Online dating sites are just like social networks. In fact, they are social networks, just of a special kind. A social network like Twitter or Facebook has very different people with very different goals and interests in mind, a free online dating site, Casual Dating however, consists of people looking for the same thing-a love interest or relationship. The beauty of a free online dating site is that it is an easy and convenient way to find love, and that's all anyone is there to do. Where Facebookers might say they are looking for a relationship on their profile, it may not be true. Online dating has worked for millions of people. You just need to find the right free online dating site and make it work for you.

There's a Site For Everyone

Many online dating sites center around different areas including interest, culture and profession, among others. Because they are specific sites for specific people, not everyone will fit in to each dating site. Then again, there are dating sites that generalize, allowing anyone, and they have category built in. These free dating sites are usually the most successful; they understand that most people want to feel like they belong, just like anyone else.

So Which Site Are You?

Figuring out where you belong is the first thing to do, however, this is the hard part. It requires that you look at yourself honestly. Because the site you choose will only work to your advantage if it is the right one for you. You will never succeed on a site for tech lovers if you know nothing about tech, right? That said, a general site might be the best online dating site to fit your needs.

Q&A for Choosing A Free Site

Is there anything else you can do, aside form being honest with yourself, to find the right dating sites? Yes, there are always specific questions that must be asked and answered when considering a site of any kind, whether it is free, or a paid for site. There are some questions you can ask of yourself and of the sites to figure this out.

Do they have a report abuse button and a Contact Us button if someone is harassing you, or you need to contact the site for any reason? Are these items easily accessible?

Do the free sites have Public or Private forums or message boards or chat system? If public, are they moderated? un-moderated public chat, message boards or forums can spell trouble, especially for those who have a problem speaking up or saying no.

Do they allow anyone to join?

Are they specific? Is it a general site, or is it for those with specific interests in mind? If a specific interest site, do yours fit within the site's standards? If you sign up for a site you don't fit I with, you could have disastrous results.

Do they offer Privacy for your profile? A way to make your profile, time line/public feed private is a must because not every member wants everyone else to see that one seriously embarrassing picture with food all over his face.

Do their members look real? Or are they too perfect to be true? Many sites will add faux profiles of people, while making them look too perfect to be real people. They do this in hopes of making the site look more appealing to prospects considering membership with the site. This is especially true of the paid for sites, and especially if their memberships have recently dropped.

Do you like any of the free sites? No matter what a free site has to offer, if you don't like it, it will never work for you.

Your Dating Site choice is up to you. The answers to these questions, plus any more you can think of, should determine whether the online dating site you choose is right for your needs. After answering these questions, you still don't feel comfortable with a Casual Dating particular site, don't join it, period. Yes, it really is that simple. But then again, it is entirely possible to find a few free sites you like and want to join at the same time. While it is acceptable to do so, make sure you are up with those form the other dating sites you join about your memberships.