It's an ambiguous world.

Most of the time, you really don't know what to expect unless you receive a message. Users are either looking for something casual or are looking to settle down — you just don't know. Or perhaps you wouldn't know until the second coffee date, where you hear something along the lines of "I already have a girlfriend/boyfriend" or "I'm not looking for anything yet."

Speaking of ambiguity...

Hookup culture is prevalent. 

Sigh. The prevalence of hookup culture on college campuses. We've all been there, and I've definitely have had my fair share of stories. With hookup culture on the rise, it seems like many are embracing being single and exploring themselves sexually.

A recent Tinder study showed that 72 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 25 said they'd made a conscious decision to be single "for a period of time." This also comes after the company's new #SwipeLife campaign, embracing freedom, individuality and the single life.

Though speaking of which, I learned that not everyone is looking to settle down with the app.

Don't have high expectations.

*See above*

Dear boys of Tinder: "You're hot" is not a proper pickup line, nor does it constitute a following coffee date or an invite to spend the night. I'll admit, I have run into my fair share of Tinder creeps, ranging from boys with shirtless photos, desperate bios (somehow managing to find my Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, proceeding to continuously message me until I block) and a lack of substance (besides looking hot, evidently from the workout pics).

At the end of the day, Tinder is a dating app for the general public. Though you may have a slim chance of finding a decent partner, you will have to go through numerous profiles, messages and subsequent dates.

But hey, they'll make for good stories.

It's OK to be ghosted.

This is perhaps the worst part of being on Tinder. You match with a really cute guy, you hit it off on a date, make plans for next week — and then somehow never hear from them again. Their number is still working, and they still watch you on social media though. You don't know if you did anything wrong.

Sometimes, you'll never know. It's OK to be ghosted. Sometimes, it's not you. Simply move on and continue to swipe right.

It's often a facade.

Almost 90 percent of the time, the cute dog in the picture isn't even there. It's probably a random person's dog they found at the park. Don't be fooled and again. Don't set your expectations too high.

A little sarcasm doesn't hurt.

We all love a guy with some substance. A little sarcasm and quick wit definitely does not hurt. Personally speaking, I love to see more than just a profile picture and your height measurements in your bio.

You may find a gem 

After tumultuously swiping left on every guy on Tinder, you may find the perfect one: someone with a witty bio, cute pics and a smooth way with words that doesn't come off as creepy. Be patient. There are some gems on Tinder.