“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 vacation pic, then go ahead and ask bout it.

If someone's career stands out to you, let them know. 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,” relationship expert Sameera Sullivan tells Bustle, 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, what they do for fun. Oh, or if they'd like to meet up for a date.

While there may not be a ton of travel going on right now, it's still fun to talk about where you'd both like to go, what you love most about being on the road, or the best meals you've had abroad. 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 shared reading list), use it to your advantage. You’ll be offering to swap books or go to a reading together before you know it.

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 can be a one word response.

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, which is why this line is such a good one. Chances are the other person will 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 appealing traits. “This line shows them you aren’t shy to take notice of the little things,” she tells Bustle. “A compliment can go a long way — just don’t overdo it!”

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 also loves this question as it 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. It could also result in a fun exchange about all the bizarre opening lines you’ve 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 straight forward? 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.

Myers also recommends coming up with a list of half funny, half serious “pre-screening” questions to ask from the jump. 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.

Professional matchmaker Erika Kaplan tells Bustle, “The worst opening line on an app is one that doesn't ask for information. Instead, make it easy for the person you’re messaging by putting them at ease and asking them a question that they definitely have the answer to.” If you notice a funny or intriguing photo on their profile, get them to open up about it.

While it may be considered cliché to some, Kaplan explains that “If you're both in the same area, you're both experiencing the same weather. Instead of stating the obvious (‘it's cold!’), ask what they've been doing to keep busy.” You’ll instantly have something in common, and you can always branch out to asking about their favorite local winter activities or beverages — and maybe plan a date to enjoy them together.

“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.

Kaplan shares that “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. Your match might even find your candor charming.” While it’s definitely a good idea to open up a dialogue, as long as you remain positive and friendly you still have a chance of getting some response. This would work best if you notice some silly self-deprecation in your match’s own bio.