There are more choices for Internet dating than ever before. Websites today cater to people of all ages and backgrounds, and boast membership numbers in the hundreds of thousands. More singles on the Web means more opportunity to meet the right person for you. Here are points to help you choose wisely.
Free vs. Paid Dating Site
Many daters just starting out with the online personals world wonder if it's worth the money to join a site that charges for membership. Paid sites generally boast larger memberships, offering more opportunities to meet the right person. One notable exception to this rule is PlentyofFish.com, which has tens of thousands of members and is free to join.
Paid dating sites usually have a bit more screening involved as well. However, daters should always practice good safety habits when it comes to online dating, regardless of blocking or security measures provided by the site they happen to join.
Bottom line: Anything in life worth doing takes some time, so instead of "testing out" the waters with a free site, why not commit to six months on a paid website instead? Some of the larger paid sites include Match.com, eHarmony, and PerfectMatch.
Niche vs. General
General dating sites (such as Match.com or PefectMatch), boast a large membership, but niche sites limit their association to a certain hobby or interest. For example, there are green dating sites (catering to the environmentally conscious among us), political dating sites, and even sites for pet lovers.
Joining a niche site allows for an instant bond with other daters. After all, you are assured that you have at least one thing in common with someone else on the site. This makes for easier initial conversations and coffee dates. Getting to know someone on a niche site is generally a quicker process than with other types of sites.
Bottom line: Numbers mean everything! If volume of people is what you're interested in, you can't beat a general site. But if you are looking to meet someone who shares your unique hobby or outlook, opt for a niche site that will introduce you to more like-minded individuals.
Dating Site vs. Social Networking
Another new addition to the Internet dating world is social networking. Many sites like Facebook and MySpace offer ways to meet singles in your area. The advantage in using a social networking site is that you can get to know someone new without immediately finding out if they are single, much as you would do in real life.
However, traditional dating sites (Match.com, eHarmony) offer an advantage over social networking in that they take the guesswork out of meeting singles. After all, everyone on the site is available, so you don't need to waste time finding out if someone is interested in you. If they have contacted you, they are interested in at least finding out more.
Bottom line: While social networking sites are fun and have many uses, daters are better off using traditional online dating sites.
The online dating world offers more choices and sites to find a great relationship than ever before. But don't let the sheer number of sites confuse you. With a little knowledge and a great attitude, you can easily find the exact right site for you. Can your perfect partner be far behind?
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