Whether you are swiping to meet a long-term partner or a casual fling, online dating is a great way to find your perfect match.
However, there are some risks involved in chatting with people you don’t know.
Sometimes people online aren’t who they say they are or don’t have the right intentions.
So pay attention to these 5 red flags before you meet up in person.
1. Their profile is sparse.
A dating profile offers the first impression of your potential dates.
2. They're out of boundary.
Dating is all about putting yourself out there and having new experiences.
3. Their social media presence seems off.
If you plan to meet up with someone, it’s a smart idea to scan their social media profiles.
4. They withhold basic information.
Dating apps allow you to chat with potential dates before you decide to meet up.
Pay attention when someone seems reluctant to offer any information.
5. You find concerning info about their background.
5 Red Flags to Look for When Online Dating
1. Their profile is sparse.
A dating profile offers the first impression of your potential dates.
Your profile usually has your photos, interests, and basic info about yourself. Some apps allow you to include other fun info like your zodiac sign and Myers Briggs type.
Some people don’t put the same effort into their profiles. They may have a few blurry images or photos that don’t show the user's face.
Some people don’t put the same effort into their profiles. They may have a few blurry images or photos that don’t show the user's face.
Some profiles might not have any photos uploaded. Or has little information to go along with a pic.
This scarcity could mean that the profile is not legitimate or the user put as little effort as possible into creating it. Either way, it’s best to swipe left.
This scarcity could mean that the profile is not legitimate or the user put as little effort as possible into creating it. Either way, it’s best to swipe left.
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2. They're out of boundary.
Dating is all about putting yourself out there and having new experiences.
When meeting people, always have boundaries. Be wary of anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable while chatting in a dating app.
They could make sexual comments or be overly pushy about communication.
They could make sexual comments or be overly pushy about communication.
Remember that it’s okay to un-match someone or block them when they cross your boundaries.
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3. Their social media presence seems off.
If you plan to meet up with someone, it’s a smart idea to scan their social media profiles.
A quick web search can confirm that they are a real person. Cross-check certain details.
Pay attention to anything that seems strange.
Pay attention to anything that seems strange.
Are they posting inappropriate or violent content, photos that don’t match the images in their dating profile, a profile with no friends or followers, or a profile with stock photos?
Trust your gut— if you feel uncomfortable, cancel the date.
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4. They withhold basic information.
Dating apps allow you to chat with potential dates before you decide to meet up.
This gives you an opportunity to learn some basics about them. You would want to know what they do for a living, where they are from, and what they do for fun.
Pay attention when someone seems reluctant to offer any information.
This could mean that they are lying or hiding something.
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5. You find concerning info about their background.
If you have a strange feeling about someone you met online, you might want to run their name through a free background check website.
This will pull up information like mugshots and arrest records.
If you find anything that indicates criminal charges or a shady past, it’s best to cancel the date.
Your safety should be your first priority.
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Online dating can be a fun way to get to know people in your area. By staying safe and trusting your gut, you can chat and go on dates with a wide variety of people.
You might find love or have exciting new experiences. Either way, some basic know-how along with a few online resources will keep you safe.
Look out for these 5 red flags of online dating and have fun, worry-free!
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