The Basics of Online Dating

Online dating just means finding a date using a website, usually consisting of personal ads or profiles. It can be used by both men and women to find a date. They can do so by browsing a site, and finding profiles that interest them. Some websites allow free browsing while others charge a membership fee. Sometimes it's free to read profiles, but contacting someone through the site requires a paid membership or a one-time fee.

However, the basic model of an online dating site is the same. A user is required to enter his/her profile. This is then stored in the site’s server, and can be accessed by any authorized site user. All dating sites run a powerful search program that can match profiles on the basis of age, gender, community, interests etc.

Most paid sites are very particular about privacy. They route the contact mails through their mail server so that neither party will ever see the actual email address of the other. Some advise opening a free email account for online dating. This does not happen in the case of free websites. Your personal information is visible to everyone.

Another important thing about most paid sites is that they allow people to post or browse profiles only after paying the subscription fee. Also, only members can contact the site users. On some sites, women can join free but men have to pay.

All sites advise you to avoid mentioning personal information like your full name, address, phone number, place of employment, etc. This is sound advice, and must be followed in full. There is no point in exposing yourself to cyber stalkers.

However, there is no harm in entering your interests in full. It also makes sense to post a good photo of yourself on the site. Profiles with photos get better responses than profiles without.

Your first communication should be through email. The second step should be to talk on the phone. This should be done once you develop a liking for your online friend. Here too you should not give your home or work number. The best idea is to use your cell, which does not reveal your home address. The final step should be to invite your online friend to a date.