The goal of online dating is to eventually meet and go out on that all-important date. However, online dating is very different than dating someone that you meet in the ?real? world. There are some tips that you need to know so that your online dating experience is as safe and as positive as possible.

You'll most likely be very nervous and excited when it comes time to meet your online date. The experience can be very thrilling but it's important that you be on the defensive when you meet for the very first time. Always keep in mind that this is someone who you haven't yet met and there will be many things that you don't know about them. There are some things that you can do to make your first date safe and exciting at the same time:

? Always arrange to meet your date somewhere rather than having them pick you up from your home. You don't want to let them know where you live so that they can find you in the future if the date doesn't work out.

? Meet in a public place such as a restaurant or caf?. You want to be sure that there are plenty of people around in case things go seriously wrong. You might want to consider going out on a double date or with a group of people so that you aren't alone on your first date. Again, this can only add to the safety of your first date.

? Pay for half of the date. If you pay for half of the date you won't feel obligated to return the favor if your date pays your way.

? Try to limit the amount of alcohol that you drink. Alcohol can ease your inhibitions and affect your judgement. If you're going to be drinking on your first date make sure that you keep your drink in view all times so that nothing can be slipped into it. Make sure that you don't get drunk so that you can be in control at all times.

? Make sure that you let someone else know where you're going to be. You might want to consider having someone call you on your cell phone as a check in so they know that you're alright.

? Use your own method of transportation to get to and from the date. You don't want to get into a car on your first date.

Online dating can be a fun and exciting experience. The one thing that you need to remember is that you practice safety and be practical in the decisions that you make about your date.