Thanks to the internet, dating online is has become the most popular way of meeting new people. There are thousands of paying membership sites, as well as dating websites specific to a user's race, religion, or age. Paying membership sites boast thousands of matches a year, and hosting these types of online dating services has become big business.

However, not all dating sites are reputable, below is a review of the best the internet has to offer in adult dating services online.

The top 5 best rated websites:

1) Greatexpectations.com is one of the best online dating sites rated by users. This site has been around for awhile and has good security software in place. To its credibility, you are asked to type in your zip code to see if there are any matches in your area before proceeding. Paid site.

2) Yahoo personals does not require that you join before checking out the scene. Look for matches in your area before proceeding. Yahoo offers a seven day free trial period and is rated 4 stars out of 5 among users. Paid site.

3) Perfect.match.com is rising in the ratings despite being one of the new kids on the block. Among users, this paid site is increasing its membership through word of mouth via online dating sites with chat rooms.

4) Freindfinder.com allows you access to 20 possible matches before asking you to join, which is a great marketing plan. This paid site appears to cater to younger, professional users although it claims to have matches for every age. You can enter region specific chat rooms after you sign up.

5) Eharmoney.com is also in the top category, increasing membership daily due to the fact it is one of the only adult dating sites online that uses television for advertising. Eharmony's unique matching capabilities claim to provide in depth matching due to an extensive application process. It is, however, one of the highest priced on the net, at $50.00 a month.

Bonus review:

Typically the best online dating websites are paid sites, because they can afford the scrutiny and supervision that free sites can not. However, there are some good free online dating sites