You have to leverage the situation you're in, but something that works well for me is go climbing gym > compliment someone on their climb > strike conversation > if it goes well, ask for their insta (semi-public info) > slip into DMs (wanna go climbing again?) > make a move

Between each >, it's obviously only a step you can do if the vibes check, but it's one example of something that works. Also I won't lie doing this is a bit difficult, but you get better with practice. It also works great if you go to busy climbing gyms in different places at different times, since you'll always see new people. Final caveat is I do this for friends, since I'm already dating, but it works the same way to catch a bf/gf

dating apps are bleak as fuck, yes.

choosing signals

Intaresting

Find pubs with karaoke, and do it. If you're decent, someone will compliment you. Strike up a conversation with them.

I legit have no idea how I meet people but some how I have friends and occasionally girlfriends. I can't control when it happens I just have to wait until I get a friend join event.

Probably one of the most socially friendly places I recall in recent years was a CrossFit gym. I know people shit in them as being full of cultish twats, and to some extent I won't argue that, but compared to a standard gym there's quite a 'us' rather than 'me' vibe to it. Find those kind of places where people look to support and improve each other rather than show off what they know or can do.

Though I'm about the least socially apt person around one thing that really has stuck out to me, don't go there with a goal other than to do the thing. If you go with the goal of a date you're gonna be disappointed, go with the intent of doing what you like instead.