If you're new to where you are living or have been out of the dating lifestyle for a while but don't want to dive headlong into the nearest bar, speed dating may be a good-time and safe harbor for friendly flirting.
As well, if you're a busy professional who doesn't have adequate free nights to spend on seeing if a relationship bears a future, the round-robin approach of taking stock of multiple singles thru short chats may save you both time and cash.