The ultimate goal of online dating is of course to actually meet in persona and go out on a real date to see if you are compatible. However meeting someone online and meeting someone in the real world are two different things. There are a few tips that will help your in person meeting be a little safer and as positive as possible

You will no doubt be thrilled and nervous to meet someone in real life for the first time that you met online. However you should always keep in mind that no matter how well you think you know the person you should remain on the defensive throughout your first date and maybe even beyond.

To make your first meeting as safe as possible, go out in a group if you can or at least meet in a very public place where there are a lot of people around so if things start to go bad you won't be all alone with the person and possibly be in danger.

Never let your date pick you up at home or drop you off at home on a first date. If things go bad, you don't want them to know where you live. Arrange to meet them in a public place and if the date doesn't go the way you hoped, be sure you aren't followed home.

Once on your date, use your own transportation to go from place to place and meet up once there. You should not get into a car with your date on your first meeting.

Pay your half of the first date and establish the atmosphere the date is for meeting and getting to know each other only.

Don't do drugs or drink alcohol on your date or at least limit the amount that you drink so you don't get drunk and use poor judgment. Always keep your glass in view so nothing can be slipped into your drink while you are not looking.

Always let someone know where you are going and who you are meeting, so if you don't return home or need help, you can be found quicker. Consider having that person call your cell phone at intervals to ensure you are okay. Plus this is a good plan so if your date is not working out you can use the phone call as an excuse to leave in a hurry.

Online dating can be fun and you can meet a lot of different people that way but safety should be foremost in your mind as the internet attracts a lot of strange people who prey on others; and they are very good at pretending to be someone they are not.