Choosing a Dating Site

If you’ve decided that prowling coffee shops and bars isn’t your style, and you’ve decided to give an online dating site a try, you might feel a little lost. There are thousands to choose from, all with just a slightly different demographic. Here are a couple questions you should ask yourself to figure out which site to use, as well as a couple of our favorite sites that fit that mold.

1. How much are you willing to pay?

Of course, most dating sites have a monthly fee. This is necessary to keep it regulated and safe. However, some sites are cheaper than others, and some are completely free, although they have to utilize more advertising and may be less easy to navigate. Yahoo! Personals is one of the most affordable sites, if you are looking to save some money. However, if you are willing to drop more money (substantially more money), sites like Scanna and Anastasia date can hook you up with a gorgeous European woman who could fulfill your fantasy.

2. What are your expectations?

It is important to figure out what you’re looking for before you choose a site. Each site is different and may not fit your needs. Perhaps your looking for casual dating, or purely a hook up. In this case you’d want to steer clear of a site like Match.com, which is, for the most part, geared towards those looking for a long-term relationship. Sites like Metrodate and Lavalife are great for casual dating, while OnlineBootyCall and Adult Friend Finder are geared towards those looking for a no-strings-attached type of date. If you’re in a relationship, looking for a side fling, AshleyMadison is where you should start. Gay.com is the premier site for meeting gay singles, and there are several niche sites, like PrimeSingles and SeniorFriendFinder that are perfect if you are an older single looking for love.

3. Do you have specific racial or religious standards?

Some people are open to dating someone from any ethnicity, religion, or income. Others have more specific standards about the person they want to date, and for that, there are tons of sites that will match you with someone who fits exactly what you want. Are you Jewish, Christian, or Catholic looking for someone who shares your beliefs? Try out JDate, ChristianCafe, or CatholicMingle. Are you seeking an interracial relationship? InterracialSingles should be your first stop. And if you’re someone who is seeking a relationship with someone of substantial income, try out either WealthyMen or SugarDaddie.

Whatever type of relationship you are looking for, there is probably a site for it, unless it is illegal or dangerous (and even then, it probably exists). Figure out what your needs are and research dating sites before you choose them. Our dating site review section is waiting for you!