Matchmaking services glossary
Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a Matchmaking Services provider in Atlanta.
- What are off-market singles?
- Off-market singles are individuals not actively seeking partners on dating apps or public online platforms, typically reached only through private matchmaking firms and referral networks.
- What is a boutique matchmaking firm?
- A boutique matchmaking firm is a small, independently owned dating service that works with a limited number of clients and emphasizes personal consultation and hands-on matching over automated algorithms or high-volume processing.
- What is a candidate pool?
- A candidate pool is the private roster of pre-screened singles a matchmaking firm builds and maintains to draw from when making matches for their clients.
- What is a certified matchmaker?
- A certified matchmaker is a professional who has completed accredited training and earned credentials from recognized matchmaking institutes or industry associations, demonstrating competency in client assessment and pairing practices.
- What is a client intake consultation?
- A client intake consultation is the first meeting between a matchmaker and prospective client where the matchmaker collects information about the client's background, relationship goals, preferences, and deal-breakers to create a personalized dating search profile.
- What is a compatibility algorithm?
- A compatibility algorithm is a scoring system that matchmakers use to rank potential partners by weighting values, lifestyle preferences, attachment styles, and non-negotiables before a human matchmaker conducts final reviews.
- What is a confidentiality agreement?
- A legally binding contract that requires a matchmaking firm and its staff to keep client information, identities, and relationship details private and not disclose them to third parties.
- What is a date coach?
- A date coach is a professional who provides personalized guidance on dating skills, profile creation, communication techniques, and confidence building to help singles improve their dating success.
- What is a dating dossier?
- A dating dossier is a confidential internal profile that a matchmaker compiles on each client, containing personal information, photographs, background details, and dating preferences to facilitate compatible introductions.
- What is a match introduction?
- A match introduction is the structured first meeting between two compatible individuals arranged and facilitated by a professional matchmaker, typically following profile exchange and matchmaker briefing.
- What is a matchmaker?
- A matchmaker is a professional intermediary who interviews and screens clients, then personally introduces them to carefully selected romantic prospects based on compatibility rather than algorithm.
- What is a membership tier?
- A membership tier is a service level offered by matchmaking firms that determines the number of introductions, coaching sessions, and personal matchmaker attention a client receives.
- What is a national matchmaking network?
- A national matchmaking network is an alliance of matchmaking firms in different cities that pool their client databases so members can introduce singles from their region to compatible candidates outside their local market.
- What is a personality assessment?
- A personality assessment is a structured questionnaire or evaluation tool used by matchmakers to understand a client's behavioral traits, communication preferences, and relational patterns in order to identify compatible matches.
- What is a rematch guarantee?
- A rematch guarantee is a policy offered by some matchmaking services that entitles clients to receive additional introductions if early matches do not develop into a relationship.
- What is a retainer model in matchmaking?
- A retainer model is an upfront engagement fee paid to a matchmaker that secures ongoing search and introduction services over a defined contract period, rather than charging per individual date or match.
- What is a senior dating concierge?
- A senior dating concierge is a matchmaker who specializes in introducing adults over 50 or 55, typically offering slower-paced introductions, detailed compatibility screening, and family-aware vetting processes tailored to the needs and preferences of older daters.
- What is a singles mixer?
- A casual group social event where single adults gather to meet and converse with one another in an informal setting, distinct from structured speed dating or one-on-one matchmaker arrangements.
- What is a speed dating format?
- A speed dating format is an organized event structure where participants rotate through a series of timed, one-on-one conversations (typically 3-8 minutes each) with potential matches, using selection cards to indicate mutual interest afterward.
- What is a vetting process?
- A vetting process is the series of screening steps a potential client completes, including application review, personal interview, reference checks, and background verification, before a matchmaker adds them to their active roster.
- What is a video vetting interview?
- A recorded or live video conversation in which a matchmaker confirms a client's identity, physical appearance, and stated information before accepting them into the service.
- What is curated matchmaking?
- Curated matchmaking is a service in which a professional matchmaker personally selects and introduces compatible clients from a private pool based on individual preferences and relationship goals, rather than relying on algorithmic matching or self-directed browsing.
- What is high-net-worth matchmaking?
- High-net-worth matchmaking is a dating service that caters to affluent or prominent individuals, emphasizing confidentiality, financial verification, and compatibility based on lifestyle and social standing.
- What is identity verification?
- Identity verification is the process of confirming a matchmaking member's real identity through government-issued identification, employment checks, and cross-referencing to prevent deception and catfishing.