Reply when he says he deleted the app but still messages you

When someone says they deleted the app, they're often trying to signal monogamy or interest without actually committing to it. He's still on the app. He's telling you he's not to make the interaction feel safer or more special. It's not a lie he believes you'll check on. It's a lie designed to make you feel like you matter more than other matches.

This matters because it tells you something about how he operates. He's managing your perception rather than managing his own behavior. Some guys do this innocently because they're awkward. Most do it because they're juggling. Either way, his words and actions don't match, and that's the real information.

You have two solid moves here. The first is to acknowledge the contradiction in a way that's funny, not angry. A light observation that shows you clocked him but aren't making it a whole thing. This removes his ability to play dumb and often makes him respect you more.

The second move is to ignore the comment entirely. Don't engage with the lie at all. Instead, respond to whatever he actually said and pivot immediately to concrete plans. 'Cool, so when are you free this week' shows you don't care about his app status story. You care about whether he shows up. This is often more effective because it doesn't give him a chance to explain or double down on the story.

If he's brought up deleting the app or switching platforms, that's an opening. Take it. Give him your number, ask for his, or suggest moving to a platform where you can actually call. But do this only if you've had multiple back-and-forths and he's been consistent about responding.

If you move to text and he goes cold or slows down dramatically, you have your answer. He was comfortable talking to you on the app where his attention was divided. On text, where you're his only option, he disappears. That tells you everything. If he stays engaged off-app, you're dealing with someone who's actually interested in narrowing things down.