How to Find a Date Online

If you keep waiting for that special someone to catch your eye from across a crowded room, you might wait forever. Online dating is the fastest way to comb through hundreds of available singles and find potential matches--but with so many popular and not so popular sites available, deciding which one to try can be a little overwhelming. Here's how to navigate the uncharted waters of Internet matchmaking sites.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of relationship you're looking for. This will help you narrow down the field of online dating sites. Marriage-minded folks might prefer eHarmony.com and Match.com, Jewish singles have success on JDate.com, and ChristianSingles.com is ideal for Christians looking for love. If you're in the mood for a little somethin' somethin' but cringe at the idea of a serious commitment, check out BeNaughty.com.

2. Browse the website before registering or posting a profile. Get a general sense of how the website works and whether you're in the right place--if the language on the website refers to soul mates and you're not looking for love, you might want to check out an adult-themed dating site instead.

3. Find the profile of someone you'd consider dating before posting yours. Make sure the photograph is attractive to you, and be wary of blurry shots, photos that might have been taken decades ago due to dated clothes and hair styles, or extreme close-ups, which could conceal flaws outside of the borders of the picture. Carefully read the profile.

4. Create your own profile, following the directions set forth by the website. Use a personal rather than work email address. Try to convey your personality as you write your profile--if you're an easygoing, casual person, an overly emotional or serious tone could turn away people who are actually looking for someone just like you. Choose a recent, flattering photograph so there will be no surprises when you go on a date.

5. Communicate online and then by telephone before meeting in person once you've identified a potential match. Make sure you are both looking for the same thing. If you're on a quest for a husband and he wants a discreet affair when his wife is out of town, don't even meet for drinks. Likewise, it's unfair to lead on marriage-minded singles if the "m" word makes you cringe.

6. Make your first date a brief one, and in a public place. You could meet for coffee, lunch or a drink. Often you'll be able to tell whether there's chemistry within a few minutes, so this way you won't be stuck at a three-hour dinner with someone you don't have a future with.

7. Follow up by email or phone if you had a good time. That old "wait three days before calling" rule appeals to few singles. While you don't want to seem desperate, a simple "it was nice meeting you" sets the stage for further dates.

Tips & Warnings

• Craigslist.com and your local newspaper's online classified section are other ways to meet online. You can also meet using MySpace.com and Facebook.com.
• Be cautious when meeting a stranger. Always meet in a public place, bring your cell phone and make sure a friend or family member knows of your whereabouts in case you find yourself in a troubling situation.
• Don't give out your name, home phone number or address or where you work until you feel comfortable entrusting this information with your date.