The top-level domain (TLD) .DATING is a niche-specific TLD intended to facilitate and enhance online dating. This TLD is perfect for dating services and singles looking for love, making it easier for users to find the dating sites that fit their needs on the internet.
TLDs are the last part of a domain name – they’re the letters that come after the final dot of a URL. For instance, in google.com, “.com” is the TLD. The .DATING TLD, therefore, is specifically designated for dating websites, similar to how “.edu” is used for educational institutions and “.gov” for government websites (InterNIC, a website by ICANN).
The .DATING TLD is a gTLD (generic top-level domain), which means it’s used for a general purpose. New gTLDs, like .DATING, were introduced by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) to increase competition and choice in the domain name space. According to data from Verisign’s Domain Name Industry Brief, there were 158.5 million .com and .net domain name registrations in the domain name base as of June 2020. But with TLDs like .DATING, businesses and individuals have the chance to choose more specific, and potentially more memorable, domain names.
Companies that specialize in dating services, professional matchmakers, singles interest groups, or even restaurants or venues that provide spaces for dates could benefit by using this TLD. For example, a dating service called “EliteMatch” might choose “elitematch.dating” as their domain name. It may convey trustworthiness and professionality to their targeted audience, who are more likely to recognize what services they provide simply from their website’s URL.
The .DATING TLD can only be registered for a minimum period of 1 year by an accredited ICANN registrar. Registrars offering .DATING include major companies like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and 101domain, thereby ensuring the credibility and professionalism of the TLD registration process. Each of these companies provides pricing and additional services, such as hosting or email, to their customers. Prices may vary based on the registrar and the specific services they offer.
In summary, the top-level domain .DATING offers an innovative domain name option for businesses and individuals working in the dating industry. Through reliable ICANN accredited registrars, this TLD can be registered, providing a unique and specialized internet identity for dating services.
Sources:
1. InterNIC (https://www.internic.net/origin.html)
2. ICANN (https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/tlds-2012-02-25-en)
3. Verisign’s Domain Name Industry Brief (https://www.verisign.com/en\_US/internet-technology-news/verisign-executive-blog/articles/index.xhtml?id=29427132965PANEAA266)
4. GoDaddy (https://www.godaddy.com/help/what-is-a-domain-name-305)
5. Namecheap (https://www.namecheap.com/domains/registration/results/?domain=.dating)
6. 101domain (https://www.101domain.com/dating.htm)
