Hmm. There is a difference between saying you love someone as a person and being in love with them.You can love someone online as a person.but i agree you can only be in love with them once you have spent time with them, gone out with them, got to know them. I think. But then what do i know. Women hate me anyway so meh.
It you can meet relatively easily i'd do it ( take the usual safety measures) at least you kind of know what to expect.