There is a nervousness, thrill, and excitement that occurs when meeting a person for the first time face to face. Yet amongst the thrill, remember to always be on your guard when going out on a date with someone you barely know.

Here are 12 tips on online dating safety to help you get started:
1. Arrange to meet him/her. Don't let him/her pick you up from your home.
2. Meet in public places. If possible, double date or go out with a group of people.
3. Go dutch by paying half of the bill. That way you won't feel under any obligation to return the favor on a first date.
4. Remember that alcohol (even worse when on a first date) affects your judgment and lessens your inhibitions. If you are drinking, keep your drink in sight at all times and don't get so drunk that you don't know what you are doing. Dating and heavy drinking simply don't go together.
5. Use your own mode of transportation. And leave with a full tank.
6. Don't assume that a man/woman is safe just because he/she claims to be religious. (Religious online dating?)
7. Don't let him/her know where you live. If you want to see him/her again, arrange a second date and then take it from there. How about that for a dating tip?
8. Avoid secluded areas such as parks. Intimate dating isn't always the best thing. Get to know the person first, no really.
9. Listen to your gut. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. And if you haven't met him/her before, and you know at the beginning of the date that something doesn't feel right, then leave immediately.
10. Always let someone else know where you're going and who you'll be with. You might even consider arranging a time to call and check in on how's your little dating game goes. Or you could arrange on your date to meet up with friends later that night. Double date?
11. Give him/her your mobile phone number instead of your home phone number
12. Always remain alert when dating. Even if you're having a blast and the chemistry in your first date is great, it's a good idea to remain alert the whole evening. Make sure you have a mobile phone with you on your first date.

Dating online safely is very important. In the initial stages of dating, you are still getting to know someone you know little about. By creating a safe environment to know the person, you're creating a better situation for you.