Online dating is a phenomenon that is sweeping the nation, and people who are lucky and persistent are finding partners that they're truly compatible with.  However, like with anything online, there are some safety considerations that everyone should keep in mind.  Online dating is about finding someone to share intimacy with, and that automatically can put you in a compromising position.  So, before you begin your journey into online dating, keep these safety tips in mind.

The very best advice when you're starting online dating is to protect your identity.  I know that it's the last thing you want to think about when you're just looking for a date, but it should be your primary concern.  Online dating sites are wonderful these days and allow you to protect your identity and information by hiding your personal information from potential online dates.  This is great.  Now, the rest is up to you.  When chatting with online dates, make sure you don't disclose any information that you feel you shouldn't.  That means resisting pressure if someone wants your address or phone number and you don't feel like giving it.   Keep you private information safe until you feel confident that it's the right time to share those things.  Only your gut can tell you when that is, so watch-out for yourself and be smart!

The next thing that will keep you safe when online dating is to remain honest.  Lying doesn't necessarily put you in danger, but you significantly increase your online dating karma when you tell the truth about yourself.  If you're lying with your profile or picture, odds are you're going to meet someone who is doing the same thing, and the fact of the matter is that neither of you can be trusted!  How can you trust others if you can't even trust yourself?  Practice good online dating karma, and you'll be better able to smell someone who is deceiving you.

Perhaps where you need to exercise the greatest safety precautions is when you're meeting an online date.  When you're meeting an online date in person for the first time, it's incredibly important that you tell a friend where you'll be, what time, the name of the online date, and set up a time to call them to let them know you're ok.  I can't emphasize this last safety rule enough, especially if you're a woman.  People need to know where you are and what you're doing.  Along these lines, don't have a tremendously long first date.  You need to get a feel for the person, and a cup of coffee is quite enough to do that.  No need to drag it out and get stuck in a situation you're uncomfortable with.

So use your head, be honest, and don't give away too much information till you know you can fully trust your online date.  Internet dating is a lot of fun and has the potential to be very rewarding if you play it safe and use your head.