While there are a variety of online dating sites out there to choose from – traditional sites like Match.com, niche sites like Parship, free sites like Plentyoffish.com, and even sites for the affluent and famous like the original Sugar Daddie – all reputable dating sites have a few things in common:

1.    If a site is reputable, it will have a security and privacy policy. Registering members will be required to agree to terms of service and the site will take action against anyone who is found in break of those terms by removing and/or barring them from the site. There may also be data protection registrars and strict password systems designed to protect member accounts.

2.    Most reputable sites are well aware of the problems people have with stalkers and harassers and provide a means to protect users from them. This can include the ability to block another member from communication with you without worry about repercussions. If a site penalises a user for blocking, the site is not reputable and should be avoided.

3.    Quality online dating sites usually provide onsite email for protection and privacy purposes. Messages are sent and received from a protected inbox/sent box and never your real email address.

4.    While more for facilitation of communication rather than privacy, good online dating sites provide a means for real-time chat via instant messaging or chat rooms which use ‘screen names’ to help keep who you are private until you are ready to reveal it.