Dating Web Sites
From dating
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Dating web sites are popular internet destinations for people looking to make love connections with like-minded singles.
Types of Dating Web Sites
Online Dating Services
Many online dating sites operate rather like private clubs. Members are invited to fill out a personality profile, a sort of evaluation that helps the service match you to someone with similar interests and goals. Then the service will offer targeted introductions to other members with whom they believe you are compatible. There is usually a fee involved for these match maker services at these sites, and you'll be asked to pick a subscriber plan when you join.
There are literally hundreds of dating sites on the web, and they cover the gamut of personal preferences, including but not limited to:
- Heterosexual Dating
- Same Gender Dating
- Interracial Dating
- Dating by Race/Heritage
- Dating by Religion
- Seniors Dating
- Marriage Minded Dating
- Casual Dating
In short, no matter what kind of dating experience you are looking for, you will likely find a web site dedicated to it.
Dating Chatrooms
Participating in dating chatrooms is sort of like using an online dating web site without a safety net. It's often free, and you can jump in and start speaking to other singles immediately, but the process is just as random as meeting people on the street. They may be single and interested, but you have no way to know what else is on their agenda. No one goes through a screening process, so you should proceed with caution if you choose to participate at one of these dating web sites.
Speed Dating Sites
Speed dating web sites put you in touch with the promoters of speed dating events. Speed dating is a way to fast track the mating ritual by experiencing multiple introductions to other singles in one evening. You spend just a few minutes with each potential match, exchanging small talk and sharing a bit of info about yourselves before you move on to the next introduction. If both you and a potential partner indicate you would like to meet again, the dating service provides you with each other's contact info. The fee for this type of service runs about $35.00 on average.
Comparison of Popular Dating Services
Let's compare two of the biggest online dating web sites, eHarmony and Match.com, in order to better understand what dating web sites offer and what you can expect when joining.
At both of these sites, you'll begin by filling out a personality profile designed to give you objective feedback about yourself and to help you understand how you relate to other people. This service could prove an invaluable tool to help you figure out why you're not meeting the right people, and perhaps even help you gain insight into why past relationships didn't last.
eHarmony
Minimum age: 21
Target: heterosexual dating
Subscription rates (per month):
- One month subscription: $59.95
- Three month subscription: $36.95
- Six month subscription: $28.95
- Twelve month subscription: $20.95
eHarmony's personal profile attempts to match couples according to twenty-nine criteria points, the most important being:
- Character
- Similar Values
- Sense of Humor
- Intellect
Note: eHarmony offers a 100% percent refund policy during the first seven days of your initial membership, for any reason. However, you have to wonder if seven days is long enough to judge whether you are being introduced to people who are as compatible as their profiles would lead you to believe. It may be possible, but one week doesn't leave much time to investigate more than one or two potential matches.
Match.com
Minimum age: 18
Target: heterosexual and homosexual dating
Subscription rates (per month):
- One month: $29.99
- Three months: $16.99
- Six months: $12.99
Additionally, you can choose to add relationship advice from self-help guru Dr. Phil, which will boost your monthly fees to:
- One month: $38.98
- Three months: $24.98
- Six months: $19.98
Note: Match.com will automatically renew your subscription plan when the term ends, whether you ask for it or not. You will need to resign through your account settings, and you will not receive a refund of any fees for the current subscription period.
Summary
Are dating web sites the best choice for everyone looking for a relationship? Perhaps not in every case, but they can give you the opportunity to meet someone you may never have found any other way. Just remember to keep your feet on the ground. Take time to make sure you know what you're getting into with any dating website you consider joining, and use common sense and caution if you decide to become better acquainted with people you meet on the web.
External Links
- 99OnlineDating.com offer a full list of dating service, single personals.
- TruDating.com provides a listing of many dating websites.
This page has been accessed 6,987 times. This page was last modified 22:56, 26 June 2007.
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