunes link ]

Craigsphone

Craigsphone is the best mobile app for Craigslist. Whether you need to check that M4M missed connection or you’re trying to score some free stuff, this is an app that every gay needs.
[ iTunes link ]

Yahoo! Messenger

The chosen messenger of the gay community lives up to its name with the trusty Yahoo! Messenger app. Stay connected with all your online buddies with its easy chat feature and buddy list – and this is one of the few chosen applications that will stay running in the background while making calls or using the 3G internet.
[ iTunes link ]

GayCities

A mashup of the best gay bars, hotels, restaurants and even bathhouses – with Google maps – allows any big city gay to navigate their way to some boy-friendly location using the iPhone’s GPS.
[ iTunes link ]

Bump

What’s better than one gay with an iPhone? Two gays with iPhones. Using the Bump application, you can trade your contact information faster than ever. The best part is that you get a name, phone number and often a picture, so waking up with a hangover no longer means you don’t know who you bumped last night.
[ iTunes link ]

Edge

The best way to get your LBGT news from your city and around the globe. Edge offers quality gay and lesbian information in an easy and high-quality format. There are headlines from news, entertainment, style, busines, travel and more – along with an excellent columnist section – plus a directory of LBGT nightlife, lodging, food & drink and businesses.
[ iTunes link ]

Haircaster

This one is just for fun or for that fussy gay. It gives you the hair conditions outside based on the humidity, chance of rain, wind speed and temperature in your area. It’s a great way to know if you should cover your locks with a newsboy cap.
[ $0.99 - iTunes link ]

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iCuddle – If you love to be the little spoon and your boyfriend prefers to roll over and turn on SportsCenter, this app would make him hold you. You’d program the length of a cuddle, and he’d wear the phone on an armband; the motion sensor could determine if he was cuddling, and an annoying song would start blasting if he ever got more than three inches away from you.

100 Greatest Flirtexts – For $2, you would have access to lines guaranteed to make an impression on your crush. Just select how forward you want it to be and get a list of options of what to say. Not sure when to insert an emoticon or what to say to make sure he makes weekend plans? Leave it to an expert.

That’s the Spot – This App would use the iPhone’s GPS technology to help a dude navigate your body. A lovely guide would direct him. “More to the left.” “Now nibble on her ear.” “Oh, no, her hair!”

What’s His Name Again? – Use the camera on your iPhone to discreetly snap a pic of the guys you meet. Organize them by availability, good qualities, and distinguishing features. No more of those moments at brunch when you find yourself saying, “Wait, wasn’t the Irish guy the one who still lived with his mother?”

Voodoo Ex-Boyfriend – Upload a pic of the cheating bastard and then shake the phone to make bad things happen to him. A little wiggle makes him start to cry. Tap the phone to make acne appear all over his face, then give it a good hearty shake to make his genitals shrivel up and fall off.

Two Guys, One Night – Have you ever tried to manage your booty call texting because you don’t know who is going to respond first? There’s your oh-so-sexy but unreliable fling, and your not-as-mind-blowing sure thing. This App would use an algorithm to determine when to text each guy, how to keep them both from showing up at the same bar, what your odds are of going home with choice number one, and when to settle for choice number two.

You are NOT the Father – If you literally have two guys in one night and don’t want to head to the Maury show, this App would make at-home paternity testing possible. The touch screen could read potential baby daddies’ DNA to prove who the father is (even if he swears, “That baby don’t look like me!”)

Hey, Geniuses, are you listening?

Related: There’s an App for That!

Yelp and UrbanSpoon are sites that you can access from your computer or mobile phone — they both have iPhone apps — that allow you to read feedback or reviews by self-proclaimed connoisseurs who sometimes provide invaluable tips on various venues. After all, you don’t want to take your first date to the trashiest restaurant in town, do you?

For example, you may want to take that new hottie you’re dating to sushi in their neighborhood, but you’re not familiar with the best place around. Understandably, you want to impress them. Using these user-feedback sites, you can scan reviews on local Japanese restaurants by neighborhood, and even filter by price if your finances are tight. You can even read tips on users’ favorite dishes.

That said, remember that you must always balance your online research with your offline dating life, because nobody will want to go back to your place if you’re constantly checking your iPhone during your dinner conversation. Last thing you want is your date thinking that you can’t make your own decision about what to order. An inability to unplug for a few hours to focus on your date is major turn-off!

The question then becomes: What is that balance? And perhaps more importantly, how can you use these sites to enhance your date without letting them drive your date for you?

• The restaurant does not make the date. Doing research ahead of time may help you choose a place to set the right mood … but you’re the one who seals the deal with your character and interaction. Don’t obsess about picking the perfect restaurant if it makes you a neurotic dinner companion.

• Don’t be afraid to wing it. There’s nothing against the rules about stopping off at the costume shop next door to browse the aisles, try on a few masks, and have a few laughs before grabbing a drink – even if your Yelp iPhone app doesn’t make the recommendation. Spontaneity is a huge turn-on.

All in all, sites like UrbanSpoon can provide invaluable, user-generated reviews of the hottest spots wherever you are, but don’t let your obsession with finding the best of the best ruin your chance to enjoy the small things that are happening all around you. Plan for the future, but don’t forget to live in the moment.

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Here are some tips:

BBM is a great way to communicate with a potential love interest because it’s so immediate. It’s as convenient as texting, but there’s a faster delivery and response rate – ideal for flirting. Because you have to have permission to BBM people, it’s a bit more intimate than texting.

To get that closeness, it’s best to exchange PINs early on. If he whips out his Blackberry to take your number, say something like, “Oh what’s your PIN?” and add him right away. If you aren’t sure if he has a Blackberry, just ask him during a period of high-texting activity. He’ll understand that it’s just easier and more convenient than texting. Plus, BBM is still something of a novelty; since not everyone has it, most people are excited to find other users.

Once you’ve exchanged PINs, the general rule is that BBM is more like a phone or AIM conversation. When texting you can just shoot a random message whenever you want; in BBM, you should always start with a greeting. Use BBM when you have a specific topic to talk about or you’re making plans. Stick with texting when it comes to witty observations or, “I was just thinking about you” type messages. Once you’ve started chatting on BBM, immediate responses are expected. If that changes, a “BRB” or “Gotta go, talk more later” is absolutely necessary. You can delay between texts without any explanation, but not BBM.

Yes, He Did Read Your Message

BBM also has one feature that texting just can’t offer: it shows users when their sent messages are delivered and then read. This is the best/worst/best again thing about BBM. Gone are the days when a guy could say, “What? I never got that text…” or “Sorry, I passed out early last night and just read this.” Unfortunately that can be bad news for the ladies who are on the sending side. Now you’re faced with, well, evidence. Do you confront? Do you get feisty?

Just because a message is marked as read doesn’t mean a response needs to come within seconds. Sometimes people check a message just to get the red light on their phone to stop flashing, but don’t have time to actually respond to it. Before you freak out, ask yourself if he has a car. It’s so easy to check messages but nearly impossible to respond to them while driving. Give it a little time. Be rational – if it’s morning, give up until the afternoon when he’s probably had a few breaks. If it’s later in the day, give him until bedtime. If it’s a late-night booty BBM, and he hasn’t read it by last call, he very well could have called it an early night.

If too much time has lapsed, though, it’s important to be honest with yourself. Should you continue to BBM him? Should you switch to texting and calling? No. You can take the hint and file it under, “He’s just not that into me.” If he makes contact again, you’re absolutely allowed to call him on it. Don’t act crazy; a simple, “Hey, what’s up? I didn’t hear back from you yesterday” gets the point across. But again, if his explanation seems fishy, take the hint.

Some BBM Hacks

If you want to beat the system when it comes to him knowing whether or not you’ve read the messages he’s sending, you can – sort of. If you see he’s sent you a message, don’t open it. Start a new conversation with someone else (like a trusted girl friend). While you’re chatting with her, your message from him will flash across the bottom of the screen. You won’t be able to read the whole thing, but you can get an idea of what he wants without giving him the coveted “R” check mark.

You can also use BBM to your advantage when you need to guard yourself against unwanted attention. If a guy asks for your number at the bar, give him your pin instead. Then just don’t confirm his request to be added to your contacts. Whoops, sorry, buddy! If you’d rather not give it out at all, just play dumb. “Oh yeah, I have BBM but I never use it. Let me get your number.”

If a fling can’t take the hint and keeps sending you messages despite the fact that you’re just not that into him, change your BBM status. Your status doesn’t mean much – you can still talk to your friends no matter what it says – but a simple “SO BUSY!” will give you a little bit of protection.

If you really need to ditch someone, you can delete him from your contact list. You’ll simply be gone and he won’t be able to contact you again. It’s harsh, but it can be necessary at times. Even if he has your PIN saved, he’ll have to request to be re-added. It’s unlikely he will, but if he’s some sort of a masochist and does, you just don’t have to confirm him.

Oh … and the latest versions of BBM also make it possible to send a file right in the message window. This means sexting is so on! And no need to worry that he got your naked pic, freaked out, showed all his friends, and then decided never to talk to you again. He knows you know he read it, so he has to give you immediate feedback. Both of your red lights will be blinking like crazy.

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When it comes to dating, however, there are some rules of etiquette to consider while you’re courting your partner. Think for a second — you don’t want a potential love interest getting the wrong impression because you’re paying more attention to your phone. Ever been in the throes of a conversation, only to be interrupted by a ringtone and then a series of text messages that lasts for five minutes? If not, then count yourself lucky. Might as well face it: we’re not only addicted to love, but we’re wacko for our precious phones, too.

But no one’s saying you should ignore your cell. Living in the digital age, there are plenty of ways to use it to add a little charm and romance to an otherwise bland date. Technology is meant to help us after all, and why shouldn’t it help with dating, then? But you’ve got to understand when you’re using a phone to your advantage and when you’re abusing your cell at the expense of your date. Otherwise, you might start alienating yet another catch.

There are no hard-and-fast rules here, as a phone can just as easily save a bad date as ruin a good date. However, the following guidelines should help you navigate the tricky territory of dating in modern times:

• Don’t accept calls during a good date. That’s just rude. In fact, you should consider turning your phone off altogether. Nothing interrupts a great date more abruptly than a silly ringtone announcing your popularity to everyone.

• BUT do accept calls during a bad date. A contradiction? Perhaps. But you should always have an easy escape plan when it comes to blind dates, or maybe just those pseudo-dates you’re not sure are going to work. Maybe you just aren’t feeling the spark you thought you might, and would rather just bail. A strategic phone call from a friend can help.
• Don’t text during your date. Texting can seem even ruder than answering a phone call. Think about the message you’re sending your date: I’d much rather talk to this person who sent me some random note than to you. Not exactly romancing them with your subtle charm or witty anecdotes, now are you? And after you’ve ignored them once so early on, fat chance of getting them interested again. Use a little will power here, people.
• BUT do text for fun during your date. Texting isn’t off-limits. Truth is that texting can be fun, too. Why not send a flirty text to your date as they wait for your drinks at the bar? Or you can always settle a playful argument by texting ChaCha or Google. If you’re lucky, you could win the wager and have them come to your place for coffee or a drink.
• Don’t alienate your date by paying more attention to your phone. Your iPhone may manage your life and make your world that much easier, but you’re not looking for a relationship with your cell. Try not to even set yours on the table. Three’s a crowd, so make your choice: your date or your phone? And besides, you’re already on the date.
• BUT do try to incorporate technology into your date. Who said you can’t find a good sushi place on the west side? With all the applications out nowadays, you can make sure your date progresses smoothly from the restaurant to the bar back to your place without all the hiccups. Remember, smooth is a good quality.
• Don’t update Twitter about the date. Even if it’s going well, your followers can wait. Your date, however, can’t. Plus, if you’re so plugged in that you need to keep everyone updated about your every move, then you might need to check yourself into rehab and kick the habit. A first or second date is definitely no time to flaunt your geeky technology or social network addictions.
• BUT do talk about your networks. Almost everyone, even the baby boomers now, have a Facebook account. Some even twitter, blerp, digg, and blog the night away. There’s nothing wrong with talking about your online social spheres — if anything, it’ll give you another way to connect later. Just to prattle on. Hobbies are healthy. Obsessions aren’t.

Your phone is an integral piece of technology and convenience that largely defines how you interact with the world. However, never lose sight of the fact that you’re actually on a date, and that playing with your phone is not only rude, but unattractive, too. A healthy balance between human interaction and cell phone shenanigans can definitely help a romance blossom — the trick is to remember your priorities: date first, phone later.

Comment below: What are your phone rules when it comes to first dates?

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Sexy Game. This top-selling app has you shake your iPhone to play the slots, You’ll get a suggestion for a body part, an action, and an amount of time. Then hit the “foreplay” button to make the sexy suggestion (like “caress legs 10” or “lick ear 15”) a reality. [iTunes link]

Flurv. For those looking for Mr. Right Now, this app uses GPS technology to find singles in your area who don’t want to beat around the bush. You can browse their profiles on your iPhone, chat, and then meet at a nearby location for a drink. [iTunes link]

Perfect Date. Enter your date’s name and then tap your way through a pre-date checklist. Have you waxed? Do you have an exit strategy? Decide whether you’ll show up fashionably late or if you need to pack your toothbrush. Have you checked your date’s Facebook profile to ensure he doesn’t already have a girlfriend or a kid? As you go through the checklist, tips pop up to remind you what’s most important when it comes to nailing a first date. [iTunes link]

[This app is a hell of a lot more interesting if you pretend to be a boy. Is your R. Kelly CD ready? Is your apartment free of ex-girlfriends’ pics? Do you have something to offer her for breakfast? Do you have three interesting stories that demonstrate how responsible and smart you are? Who knew guys put so much thought into such things?]

Boy Toys. This app is simply a catalog of pictures of hot guys. If you are having a bad day and need a little manjoyment, check out this sexy slideshow! [iTunes link]

iBrate. This app turns your phone into a sexy toy; you can control the speed by touching the screen. Good for when you’re stuck in traffic or for any frequent traveler who has had her vibrator discovered while going through airport security. [iTunes link]

100 Greatest Love Songs. This app gives you full tracks of the top one hundred greatest love songs of all time — for only $2. It’s great for dates and plays the songs in shuffle, so it’s like a radio station that sets the mood perfectly. [iTunes link]

What’s Your Sex Appeal? This quiz app asks questions about your looks (How tan are you?), your style (How often do you dress up?), and your flirting history (Have you ever given a date a massage?) and then tells you what you need to work on and gives you sexy tips. [iTunes link]

Passion. If you want a device to measure how good you are in bed, just keep your iPhone handy while getting down (either wear it on an armband or put it in the bed) — and then go at it. It will rate you from 0 to 10 based on duration, activity, and orgasm. Activity is measured through the iPhone’s motion sensor while orgasm is determined via the microphone – meaning that if somebody’s jackhammering or faking it, a higher score might result. [iTunes link]

Image Credit: PureiPorn.com

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