What is dating life like for average looking guys? Are apps failing us?

It's like everything in life. It takes effort and results aren't guaranteed. If you want guaranteed results, learn how to cook.

(I stole that from author John Irving, so here's the quote, from his novel "The World According to Garp:")

You won’t find dates on apps, just disappointment. At 20 you are probably in school and women your age are everywhere. Join some groups, such as a run club, where you will can casually interact with them regularly.

7/10 is actually pretty high.

That being said, it's hopeless.

Maybe your difficulties stem from whatever women can sense about your intelligence and personality if you consider 7/10 to be both “average” and worth bemoaning.

Start by striking up a casual conversation and just be friendly. Avoid jumping straight into big declarations like telling someone you love them out of nowhere because that can feel awkward and overwhelming. Also, asking someone out before you have even had a basic conversation is tough for most people. Confidence helps, but connection matters more than looks.

A good approach is to keep things light at first. Your goal is not to win a date right away. It is simply to get to know the person. That mindset can take the pressure off you and help you come across as relaxed and confident, which people generally appreciate.
Focus on seeing whether you actually enjoy talking to each other. Do you share interests? Do you get along? Attraction is not just about looks. Compatibility matters.

If the conversation goes well, towards the end you can say something like, I have enjoyed talking with you and would you like to grab coffee sometime? There is no need to label it a date. People understand the intention, and phrasing it casually can feel more natural and respectful.

As for dating apps, experiences vary. Some people find them helpful, others do not. Personally, I preferred meeting people naturally and that is how I met my wife. I didn't date until I was 26 and only dated one person lol. I was just as nervous but at 26 I said, screw it just be friends first and see how it evolves naturally and it took so much of the fear away from it.

Be careful what you wish for.

Once you become a slave to a girl, she’s got ya!

https://www.stalkingawareness.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CO-Stalking-Laws-Statutes.pdf

I'm not OP dude.

For sure women can tell I have no personality or intelligence based on a hinge profile which highlights all of my best features (not that there are many, but still).

Or maybe it's that they care 99% about looks and money and are flooded with options.

My best advice would be to change your attitude and instead of looking for dates - look for more friends - take an avid interest in any person you meet that you can sense has a compassionate heart.(But be generous in judging people,first impressions ain't always accurate)

Try to be helpful and friendly whenever it feels appropriate - don't expect any in return.

I once did this change and it never ceased to amaze me how many dating opportunities that arrived "organically" - relax,smile to the world,stop looking and hunting - your attitude is something you can always control.

The main problem with the sexual marketplace in America is that there are many good-looking guys with extremely low standards for women. Therefore many below-average women think they're attractive because they're able to get dates with hot guys (who have low standards and who like to date/sleep around with as many women as possible). So average guys can't get average women because average women would rather keep going on dates with hot guys, hoping that one will settle down with them.

The other problem is just that women in America are more focused on looks in guys. In other countries, unattractive looking guys can compensate by having money, for example. Plus, there are more attractive women to go around in other countries. The situation completely sucks for 90% of guys in America.

Being in good shape, making people laugh, having a good career and being normal height (6’ 0”) seemed to work just fine for me without requiring a Hollywood face.

Lose the beard. Unless it's covering an angular jawline, or bad teeth etc, it otherwise screams a belief in male dominance. In the current political climate, that's threatening to women.

Wisdom:

At your age, you would be amazed at the number of females who would absolutely love to go out with you. All that being said, education, employment, stability... all those things begin to be more and more attractive. You will eventually need to be selective in your own right.

One of the other posters is exactly right, if you're in school, you are in a target rich environment. Try this: I just had to tell you, I think you're really (attractive, funny, smart, hell come up with an adjective - it doesn't even matter). Could we have coffee sometime?

What's the worst thing she can reply? No, I don't want to go out with you? So what!

Listen to this old guy. Get out there. Oh, and shave the beard. Trust me on this one.

"Listen to this old guy"

No

Old people's opinions are completely worthless on this topic amd is leading people astray. The world is completely different from when you were younger.

Listen to people who know what time it is

Beards are attractive but scratchy for making out.

Anyway, this site needs just one megathread on dating. Same questions all the time; gets old. Don’t be a dyck, have reasonable standards, and you’ll be fine.

My sons are 23 and 25. They are fit. They are good looking. They are smart. They have masters degrees. They make good money. They can't find a date.

Where are you getting this information? What has your dating life looked like the past couple of years?

I‘ve been sporting a moustache since my girlfriend complained about my beard, and she loves it 😏.

Are they confident? Are they comfortable in their own skin? Are they charming? Lots more to it than what you mention, and I think you know it. Females aren't rejecting guys that might make them happy.