The Internet is a great place to meet interesting and compatible singles. 
Online, you can exchange emails and get to know someone before you ever talk on the phone or meet in person.
For most singles, match dating services are a fresh relief from the bar scene. 
For single parents, they’re a welcome reprieve from sitter fees. But dating introduces its own set of risks. We’ll show you how to have a good time, stay safe online and avoid dating violence by using common sense precautions. 

Protecting Your Privacy.

When you meet new singles through online dating sites, keep your personal information to yourself. 
Don’t disclose your home address, your employer, your home or work phone number or last name. 
Sure, you can talk about the college you attend or the type of work you do each day. 
But keep conversations general until you really know the person on the other side. 

Ensuring Email Anonymity.

Protect your identity by using the online dating site’s web-based email features. Don’t offer your real email address to someone you just met. 
When and if you feel comfortable disclosing this information, use a free web-based account on a site like Yahoo! or Hotmail. 
Make sure your account doesn’t include your last name or other private information. This includes both your username or handle and your registered account name. 

Talking on the Phone. 

When you advance to phone conversations, protect your identity by blocking your phone number before calling the other party.
If you divulge your phone number, use a cell line. Anyone can trace a land line to your physical address via reverse or phone directory look-up. 

Meeting Face-to-face.

When you feel its time to meet someone face-to-face, arrange to do so at a well-populated public location like a café or coffee shop. 
Meet during the day, and bring a fully charged cell phone in case you need to reach someone. Let a few people know where you’ll be and who you’re meeting. Even better, agree to bring other singles along. This not only increases safety but lightens the mood and takes off some of the pressure. Finally, don’t get in the car alone with someone you’ve just met, and don’t invite them back to your home. 

Look Beyond Words. 

Assess your date by his or her actions, not just their words. Just like you, they’ll want to put their best face forward. Wait to see if they’re who they say they are a few months down the road. Watch your date’s body language and take note of contradictions between what they say and how they actually respond to life’s events.

Always follow your instincts.