Online Dating
Anyone who's ever tried dating knows that it can be a scary—and at times frustrating—experience. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a place where you could screen dates before ever meeting them, or let someone (or something) else pick potential matches for you? In this guide we'll show you how to use the Internet to do all those things. We'll provide you with dating sites for people with specific interests or lifestyles, as well as sites that evaluate all these online dating services. We'll even show you how to stay safe with online dating.
Most people you'll find in the online dating world have honest intentions; but just as there are ... read more »
Before you wear yourself—or your wallet—out signing up for every dating site out there, ... read more »
If you're worried that Mr. or Ms. Right might pass you by, you'll be happy to know that you might ... read more »
The most popular dating sites surely have a numbers advantage over some of the niche dating sites ... read more »
Matchmaking services are nothing new, but the ease with which you can sign up for these services ... read more »
If religion plays a prominent role in your life, consider joining an online dating community full ... read more »
The Internet has transformed dating for all populations, but the degree to which it has enhanced GLBT dating options is indescribable. No matter how small the GLB or T pool of potential dates in your city may seem, online you'll be able to expand your dating circle.
- You don't need to use a GLBT-specific dating site to find a same-sex date; many dating sites have same-sex dating options. Few traditional dating sites have transgender options, though.
- Have a sense of what you're looking for when you begin—particularly if you are a gay man. Some sites are more sex oriented, and some are more dating/relationship oriented. You'll have a better chance of finding what you're looking for if you target your search.
- Be honest, and be careful. If you misrepresent yourself online, you're unlikely to be able to maintain your charade in person. And remember that not everyone out there is who he or she claims to be. Be cautious about what personal information you disclose. And it's always a good idea to plan a first date in a safe, public place. If you're a teenager, stay away from sites catering to adults.
- If you're looking for transgender dating sites, avoid any sites that use the term "shemale." It's probably not a legitimate transgender site
For general GLBT sites ...
PlanetOut personals
has a wealth of GLBT profiles. The personals are free to browse but paid membership is required to respond to profiles. Lesbians are unlikely to be approached by men on this site.
Gay.com
personals are more focused on gay men and a little more on sex. However, there are lesbian, bi, and trans profiles. Membership is required.
Mate1
is a dating site that is free for women. It is not exclusively gay, but it is gay-friendly and caters to those seeking men, women, or both.
For gay online dating ...
Lovetastic
helps gay men find long-term partners. This site is aimed at men who are looking for love and serious relationships rather than just a date. Great design with easy-to-browse content: just type in zip code, age range, or keyword, and Lovetastic will give you some matches. This site has clever, randomly generated profile questions such as "How do you waste your time?" or "If you could be in any movie, which would it be?"
For lesbian online dating ...
PinkSofa
is a lesbian-specific dating site. Sign up for a three-day free trial and stay on free as a basic member or subscribe to interact with other members. There are forums, a business directory, and travel groups as well as profiles.
PinkCupid.com
offers lesbian women a place to look for and chat with other lesbian women. Create a profile, search for users with shared interests, create a list of users you are interested in contacting, and see who's interested in contacting you.
For transgender dating sites ...
TGPersonals
is a free transgender personals site. Search using a variety of criteria like location, age, the type of interaction you're looking for, and subcategory (for example, female-to-male transgendered men or women who like to dress as men). It includes warnings about how to avoid fake trans dating sites and Internet scams.
Most Recent Guides
Expand All Guide Sections
