Online can dating open up many possibilities such as meeting people, making friends, building relationships and even getting married.  But just how do online dating services provide people with possible matches?

Some online dating sites just help connect people and allow the users to pick out the matches from all available profiles, and some sites actually act as “matchmaker” and pick out a short list of possible matches based on the results of tests given to everyone that signs up for the service.

Some experts say that test based sites deliver better results compared with other online dating sites. Test-based dating sites try to factor in values, behavior, and other psychological factors when matching users.  Free online dating sites generally match people based on basic personal data such as their age, location, height, body type, religion, and other factors which are supplied by the users.

In other sites, the user tells which attributes are most important for them.  They can rank their choices and each would be given a corresponding score.  The accumulated score will help the site determine which matches may interest the user.  Other sites make it more complicated.  They would use surveys and mathematical algorithms to search for matches.  These algorithms would be able to “predict” compatibility and if relationship is possible.

Creating your user profile is the most important step when you join an online dating service.  Physical attributes like height, weight, hair color, and body type are usually the things that people look for first in their possible matches.  Interests, activities, and even political and religious beliefs are also important factors when searching for dates. In some cultures, online dating sites are not mainly used for finding love matches and serious relationships, but for social conversations.

Online daters are always reminded to be use caution with personal information that they put in their profiles. Never put in any information that would help someone find your address, home phone number, full name or employer.

Online dating sites have a variety of applications and ways for members to connect.  Some have games, online chat, email messages, phone calling, winks, emoticons, and sending virtual gifts. Some people specify in their profiles the ways that they would and would not like to be contacted. For example some say in their profile that they will not respond to “winks” as they require no effort and would prefer a thoughtful email message instead.

Online dating sites only provide avenues and opportunities for people to meet friends and possible love interests.  It is still up to the user to communicate honestly and build the foundation of a relationship over time.