When you're browsing profiles, the small symbols beside someone's name tell you a surprising amount about them. They're one of the simplest ways to decide who to message first, and earning them yourself is one of the easiest ways to stand out.
Badges that show someone is genuine
The ID verified tick
Shows that a member has verified their identity. It's a reassuring sign that someone is the person in their photos, and verified members see far more engagement from others.
How to get it: Verify your profile. It's free for every member, whether you're on a free account or VIP.
The validation badge
Shows that a member of the team has reviewed and approved the profile by hand. It's a good option for anyone who'd rather not share identity documents.
How to get it: Ask for admin profile validation. Someone from the team checks your profile, and no sensitive documents are needed.
Members can also confirm who they are through a live video check with a moderator, which doesn't need any documents at all.
Badges you earn by being a good member
The Anti-Ghosting badge
Shows that a member replies promptly to their messages. You can see who's genuinely responsive before you start chatting, so you're less likely to be left waiting.
How to get it: Reply to your messages, even when the answer is a polite no. The one-click replies make it quick and kind.
Chatterbox, Heartthrob and Most Popular
Badges earned through your activity on the site. They tell other members you're real, active and worth getting to know.
How to get it: Be active: keep your profile up to date, join in on the discovery feed and in chat groups, and talk to people.
Member ratings
The community votes profiles up or down. Ratings help keep The Silver Pond honest, and they help you judge who's worth a message. A well-rated profile is a good sign that someone is friendly and genuine.
A badge is a good sign, not a guarantee. Plenty of genuine members haven't verified yet, and your instincts still matter. Our guide to spotting a fake profile or romance scam explains the red flags.
Why it's worth earning them
Badges help you stand out and show people, before they've read a word, that you're genuine and worth replying to. Start with the ID verified tick, reply to your messages and get involved, and the rest tends to follow.