Internet Dating Safety: Moving from Online to Offline

The Internet has had a large influence on many of our basic activities. It has changed how we handle finances (online banking); how we shop (EBay) and how we date. Much has been written about protecting ourselves while banking or shopping, but what about internet dating?

There are over 1 million online dating sites. Some run by well establish dating companies like Match.com or eHarmony.com, others are unmonitored user-driven sites like Craiglists or Yahoo personals. No matter where you meet someone online, if you intend to meet (and date) there are a few dating safety precautions you should take. Most will even keep you safe with traditional dating.

Once you have moved from online to offline, you should get more information. Find out who your date is. Ask for your date's first name and last name. Ask where they work and live, what they like and do not like. Ask around if anyone knows the person.

For your first meeting, pick a place that's public and neutral. If you're traveling to visit them in their town or neighborhood, you should pick a place you're comfortable with when you arrive. Take a cell phone with you.

Always tell a friend or relative (or both) where you are going. Introduce your date to your friends or the bartender. Make sure your date knows you are spreading the word about them.

If at a party, mix your own drinks and never leave drinks unattended. Getting drunk or being slipped a drug happens all too often. If you go out with a new person, drink in moderation or not at all.

Do not carry large amounts of cash. If you go home with someone, remember to protect your valuables. If you bring someone home, don't leave your wallet, pocketbook or valuables in sight.

Finally, and most importantly, if you are going to engage in any sexual activity, ask about your date's health status. Find out their HIV and STD status. Also remember that not everyone is honest and some will not tell you their real status.

Meeting someone online, chatting and getting to know them can be very exciting. There are many people who have formed life-long friendships and even married via online dating. It should be approached with both enthusiasm and caution. Following these tips alone won't guarantee safety, but may be the difference between a pleasant and a horrible dating experience.