Internet Dating can be very exciting, especially if you’re new to it. It can lead to some incredible off-line relationships, from lasting friendship to long-term love to sizzling sex encounters.

However, communicating with people over the Internet can also expose you to real danger if you’re not careful. Below are some tips to keep in mind when you start talking to people online.

In the talking phase:

Be Anonymous – When you’re first talking to somone you’ve met online, never give them your real name, phone number, home address, or real email address. It’s also a good idea to check with your Internet Service Provider to make sure your personal information isn’t listed in your online profile with them.

Use an alternate email service – Set up a second (or third, fourth, etc.) email address through one of the many free email services online. Below are the most popular ones. This adds another level of security to email communications between the two of you.

Hotmail

Yahoo! Mail

Google

Use common sense when creating your nickname – A nickname (nic) such as “hotmama1″ may get you more attention (of the kind you may not want) than you bargained for. Use a nickname that is not gender specific when joining discussion groups, chat rooms, and message forums.

Common Sense – Basically, use common sense when talking to people online. You wouldn’t give a stranger on the street, or even someone you met at a bar all your personal information, would you? Well, the same rules apply when talking to someone online.

After you’ve established the appropriate measure of trust, and you decide to meet someone you’ve met online, check out Internet Dating Safety Tips Part 2 – The Meeting Phase for additional tips to consider.

Will Irvin is the Webmaster, Editor, and chief contributor to Premier Dating Online, a valuable resource for Online Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, and Dating Service Reviews. Having been an active member of the online community for almost fifteen years, and more recently an active member of the online dating community, Will brings an authentic, common-man’s perspective to the world of relationships, both online and off.