Online Dating FAQ

This faq contains basic information about the world of online dating.

Why Choose Online Dating?
There are millions of singles looking for love online - the net makes things simpler. Online dating offers you the freedom and time to pick and choose who you want to date. Services exist allowing you to search thousands of singles to discover the best matches. You can communicate anonymously and get to know the person before actually going on a first date.

Furthermore, by entering a detailed profile, in some cases with a voice/video greeting you stand a far better chance of finding that special someone than you would by placing a 5 line letter in a newspaper personals.

Does it really work?
Yes, thousands of people start relationships through online dating services, with many meeting great friends and some even getting married. Read the testimonials on various sites.

Is online dating safe?
Yes. Use common-sense and read the tips and advice on this site and you should understand why online dating is as safe and in many areas a safer method than others.

How do I date online?
You must first join a dating service. Most offer a free basic membership that allows you to post a profile and browse other profiles. You can use searching criteria to find closest matches and once you've found people you'd like to communicate with, then you can use dating services anonymous email, messaging system and some have private chatrooms to get to know them better.

How much does it cost?
Most allow a free basic membership. To initiate contact usually requires a cost, either a monthly membership or a 'credit-based' system, where you buy a bunch of credits that allow you to communicate freely with X amount of people. The general price range for monthly memberships is roughly $8 - $30 depending on what additional features the site offers. Many thankfully provide a 12-month package, usually giving better value for money than a recurring monthly membership.

What are the best services?
For all dating services listed on this site, I've personally been a member and reviewed them. For each service, I've spent a good deal of (ongoing) time making sure they are worth recommending. There are a few I highly recommend and you can compare these in the personals comparison chart.

Are you an expert?
No, I'm not a qualified or so-called 'relationship expert' and this is simply my own personal guide to dating online.

I've been online since 1994 and have seen hundreds of dating sites over the years - many I've joined and reviewed. This site is based on my own knowledge and experiences and is a guide to online dating that I think is concise, easily understandble, offering common sense tips and advice that I've picked up over the years from books, magazines and other websites.

With all reviews, be aware that information on the site may have changed since I last reviewed it and there may be some errors present, so always double check features and prices with the site itself, before committing to joining. Read the sites own terms and conditions before joining.

Back to the Dating Advice index or read some of my Dating Services reviews.