Geek to geek

Do what you love and the dates will follow? That’s the theory behind niche dating, the idea that it’s easier to find a love match among singles who share a specific interest. The concept has taken over the online dating world, where websites exist to facilitate hookups in every subculture from goths to vegans to Republicans. The science is out on whether this approach is more effective than your average singles mixer, but it does have its upside. You get to indulge in your favorite pastimes while you’re looking, and even if you don’t find true love, your new friend might have a lead on that secret hiking trail or bootleg recording you’ve been looking for. Check out our local and online dating suggestions below and see if you can find your niche.

Bond over books: Bring your most loved or hated book to spark conversation at Speed Dating for Book Lovers. The Sacramento Public Library hosts the event at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 6, at the Central branch. Interested gay, lesbian and straight bookworms should pre-register at http://altlibrary.com. Readers too shy for in-person introductions can make a literary match at the online dating site Alikewise.

Bond over music: Last.fm‘s new dating site, Tastebuds, is a free service that matches up music fans with common inclinations. Just enter a list of your favorite bands at http://tastebuds.fm and the site will find others in your area who share your affinity for the Velvet Underground and your distaste for the Eagles. Happy file sharing!

Bond over weed: “Why toke alone?” asks the website banner at 420Dating.com, a free social-networking site for marijuana enthusiasts. Many user profiles are amusingly inarticulate (“looking 4 a cool girl with a good hearth”), but you’ll probably care less about your date’s grammar skills once you’re high.

Bond over nature: Join the Sacramento Sierra Club Singles Outings for wetland walks, snowshoe hikes, river-paddling classes and dozens of other events. Visit www.motherlode.sierraclub.org/singles for a current calendar and registration information.

Bond over contrasting ages: The Sacramento Cougars and Cubs hosts monthly mixers where older ladies and younger men can bond over their interest in … well, each other. The next meeting is planned for February 26. Visit www.meetup.com/Sacramento-Cougars-and-Cubs to RSVP.

Bond over your refusal to bond: This month, the Alt+library Book Club is reading Sasha Cagen’s Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics. You might not meet a date here, but you’re sure to find plenty of other rugged individuals to socialize with. The club meets at 7 p.m. on February 16, at Old Soul Co. inside 40 Acres, located at 3434 Broadway.