I gotta tell y'all - I would probably NEVER meet anyone I talked to in an online-only relationship. I'm that paranoid.

But, if you do, meet in a public, well-lit place for the first dates, or better yet, make it a group or double date... take your own transportation & don't agree to go anywhere alone w/the other person right away.

It's kind of like accepting a drink from a stranger in a bar. Anymore, it's not entirely safe, unless it's an unopened beer.