How to Flirt Using Emojis

How to Flirt With Emojis and Seriously Charm Her

Dating in the age of technology has given single folks plenty of tools to help them find whatever it is they're after -- whether it's a casual hookup or something more serious. From dating apps that instantly connect you with singles in your area to features like FaceTime that let you see your love interest without having to be in the same place, there's no shortage of ways to step up your dating game in the digital age.

However, there are some facets of virtual communication that aren't as straightforward when it comes to utilizing them to forge a connection. Specifically, we're talking about the use of emojis. With so many different options to choose from, how many is too many to use when you're trying to flirt with a woman you're interested in? Which ones are considered sexy when used the right way, and which ones are just plain cheesy?

To answer these questions and more, we asked a few real ladies to tell us their dos and dont's for sending flirty texts that include the right amount of emojis without overdoing it. Here's their real take on the emojis that women want you to send, which ones are never a good idea, and how often you should include them when you're texting someone you're interested in.

1. A Few Occasional Smileys Get the Job Done

Alexa, 31 says that when using emojis to flirt, less is more. "A couple of smiley faces works for me! I think I don’t use them much so when someone does I really notice."

2. Be Mindful of the Tongue Emoji

Tongues are great IRL -- and when used the right way, are totally sexy. But Kathleen, 27, says that the tongue emoji leaves much to be desired -- especially when you try to use it in a flirtatious way. "I hate this emoji," she says. "It just reminds me of slobbering."

3. Take Advantage of Emoji Features on Dating Apps

Dating apps like Tinder have their own set of emoji functionalities. Most recently, Tinder's reaction capability -- animated screen takeovers that replace the need for texts -- have been winning over Lauren, 38. “I love it when a guy starts a conversation by being direct and asking me what my favorite restaurant, coffee place or bar is for our first date and then sends me a ‘ball's in your court’ Tinder reaction," she says. "It shows me he wants to get to know me and go to a place he knows I’ll enjoy.”

4. Don't be the "Emoji Guy"

Moderation is key with emoji use for Joanna, 32, who cautions against using so many emojis that it becomes your defining characteristic. "A friend of mine dated a guy who used so many emojis that we called him 'emoji guy,'" she says. "It's probably best to stick to a well-timed smiley with an occasional  and maybe a once we really know each other."

5. Ignore iPhone's Emoji Recommendations

Your iPhone is there to help -- but Kelsey, 29 says that ignoring the well-meaning emoji recommendations when sending a text is going to work in your favor in the long run. "Basically, never use the iPhone suggestions to replace words with emojis," she says. "No one's trying to read hieroglyphics here. A well placed at the start of a relationship and once things have escalated is cute. And never use the hand symbols to represent physical acts!"

6. Match Your Partner's Emoji Cadence

While there are plenty of ground rules that can be helpful for determining best practices for flirting with emojis, Jules, 25, says that taking your cues off the lady you're texting will further help your cause. "Match her emoji use," she says. "If she texts you a smiley face one time, don’t bombard her with emojis. Everyone has a different threshold for what’s acceptable use and chances are if she is using emojis a lot, she’s into it and won’t be turned off if you do the same."

7. Don't Include Emojis in Every Message

Stacy, 31, says that striking the right balance is key for effective emoji flirting. "Guys should definitely use emojis when texting with someone they are interested in," she says. "The proper use of them can help you to come across as charming and likeable. That said, it’s also important not to overdo it. Make sure that not every message includes an emoji. Every three or four messages is a nice sweet spot. But most importantly, don’t force it. Only use an emoji when it feels natural to you. As far as which emojis to use, I would advise focusing on the use of the various faces in order to help express emotion. The rest of the random emojis are okay, but only when used in moderation."

8. Use Less Common Emojis

For Abigail, 36, using emojis in a creative way is what really gets her when texting with a guy she likes. "I like when men use the less common emoji," she says. "I recently sent a guy a waving lady emoji and his response was the lion emoji -- it was the perfect reply! He's a Leo and that was his way of saying 'hello' that day. I loved that he did that instead of using a regular smiling emoji."