veryone wants to be loved. But finding that person from Boston who is best suited for the task can be daunting, to say the least. It is why so many of us remain single, and why internet dating sites have become a haven for the lonely, the yearning and just the frustrated. Anyone who has ever spent an hour on most of those sites knows just what I am talking about when I say the response, even if such a heavily populated market, can be underwhelming. But dating services are becoming more creative these days. From niche sites to fun ways of just meeting people, there are some real gems out there. This year has seen a launch of a lot of really great ones. Especially now that mobile technology is on the rise. While I could name quite a few to go gaga over, here are five startups I think are really special.

• Boston Single Ladies

This is probably my favorite. The concept is simple: you get the app, use the GPS to log where you are, and it finds other singles with the app in your current location. It is a quick way to see who is available and looking. You can even check out their profile before approaching, getting details on their personality and what they are searching for. The downside is that they have to have the app. But more and more Boston people are using it now, so when you go out it is a nice program to have at hand. What are some of your favorite dating startups? Let us know in the comments!

• Boston Female Chat

Stop awkwardly leering at Boston people’s dating profiles, and start talking! That seems to be the point of this service. It is all about starting a more natural kind of conversation, and using that communication to build real relationships on all levels. Very socially based, it gives you ice breakers and topics that you are both well versed in, so you can approach anyone you like without fear of coming up with something interesting to say. This one is great for the socially awkward dweebs like me that never know how to start a conversation with someone new. It practically does that for you, and lets you get comfortable.

• Meet Boston Wife

I have seen a lot of “standard based” Boston dating sites, and they are usually pretty sleazy. For example, sugar babies looking for rich men kind of things. But this one is quite a bit different. It is based around top global universities. It allows graduates to find others who have received an equal education. Which is pretty clever, if you think about it. How often does education level and quality come up in the initial scouting of dating profiles? This just cuts out all the filler and gets right to the point. It also has an interesting twist, where women pay a flat fee, but men pay per conversation. So they have to actually invest if they want to speak to a woman on the site.

• Boston Girls Whatsapp Contacts

This is a Boston site that has really pushed the envelope on generating excitement. It works by having you answer ten questions about your goals, personality and what you want. Based on those ten questions, it finds the best matches possible in your area. From there, it will invite you two to tawkify (a call on the phone), walkify (meet for a simply stroll and conversation) or have a Mystery Date. This is when you go to a nearby street corner, call Jenny the Match Girl, and she gives you both instructions on where to go and what to do next. You then have to find one another. It sounds crazy, but plenty of people have been on successful dates since the service launched in January. They have also just launched their Klout numbers, which is a rating given to users based on their social media profiles.

• Massachusetts Best Dating Cities List

Rather than helping you find someone new in Boston, this site is dedicated to helping you stay with the one you’re with. Whether you are dating, engaged, married or in a civil partnership (for those states that have not yet legalized same sex marriage), you can get some help here. You just get the app and it will send you both little things like questions to answer, conversation starters and date prompts. All to get you talking, spending time together and making the most of your relationship. Not only is it a creative new app, but it is nice to see something out there for those who are with someone, but could use a little spice to help reconnect.