Couchsurfing Hangouts is an opt-in feature that helps you meet people nearby, right now. Pick what you feel like doing, like coffee or a walk, and members around you can ask to join. Once you approve someone, a group chat opens so you can plan.
No stay. No sleepover. Just people who are also out and up for something.
Updated November 2026
How Hangouts works
- Open the Couchsurfing app and tap Hangout on the Explore or Events page.
- Choose what you’re in the mood for, like grabbing drinks or chilling outside.
- Tap Hangout Now. Your pin shows up on the map near your location.
- Browse members nearby, or wait for someone to send a join request.
- Approve a request and a group chat opens so you can plan the details.
Every Hangout can be a group. As many people can join as you approve, so it works for a coffee for two or a crowd at the park. You can also browse Hangouts already happening nearby and ask to join one.
A Hangout stays active while at least one member is still in it, and it’s archived when the last person leaves. The group chat sticks around until everyone leaves it, so you can follow up afterward. Want the full walkthrough? Our help center has How Do Hangouts Work?
Is Hangouts safe?
Meeting new people always comes with some risk, so we built Hangouts around your consent and gave you tools to stay in control:
- Nobody gets added automatically. Members in a Hangout approve each join request.
- We never show your exact location. Other members see a pin near you. Exact location only becomes public if you choose to add a specific meeting spot.
- You control when you’re visible. Leave a Hangout anytime and your pin disappears from the map. Only members currently in Hangouts can see each other.
- One open chat request at a time. That keeps your inbox manageable.
- You never have to meet anyone. Say no, leave, or walk away whenever something feels off.
- References. Members leave each other References after they meet, and those References show on profiles for everyone to read.
- Verification. Members can get their ID verified and earn a check mark. A badge confirms who someone is, not how they’ll behave, so read their References too.
- Reporting. Report a profile or message in a couple of taps. Real people on our Safety & Support team review every report, 24/7.
A few habits help: meet in a public place first, tell someone you trust where you’re going, and keep your plans and messages on Couchsurfing until you’ve met in person. For more, read 9 Ways to Meet People on a Solo Trip, which includes a short safety plan.
Who Hangouts is for
- Travelers who just landed and want company this afternoon instead of another night of scrolling.
- Locals who want to meet people passing through, or make friends in their own city.
- Spontaneous people. If “anyone around?” is your whole plan, Hangouts is for you.
You don’t have to host, and you don’t have to sleep on a couch. You can book your own place and still meet locals through Hangouts and Events. Not sure where to start? Read Do I Have to Host to Use Couchsurfing?
Hangouts vs. Events
Events are planned gatherings with a set time and topic, like a language exchange or pub crawl. A member creates the event and Members can join. Hangouts are casual meetups that happen now, and you decide what you want to do. Want to see how they fit together? Check out more ways to meet people on a solo trip.
What you need to join a Hangout
- The Couchsurfing mobile app (Hangouts is available on mobile only)
- An active Couchsurfing Membership
- A profile that meets our completeness requirement
- Location permission turned on for your device
Hangouts is included with your Membership, along with hosting and staying with Travelers, Events, Communities, messages, and Stay requests. Free stays with Hosts are included with a paid Membership. The Membership fee helps keep our community safe and the lights on. Verification is a separate step where you get your ID verified, which adds a trust signal to your profile.
More about Hangouts
- Product Update: Make a New Friend with Couchsurfing Hangouts
- How Do Hangouts Work?
- Can People See My Exact Location When I’m in a Hangout?
FAQ
Do I need a paid membership to use Hangouts?
Yes. Hangouts is included with your Couchsurfing membership.
Can people see my exact location?
No. Other members see a pin near you. Your exact location is only public if you add a specific meeting spot.
Can more than two people join a Hangout?
Yes. As many people can join as you approve.
Do I have to host or sleep on a couch?
No. Hosting and staying are optional, and you can join Hangouts and Events without doing either.
What happens if something feels off?
Leave the Hangout, then report the profile or message in a couple of taps. Our Safety & Support team reviews every report, 24/7.
Can I use Hangouts if I’m not traveling?
Yes. Plenty of members use Hangouts to meet people in their own city.
Can I use Hangouts on the website?
No. Hangouts is available on mobile only, in the Couchsurfing app.
