It's no wonder that online dating is so popular. It's an easy, fun and convenient way to meet new people with similar goals and interests. But as in "terrestrial" dating, precautions must be taken when dealing with people you hardly know. There are those individuals who can and do corrupt and misuse online dating services.

Consider the following points before you dive headfirst in to the Internet dating pool:

Take it Slow. Move forward with caution. Be on the lookout for odd or inconsistent behavior. If it doesn't feel right, DON'T do it.

Respect Your Privacy. Never give your personal information to anyone you don't know and trust. Keep your name, telephone number, address, employment details, personal email and web address entirely private. Don't talk about any activities that could identify you in the "real" world. You must stay anonymous to stay safe.

Use Common Sense. Exercise cautions at every step -- from the minute you post your initial profile, to the time you decide to meet a new friend face-to-face. Remember that potential dates must earn your trust gradually, through honest and honorable behavior.

Picture This. It's perfectly acceptable to ask for a recent photograph of your potential date. After all, a picture tells a thousand words, and you can learn a lot about his or her personality or social status. You can also act accordingly on your feelings about the picture, whether positive or negative.

Make the Call. After you've established a certain rapport or intimacy with your online friend, you may decide to take the relationship to the next level. But before making plans to meet in person, be sure to get together a few times over the telephone. Having a phone conversation keeps you secure and anonymous, but reveals more clues about the person's social and communication skills.

Public Places. No matter how close you become in your online relationship, you are never obligated to meet in person. However, if you decide to take it to that level, be smart about it. Arrange to meet in a public and mutually convenient place. Do not provide your home address or telephone number. Don't meet at his or her house. Tell someone that you know and trust where you will be. If possible, leave your online date's contact number with your trusted friend.

Travel with Care. If your date wants to meet out of town, make your own travel and hotel arrangements. Do not tell your date where you're staying, and don't let him or her make the arrangements for you.

Have an Escape Plan. Never do anything you feel unsure about. Know the difference between a few nervous butterflies, and your instincts telling you "no way". If you are in any way afraid of your date, safely diffuse the situation and leave as soon as possible. Your safety is always much more important than one person's opinion of you.

Warning Signs. Once you've met, be on the lookout for any displays of intense frustration, anger, controlling behaviors or attempts to find out your personal information. If your date shows hints or signs of unacceptable behavior, end the communication and find a new online friend.

Watch out for the following signs that could spell danger:

* Will not introduce you to friends, family members or professional associates.

* Hesitates or fails to provide direct responses to your direct questions.

* Gives inconsistent information about personal details including appearance, age, marital status, interests or profession.

* Will not call you or accept your phone calls, even after you've established an ongoing online intimacy.

* Is quite different in person from his or her online personality.

Online dating is a fun and convenient way to meet new people. Largely, the women and men using Internet dating services are kind, interesting and honest people like you, wanting to meet someone with similar interests. Be cautious as you explore the world of online dating, and your experience should be fun and rewarding.