Online dating is seen by many people as a great way of meeting exciting new people and probably eventually lead to dating and if successful marriage. Despite the now common and casual attitude towards this form of dating, there are obvious dangers that one needs to take into consideration. Online services have made people become anonymous. People can take up different personalities and can reinvent themselves in this new environment. Even people who would not even think of changing their identity in the traditional approach to dating have found it tempting to take on new roles, sort of their fantasy, and use it even in a relationship. So have in mind that the person whom you meet may be very different from the person he or she purports to be.

Here we've put together a convenient cheat sheet of dating advice that you can stick on the fridge and sneak a peek at, when that little nagging doubt comes into your mind. This list of dating advice describes situations and actions that are indicative of big trouble. So, before you give your heart away, check this list every now and then. If something here comes up in your dating relationship, give that item some careful thought and proceed with caution, or move on.

This bit of dating advice is particularly geared to teens. If you're a teen who makes contact with a potential dating partner in an online chat room, be aware that chat rooms are a magnet for sexual predators. Sure, you've heard that, but how can you tell if someone is not who they says they are? Older men who prey on young girls can fool someone who wants to be fooled in a heartbeat. Put some surprise questions to this individual on a random basis.

Examples of trick questions include asking their opinion of a fictitious band, what school they goes to and who his favourite singer is. If they love, or hate the fictitious band, then they are a phony or a liar. You can check out their school, although they may have stolen another teen's identity. If there's a pause on the singer question response, be suspicious. Spring these questions periodically and be imaginative. Any one who makes inappropriate suggestions or uses crude language can be dropped off your list. they'll be worse in person. This tip on dating advice requires the detective approach. Don't jump the gun. It may take a while to see patterns.

Here's ironclad dating advice: never give out personal information and never agree to meet your online guy or girl anywhere by yourself. Take a friend with you, in daylight hours and meet in a very public place.

Let's say you're a woman of any age and you've met this guy in person. He's good looking, presentable and oh so cool. Perfect. Not so fast. Pay attention to what behaviours this paragon of manliness displays. Is he jealous to an extreme? Trouble. Does he pay attention to your opinions and interests, or is he a one-man show, all about himself? Narcissistic men are no fun. Is he a control freak, wanting to know every where you've been, with whom, or tries to isolate you from other people? Forget him. How about personal habits that you simply can't ignore? Let's say this wonderfully handsome guy is perfect in every way, except for the fact that he eats like a dog after a five day fast and his apartment is constantly a chaotic mess. You're a tidy eater and a neat freak. This won't work.

Our last essential (with a capital E) dating advice for women. Never accept a drink from some guy you just met in a bar unless it was poured in front of you. There are men with no honour.

While these tips of dating advice isn't comprehensive, most of the rest is common sense. Get to know your guy or girl well before you hand them your heart.