Online dating is a fun way to meet a lots of people, but before you get started you should follow some safety tips to make sure you’re dating safely while looking for a online connection.

1. Meeting Arrangement.
When meeting for the first time, make sure your date doesn't pick you up from where you live.  It’s always a good idea to meet in public and always tell someone where you are going, who you are going with, and when you will return. Always provide your own transportation to and from your date and meet in a public place with many people around. 

2. Personal Information.
Never include your last name, e-mail address, home address, phone number, place of work, or any other personal information in your dating profile or initial e-mail messages. Stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for personal or financial information or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it.

3. Pay half of the bill.
When on a date it's considered respectful for the man to offer to pay the bill. Unfortunately, some men expect something in return. Therefore it's not a bad idea for you to offer to pay half of the bill. Paying half of the bill is a better option on the first date so that you won't feel under any pressure to return the favor.

4. Alcohol affects your judgment.
If you are drinking, keep your drink in sight at all times and don’t get so drunk that you don’t know what you are doing. The best advice is to avoid alcohol on your first date.

5. Avoid secluded areas.
Always stay in a public place for your first date and avoid secluded areas such as parks.

6. Go with your feelings.
If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. And if you haven’t met him before, and you know at the beginning of the date that something doesn’t feel right, then leave immediately.

7. Consider getting a Google Voice account.                   
Keep your cell phone private by signing up for Google Voice account and having your calls forwarded to your cell phone.  Visit http://google.com/voice/ for more information. Always have a cell phone on you while going on dates.

8. Always remain alert.
Even if you’re having a great time and the chemistry is awesome, it’s a good idea to remain cautious about the entire evening.

Dating safely is very important. In the first stages of online dating, you are still getting to know someone you know very little about. By creating a safe environment you are in a better situation to get to know the person.

These online dating safety tips should be common sense, but sometimes your judgment can be impaired when you’re excited about your new date.

Use these rules when you meet someone offline also. Don’t get caught in the romance and end up in a position you don't want to be in. You really don’t know who’s hiding behind their computer.