Many people refuse to even consider online dating. When you ask them why, you get reasons that range from skepticism about the whole process to fear of what they maybe getting into. A lot of people just want to stick with the tried and true traditional dating. They figure the risks will be a lot less than meeting someone they have never seen in person.

While that is a fair point, it seems to neglect the fact that traditional dating also contains a certain amount of risk. For instance even if a good friend sets you up with a blind date, you have no idea of what you maybe walking into. Yet thousands of people every year still go out on blind dates.

Online dating is no different and like the offline world you have to practice caution and common sense when hooking up for the first time.

1. The Meeting Place

No matter how much you two hit it off when you are chatting online, keep in mind you still do not really know each other. Do not kid yourself into believing that meeting at your house or theirs will put both of you at ease and make the date go better. It might but do not take that chance. You can do perfectly well learning about the other person in a public place. In addition, stay away from secluded areas and places with poor lighting. You can always do some reconnaissance work and scope out the meeting place ahead of time. Try to avoid any first date that appears to start a little too late in the evening. If you are jittery bring along a chaperone and encourage your date to do the same.

2. Transportation

If the two of you have your own cars, then use them. Do not offer to pick your date up and vice versa. Do not have a vehicle? Then make arrangements with a friend or a family member (offer to pay for gas). In the event that your people cannot provide transportation, carry money for a cab or just catch the bus. Politely decline if your date does offer a ride. If you two are on the same wavelength they should understand where you are coming from.

3. Non alcoholic

Drinking has long been a part of the social scene. Nothing wrong with that but try your best to avoid it on your first date. If you do drink, keep it to just one (preferably something very mild) and nurse it. It is not that you are on a quest to get drunk; maybe one beverage does not even affect you but it can impair your judgment no matter how miniscule. When you are on this first date, you want and need all of your faculties to be sharp.

4. Tell someone

Do not just walk out of the house without letting your family and friends know where you are going. If you have a cell phone carry it with you. Make sure you check in with them during and after the date; especially afterwards. To check in during the date, just excuse yourself briefly. The key word here is BRIEFLY. Being away too long might make your date a little nervous.

5. Listen to You

Your mind is telling you the evening is going very well but your intuition is ringing like a five alarm fire bell. If it does not feel right to you then cut the date short and leave at once. Do not be embarrassed and you are under no obligation to go into a detailed explanation of why. Just politely make your apologies and go. Trust your intuition and let it play a major role in your decision making process. Better an awkward exit now then a bad situation later.

Dating carries risks when you are meeting someone for the first time. Sure you want to be relaxed and have a great time but you still must practice some safety tips. Meeting someone new can be exhilarating but to keep it on the positive side requires a little common sense and caution on your part.