Home

    Safety Guidelines

    Hangouts Circle is a platform where independent adults arrange to meet in real life. Meeting someone new always carries some risk — these are the habits that keep it in your control.

    Last updated: 10 August 2026

    If something feels wrong, leave.

    You never need a reason, an excuse or anyone's permission to leave a hangout. You do not owe anybody your presence, your time or your personal information. Trust your instincts — leaving early is always a reasonable choice.

    Meet in public

    For a first meeting, or with anyone you don't know well:

    • Meet in public places — cafés, restaurants, parks, squares, busy streets.
    • Choose populated, well-lit and easily accessible locations.
    • Avoid isolated locations, especially after dark.
    • Take extra care around private homes, hotel rooms, vehicles, remote beaches and other secluded places.

    Tell someone

    Before you go, let someone you trust know:

    • Where you are going.
    • Who you are meeting, where that feels appropriate.
    • When you expect to be back.
    • Keep your phone with you and charged.

    Control your transportation

    Always keep a way to leave on your own terms.

    • Arrive and leave independently whenever you can.
    • Don't rely on someone you have just met to get you home.
    • Know how you would leave early if you wanted to.

    Protect your personal information

    Take your time. There is no rush to share private details.

    • Your home address.
    • Banking, card or payment information.
    • Passwords and verification codes.
    • Identity-document details.
    • Other sensitive private information.

    Alcohol and substances

    Stay in control of your own limits.

    • Drink responsibly, and keep an eye on your drink.
    • Never pressure anyone to drink or to take anything.
    • Illegal drugs have no place in hangouts arranged through the platform.

    Reporting and blocking

    You can report a user from their profile, from a participant list or from a chat, and you can block anyone at any time. Blocking stops that person from starting or continuing a direct conversation with you, and blocking is private — the other person is not notified.

    We may review reports and take action at the level of the platform, such as removing content or restricting, suspending or removing an account. A report is an allegation, not a finding of fact, and we cannot promise a particular outcome or a particular response time. Moderation is mainly reactive: it is based on reports and on information that otherwise comes to our attention. We do not monitor every message, hangout or real-world meeting.

    You can manage the people you have blocked in Privacy & safety settings.

    In an emergency

    Hangouts Circle is not an emergency service and cannot intervene in real-world situations. If someone is in immediate danger, or a crime is taking place, contact your local emergency services straight away. Reporting inside the app is not a substitute for the police, medical help or other emergency assistance.

    These guidelines sit alongside our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy and Legal Notice.