People are using dating internet services more and more these days. Despite the media-advertised perils of meeting people over the internet, it is becoming common practice. Wired magazine recently commented that in twenty years it will seem odd not to prescreen people you want to have a relationship with through a dating internet service. Indeed, in 2004, internet dating services were the largest segment of paid web content in the US.

There are at least four types of internet dating services: general dating sites, compatibility sites, niche sites and networking sites.

General Sites


Most general dating internet services are free. You usually post a profile, and you can look at other people’s profiles. Most general dating sites have features that help you connect with people you are interested in. Look for forums, chat rooms, messenger functions and buddy lists.

There are zillions of these sites, so it may be a bit difficult to sort out the ones that you want to participate in. Get recommendations from friends if possible. Find out if your friends have tried some of the sites, and ask what their experiences were like.

Remember that there is no way to know if the information in someone’s profile is true. People do post inaccurate information for a variety of reasons.

Use safe internet practices when posting on dating internet services, too. Never give personal information to someone you don’t know, and never post your address or phone number in a public forum. Always meet new people face-to-face in a public, neutral place. Use common sense to protect yourself.

Compatibility Sites


These sites charge for their services because they do more than just provide a meeting place. Compatibility sites usually have you do some kind of personality or compatibility assessment and they try to match you with people who have similar profiles.

Most people subscribe to a compatibility dating internet service hoping to find a long-term relationship or marriage. E-Harmony is probably the best known of these sites, and they have been successful in helping many people find life partners.

Niche Sites


A niche dating internet service is a good option if you are looking to meet someone with a particular interest or slant on life. You may want to spend time with someone who shares your interest in Motocross, or who raises pigs, or who is a square dancer. There are specialty online dating sites for just about any niche you can think of. Some niche online dating sites are free and some are not.

Another way to use niche dating internet services is to find someone who practices a particular faith. Some people prefer to date within their faith community, and niche online dating sites meet their needs.

Networking Sites


Networking sites, such as MySpace, are not dating internet services, but they are a great way to meet people. And meeting someone is the first step in deciding if you want to date him or her. People often begin dating relationships through a network site.

It’s important to remember, however, that dating is not the primary purpose of networking sites. Many of the people you meet there are not interested in dating.

Dating internet services are an excellent way to find people you might be interested in. Some sites help you screen potential dates, too, to find those that you are most likely to be compatible with. Your chances of finding someone you enjoy spending time with are probably better with a dating internet service than they are with a blind date… or Uncle Joey’s cousin’s sister… or the guy your mom wants to fix you up with…

For a free online dating newsletter, free dating e-books, and to learn Internet Dating Etiquette visit Brad Morgan’s site with info on Meeting Safely Online and How to Get a Date Worth Keeping

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