Once you've been talking online with someone for a while, you might end up deciding to take another step and meet face to face for a real date. Online dating is very convenient and fun, but you have to know if you connect in real life too. Only then can you truly find it worthwhile to move the relationship further along. A lot of people have trouble with moving to this step of meeting for real. For one, it can be dangerous if not done properly.
Online daters should be cautious about the honesty of the person they talk to online. But once you are settled in your mind and comfortable, then giving a real date a shot is a good idea. The dating world is full of failures and true love is very elusive. So the first date with your online friend might prove to be very nerve racking. And what you want to do, is to get your date excited to meet you.
Always plan your first date with an online connection to be held in public. Lying online happens all the time, and it's easy to be taken in. There are lots of predators that lurk in the online chat rooms and on dating sites. Have your date during the daylight hours, and don't have an excessive amount of alcohol. If you are worried about safety, then plan to have the date with a group, where both of you bring a couple of friends.
There are some good first date ideas out there. You can meet at a nice restaurant and talk over a pleasant meal, or you can go to see a good movie. The only thing about these is it may be hard to talk, and talking will be the basis for the first date. Try suggesting something for which you have a common interest. If both of you like sports or being outdoors, then go to a ball game, or play some golf. If you both are adventurous and like rock-climbing, then find an indoor practice place for rock-climbing. But the best dates usually take place in coffee houses, where you can sit and talk and really learn a lot about each other.
The main thing is to be sure your first date is as comfortable for both of you as you can possibly make it. If both of you have a bad time, and it soon becomes obvious, then it's not at all inappropriate for you to suggest that you end the date early. But if you are having fun you can prolong the date and engage in some other activities as well. Remember that not everyone who connects online will necessarily connect in person. Don't over-expect. Go into it with an open mind and with the intention of having a good time. Then you will be prepared for either a good date or a flop, but either way you will have found out what you wanted to know. First time real dates can be the catalyst to deep and long lasting relationships. So stay aware, have fun, and give your date a chance.