Although it’s still dating, online daters still need to be just as cautious when looking for that significant other. There is a balance that you will need to strike between your safety and your dating life. We provide the following quick dating tips to help you.

1. Start by being smart about your online emails and chats. Communicating via an online dating service is meant to give you a way to learn more about the other person. But that doesn’t mean you should give away the kitchen sink of info before you really have a good feel for the other person. For starters, use a creative for your online username and not your real name.

2. Try to initially keep your emotions in check. Just because someone seems cool doesn’t mean you should rush to meet them in person. Give yourself a preset window of time before you meet someone in the flesh.

3. When you do end up going on a date, go somewhere public, and let at least one friend know where you’re going and when you expect to get back.

4. Consider too the possibility that your date may be in it primarily for sex. Think about whether that’s something you’re willing to get into. Don’t get caught in a situation where the other person may be pushing the issue.

5. If you choose to talk on the phone with a potential match, give them your cell phone number rather than your home number. Home numbers can be looked up through reverse phone directories and your address is easy to find this way. Cell phone numbers typically don’t have this problem.

6. For that first date or first dates, drive individually and go somewhere public and not too secluded.

7. Dating safely also means dating slowly. Don’t rush; get to know the other person.

8. Do not hand out your address and keep alcohol to a minimum if you drink at all.

9. Remember that your first impressions are not always going to be completely accurate. This is especially true on 1st dates when most folks put on their best face.

Most people who are members on an online dating service are really just looking for the same things that you are. They want to meet their Romeo or Juliet. But of course, one bad apple will spoil your experience horribly for you. Most of your potential matches are harmless people and it is so easy to convince yourself that your online dating safety isn’t as important as meeting this wonderful person in real life. Stay safe out there!