Here are 10 tips on having a fun and safe first date. These guidelines may make online dating sound scary but it is always best to be cautious since you are meeting basically a stranger that know one you know has vouched for. Of course meeting someone for the first time through online dating is no diferent than meeting someone at a night club or bar.

These tips are not in any order of significant.

1. Know your date. Don't go out with someone unless you have exchanged emails a few times and talked on the phone. Make sure you have a good feeling about the person. Trust your inner voice. If the other person is for real, he or she should understand and be able to wait a bit longer.

3. For a fist date, maybe invite the person to a party you are going too where you will have some friends and they will be able to bring some their friends. If it doesn't work out at least you can still have some fun..

5. Make sure you have a time limit on your first date. It will allow for an out if you need it. A good example for this is going to lunch.

6. Get a few photo's of the person, especially some with his friends or family. It will give you some hints on what type of person he is plus you will know who to look for when you go to meet him or her.

7. Don't let the person pick you up at home, meet the person at the location you are going to. You shouldn't give out your address until you have met the person a few times. Always be aware of the personal information you're revealing to a date. Most likely nothing will happen but it is better to be safe than sorry.

8. Never do anything you feel unsure about. As an example if he or she suggests to sitting at the back of the theater and you don't want to, then don't. If they continue to try, walk out. If the person has already raised a few red flags on the first date, it probably is not going to work out.

9. Refrain from drinking excessively, as it could impair your ability to make good decisions.