February 5, 2010
Internet Dating Tips – About the Different Types of Dating Sites and How to Find the Right One for You
When seeking internet dating tips most people tend to by-pass the most important aspect of online dating; choice of dating site. There are thousands of sites out there and signing up with the wrong type could mean not getting the type of person or relationship you want.
In order to make easier the process of finding the right dating site for you, first you need to look within. Ask yourself what type of relationship you want, as well what type of person you seek. But don’t stop there.
You also need to list down the things that are most dear to, that you cannot live without. This means things that are must haves for you to live a happy and fulfilled life. Why do you need this?
Well, a compatible partner must have the same interests and passions at best, or be willing to support you and live with your must haves at minimum.
Next, know the type of relationship you want. This may seem easy but most people will not tell you what they really want beyond just “a date” or “a partner”. Well, it is okay to just want a “date” and most of the general dating sites are made for that (we’ll come to the different types of dating sites shortly). But you need to go a little deeper.
If you’re a seeking a soul mate, lifetime partner or a long term relationship, you should be able to point this out without a problem. This includes those seeking a marriage partner.
This is not to say that only those seeking serious relationships should find the right dating site. There are dating sites for virtually any interest you can think of. Let’s take a look at some of these now, shall we?
The Different Types of Dating Sites
Like I’ve already pointed out, there are many different types of dating services that serve different needs and interest. Now assuming that you do know what you want, here are a few examples:
Generalized dating sites: These are also called popular dating sites because they are… well, popular. In these sites, everything goes except adult personals which are a different category altogether. These are best for those seeking relationships that may or may not be serious. Generalized dating services are often profile-based; you post a personal profile which is a sort of “about me” essay. Examples of such sites are Yahoo Personals, Match.com and FriendFinder.
Matchmaking sites: These are for people seeking long-term relationships or marriage. If a soul mate is what you seek, these may be the best route to take. Matchmaking sites go beyond the profile. They are personality-based, meaning that you answer a number of personality questions, which are then used find compatible partners. Most matchmaking sites do the matching for you but often also let you do your own searches. Examples of matchmaking sites are PerfectMatch, Chemistry and eHarmony.
Matrimonial sites: As the name suggests, these sites are marriage based. They are more or less like matchmaking sites (above) but cater to certain cultures and social-ethnic groups where open dating is not allowed or is considered taboo. An example of a matrimonial site is [Indian Matrimonial Network].
Specialty sites: Also known as niche or special-interest sites, these cater to specific interests or hobbies. There are specialty sites for virtually every interest (and even body types) you can think of. These include:
- Sites for big beautiful women (BBW)
- Sites for big handsome men (BHM)
- Senior dating sites for singles 40-50 and over
- Interracial personals for those seeking someone outside their own race.
- Religious sites for those seeking a partner of a certain religious faith.
- Dating sites for dog lovers
- Dating sites for fitness enthusiasts
- Military dating sites
- [Single parent dating sites]
- And many more than can be fit into one article (see specialty dating sites).
Ethnic dating services: These cater to those seeking someone of a certain ethnic origin or culture. In a way, they tend to overlap with religious sites as certain religions are predominantly composed of one ethnic group (Jewish dating, for example). See ethnic dating sites.
Adult sites: Needless to say, adult dating sites cater to those seeking erotic pleasures without strings attached as well as other things of the adult genre such as fantasies and the wild. Examples include Adult FriendFinder, SexyAds, and IWantU Adult Club.
Alternative personals: This is adult dating, but on the kinky side. This is where you’ll find things like swinging, S&M and BDSM, bondage, spanking… well, you get the picture. Examples of alternative personals sites are Alt.com, IWantU Alternative Club, and BDSM Sexy Ads.
Webcam personals: These are dating sites that facilitate live video chat, where you can actually see and talk to the person on the other end like she/he were just across the table. Many of these are adult-oriented as most people are also seeking eye candy. Examples include Cams and Webcams.
Speed dating sites: As the name suggests, these are sites that support the concept of speed dating (dating in a hurry). You get to meet as many potential mates as possible within a given time. Each person submits names of persons they would like their contact information given to and if two names correspond, there’s a match. An example of a speed dating site is Hurry Date.
Related posts:
Filed under Dating, Online Dating by Dawg
Leave a Comment