Online Dating Directory

An online dating service, also known as net dating, is an example of a dating system and allows individuals, couples and groups to meet online and possibly develop a social, romantic or sexual relationship. Online dating services provide un-moderated matchmaking through the use of personal computers and the Internet.

Online Dating Questions

How do I know my date isn't an axe murderer?

1. Make sure you speak with them several times by email and phone.

2. Tell a friend where you're going, who you're going with, when you expect to be back, and how to reach your date.

3. Do some research!! Doing searches on both your date's name and their email address in your favorite search engine (think: Google) may yield some interesting things.

4. Take two cars.

5. Meet and go someplace public. The first date doesn't have to be a night on the couch at "his place". (Not to say that there aren't female axe murderers, but let's be reasonable, right?)

Also, as a side note, consider calling from a cell phone and even dialing *67 before dialing their number. This *should* block your number from showing up on their caller id. (Remember: it only takes flipping through the phone book to match your phone number to your name.)

What do I do if the date sucks, but the other person seems to be into it? (Especially if I told him/her I'm free all day!)

Well, there are three ways out.

1. Feign illness. This is especially possible if you've just eaten together.

2. Be bold and honest. "Listen, < insert their name here >, it seems like you're a really wonderful person, and I have to be honest--I think I'm looking for someone: < more > / < less > like myself.

< more creative > / < more earthy >.

< more direct > / < less direct >.

3. Go to the bathroom and quietly exit stage right.

What do I do if there's nothing to talk about, but otherwise the date has been good and think I could really like him/her?

If you're feeling bold, there's always politics, religion, and current events. Otherwise, some safer topics are music, movies, books, television shows, celebrities/personalities, and where you each grew up. Guys, please, for the love of the Cubs, please, please, please! STAY AWAY FROM SPORTS--EVEN IF SHE ASKS YOU if you like a certain team/sport.

If she is a devoted fan of a given team/sport, you might talk about it briefly--when she brings it up, and then you may say no more than four sentences on the topic on your first date.

What should I wear?

Where are you going? What do you usually wear? The best advice: be classy and comfortable. It's usually best to dress "up" a bit for an online date. First impressions do matter. If you're a little over-dressed for your date, consider wearing something that will easily let you "dress down" a notch as you go. (For guys, this is simple--take a coat and take it off if you're overdressed. For ladies, it can usually be done pretty easily with a light scarf/wrap)

All-in-all Online Dating is meant to be fun! Just remember your date is in the online singles set--just like you are!

Who should pay?

The jury is out on this one. Certainly the generous thing to do is to at least *offer* to pay when the check comes, when you enter the club, etc. (Don't be a cheapskate! Guys should offer, girls should offer. Work it out!)

When should I call him/her?! I don't want to seem like a freak!

If you like them, I'd recommend calling the next day just to say thanks! One thing to consider is calling at such a time where you can be fairly sure you're going to be able to leave a message without actually talking to them. That way you make it clear you had a good time without actually seeming like you're *trying*. ;-)