Now a days I'd say discord is the best.

I've been running my server for about 6 years already, and it's a pretty strong community of around 20 or so people. Sometimes we get new people, not everyone is a perfect fit and they might stay for a few weeks before leaving. Some have left after a few years, some leave and come back; others come every so many months to chat for a day or two before going away.

There's many different types of relationships that can be formed in places like that.

I think what's most important is that there needs to be something you all share for it to work. Maybe it's anime, sports, whatever (in my particular case, it's an LGBT server).

I've already met around 5-6 people from this server IRL, and so far it's always been a great time.