Free dating online services are a growing trend. Free dating online services are a great, fun way to explore singles in your area and get to know people in a different setting. Most of us are used to meeting people at bars or through friends. As with any new experience, you want to play it safe. Here are a few golden safety rules to follow when using free dating online services.

1. Stick to your first name only. In the beginning stages of meeting someone online, use only your first name. Divulging your last name allows the person to Google you and see what you"re about, who you hang out with and where you regularly visit. You don"t want to give away more information than you"re comfortable with, so stick to a first name basis with the new acquaintance until you get to know him or her better.

2. Make sure the story adds up. You might discuss things with a potential date such as careers, college experiences, and family life. Make sure the story adds up as the potential date reveals more information. If you spot a red flag that catches the person in a lie, it could be a sign that this person isn"t everything he or she is claiming. After you"re more comfortable with the experience of free dating online services, you realize there are many fish in the sea. A red flag like this warrants a halt in communication for good.

3. Never divulge where you work. This comes with revealing things about yourself in due time. You frequent your work places and the last thing you need is a random online date popping up unexpectedly. This is unprofessional, but you never know who is out there examining your online dating profile and striking up a conversation. Talk about what you do for a living or past jobs, but wait to discuss specifics after you have met with this person a few times.

4. Meet in a public place. This one should be obvious, but a coffee shop or restaurant is the best place to meet an online date for the first time. Be careful getting out of your car and listen to your intuition. If something is telling you it"s a bad idea, it probably is. Don"t be afraid to back out at the last minute. Follow up with a message that says you just aren"t ready to meet face-to-face to avoid burning bridges.

Free dating online services allow you to explore who"s out there and available without fumbling around at bars or clubs or relying on others to hook you up. Free dating online services are fun to use and most are self-explanatory when it comes to apps and functions.