Do you know how to meet interesting, honest people on the internet who you want to date? Are you looking for love online but are afraid you will find a loser instead? Many people face your same dilemma.

If you are single and looking for someone, you have a world of dates to choose from on the internet. But you must exercise caution.

How can you tell the difference between the imposters and the sincere people? Here are some simple rules to remember:

*Do not give your real name.

Use your dating name until you know you can trust the person you are talking to.

*Never give your address or home phone number.

If you decide to talk on the phone after chatting on line, get a prepaid cell phone so the number cannot be traced.

*Listen carefully for content.

At any point, if the person asks for or shares inappropriate information that is sexual in nature, sign off. Do not trust them.

*Is the conversation basically negative or positive?

Does the person complain a lot? Are they speaking unkindly about their Ex, boss, friends, or parents? If most of the conversation is negative in nature, this is a red flag that this person has issues they have not dealt with. If you try to have a relationship with this person, he or she will deposit this baggage on you.

*Meet in a public place.

If you agree to meet, do it in a public place, preferably in the middle of the day. Coffee houses are neutral, as well as casual restaurants. Use your own transportation to get yourself there and back.

*Take your cell phone.

It is always a good idea to have a friend call you while you are with this person. If the meeting is not going well, the call can be the interruption that you needed to excuse yourself.

*Practice safety.

ALWAYS let someone know where you are and who you are meeting. If this person is a complete stranger, you could ask a friend or two to be sitting in a nearby booth at the place where you are going to meet.

*Watch out for the bragging.

If this person sounds too good to be true...he or she probably is. If you plan to date someone you do not know well, get some kind of a background check.

Because of the internet, you have more options and choices and people to meet than ever before in history. You also have more challenges than ever before. You have to wade through all of the information to see who is real and who is pretending to be something they are not.

Be cautious, be wise, and know: there is someone wonderful searching for you. Don't jump into the wrong relationship too quickly before the right one can find you.

Visit http://www.tonjaweimer.com for more tips, skills, and insight on dating, relationships, singles, and love. Subscribe to our F*ree Savvy Dating Newsletter from master single's coach, life coach, and syndicated columnist, Tonja Weimer.

Copyright 2006, Tonja Weimer. (Please note source if reprinting this article.)