Expert explains what it means if someone takes a long time to reply to your texts

Let's set the scene: you've just spent what feels like a lifetime crafting a hilarious and flirty message to your date.

You see the ticks, sparking a rush of giddy delight as you await their response. But to your horror, the hours start to pass, and you've still not heard anything. The dread kicks in, and before you know it, you've convinced yourself they've gone off you.

Thankfully, we have good news for singletons navigating the dating scene minefield; a slow response actually might not be as bad as it seems.

Slow responses can be nerve-wracking (Getty Stock Photo)

Body language expert Adrianne Carter has opened up about the importance of 'digital body language', and admitted that 'quick responders' may be an indication that 'someone is organized and attentive'.

However, that doesn't necessarily mean that you should give up hope if you find yourself chatting to someone who takes ages to respond.

Instead, Carter said a slow reply could be the sign you're dating a deeper and more sensitive person.

Oh la la.

Carter, who is the UK's leading expert in the field, said: "Delayed responders who are sporadic with their communication patterns could actually be more introverted, valuing deep, meaningful interactions over a high quantity of exchanges."

If that doesn't put the pep back in your step, Tinder also found that 53 percent of users under 30 are using dating apps to find someone special, rather than a one-night stand.

If you are a newbie to the online dating world, rest assured that a 2024 survey by Forbes Health found apps are the 'top place' to find love.

Adrianne Carter said slow replies could be a sign of sensitivity (Getty Stock Photo)

And if that's not enough to send you flocking to start writing a witty bio, around three in 10 American adults say they've used apps to meet other people.

So, while it's easy to assume that the lack of dings means your crush isn't interested, it's good to remember that's not always the case.

Now, if you are on the other side of the scale and you are chatting with a rapid responder - don't panic, this doesn't mean they are covered in red flags.

Tinder found that 77 percent of users aged between 18-24 years old will fire a message back to their love interest 'within 30 minutes'.

And while this is likely to keep anxiety levels down, according to Carter, it doesn't make them a 'top communicator'.

She believes that the cream of the dating crop are those who admit they are 'better in person'.

"It's no surprise that you might find that the spark is there, you just need to connect with them IRL to really see it come to life," Carter added.

So, if you're in the early stages of messaging the potential love of your life, take this as your sign to move out of the penpal zone and ask them on a date - you never know, they might just surprise you.