If you're considering putting a profile up on an online dating site, you're probably looking for the facts before you take the plunge.  Here are some fun and revealing statistics that will tell you all you need to know about the exciting world of online dating!

It's estimated that 20 million people visit an online dating service per month, and 120,000 marriages a year are a result of meeting through an online dating service! A whopping 31% of American adults say they know someone who has tried online dating, and in 2003, consumers spent $214 million dollars on online dating services.  Financial growth in the online dating world has grown to $642 million.  Now that's a popular industry!

When online daters were asked if they've ever dated more than one person simultaneously, 53% said yes, 33% No, and 13% didn't know.  So don't feel guilty if you have your hand in multiple cookie jars.

When online daters were asked if they believe in love at first sight, a whopping 71% answered yes, and 20% said no.  Apparently, most people are helpless romantics!

When online daters were asked "what are the most important features in a potential mate," 11% said looks, 30% said personality, Physique 5%, Sense of Humor 14%, Eyes 10%, Popularity 0%, Smile 12%, Hair 7%, Education 7% and Career 3%.  Were you surprised?  "Looks" seems to take the cake for the most popular feature of attraction.

When online daters were asked "When does a date become a relationship?" there were some pretty interesting findings.  3% answered 1 week, 17% said one month, 2 months 20%, 6 months 13%, Once we have had sex was said by13%, Once I have met the parents 8%, Once we have been on vacation 0%, Once we have moved in together 0%, and When he/she says "I love you" was claimed by 25%.  Pretty interesting, huh?

When asked "What is the biggest acceptable age gap for you? Online daters answered: Same age only 0%, 1 years 2%, 3 years 12%, 5 years 44%, 10 years 24%, 15 years 4%, 20 years 2%, 25 years 4%, and 8% said that age doesn't make one difference.

Here is a good question: What is the first thing you notice about your date?  Remember this one so you know what to do and what not to do on the first date!  Here were the results: Looks 38%, Dress 10%, Personality 17%, Wealth 0%, Style 2%, Manners 0%, Smile 10%, Eyes 19%, Humor 4%, and 0% said generosity!

Here are some more interesting findings about internet dating.  When random people were asked whether they would ever try online dating, a whopping 69% said yes!  That means that if you're considering online dating, you're not alone.  As more and more people give online dating a try, there is a greater pool of potential mates.

When online daters were asked if they ever want to get married, 44% said yes, and 32% said maybe.  That means that if you're doing online dating to find someone to spend the rest of your life with, chances are you're going to find someone who is looking for the same thing.