Top Five Popular Online Dating Platforms for Securing a Date in 2015

In the modern world, dating services have evolved significantly, with online platforms like Match.com leading the charge. However, it's essential to approach these digital platforms with caution, as there may be scammers or individuals with questionable backgrounds.

Match.com, operated by Match Group, is a "pure Internet play" where everything is done online, and anyone can register. Membership for Match.com runs about $30 a month, depending on the chosen plan. The platform, like any other, has its share of users with various backgrounds. For instance, George of Farmington Hills, Mich., admitted to being a violent offender with a police record.

To ensure a safer and more authentic experience, it's important to read reviews on websites like ours before signing up for any dating service. For instance, Successful Singles, a dating service that specializes in New England, has been around since 1984 and has a stellar reputation. It uses a personal approach, starting with a 10-minute phone consultation followed by a 50-minute face-to-face meeting, and promises introductions within 10 days.

Another option is Events and Adventures, which operates in nine cities and gets high marks from its website reviewers. It offers a variety of monthly events, ranging from wine-tasting to outdoor sports and expeditions to foreign lands. Events and Adventures makes it easier for enterprising singles to join social, sports, adventure, and education groups to meet new people. Moreover, it organizes a series of events each month for its invitation-only clients, focusing on activities like skydiving or horseback riding.

For the more risk-averse, spending a little money for the kind of professional help offered by the more exclusive sites might be a better option. It's Just Lunch, a "dating service for professionals," uses a personal counselor approach, offering to pair up compatible couples for lunch or a drink after work. Lifemates Canada, a dating service that has a stellar record of forging new alliances, especially in Canada, uses a similar approach, offering personal interviews and match-ups and targeting upscale clients.

However, even the most exclusive services aren't immune to scams. Jennifer Abel wrote about a woman who nearly sent $40,000 to an online suitor who had concocted a story about needing money to get to the U.S. It's always important to hope for the best but prepare for the worst when using dating services.

Before signing up for any service, be sure to explore as much as possible, review all material, examine pricing in detail, read the contract several times, and understand it before providing any payment information. Whether you choose a free-for-all site like Match.com or a more exclusive service like It's Just Lunch or Lifemates Canada, remember that safety and authenticity should always be your top priorities.

In the past, people looking for companionship often joined alternative weeklies, mountaineering clubs, sailing lessons, or sports car racing. While these methods still have their charm, online dating services have become a popular and convenient way to meet new people. As with any new technology, it's essential to use it wisely and stay informed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.