These tips are for adults, not minors. Most online dating sites prohibit children and teens for good reasons.   Minors should not use these services, should not lie about their age and should not get together with people they meet online.  Tips are still a work in progress. Subject to change

• For the first date, always meet in a public place like a busy restaurant or shopping mall.

• Always tell friends where you’re going and who you’re meeting with. Plan to check in with a friend via phone or text message during the date so he or she knows all is well.

• Don’t get into a car on your first date, go to the person’s home or invite them to your home — even if you’re having a good time. There is plenty of time for that later on.

• See what you can learn about your date by “Googling” them or checking him or her out on Facebook.  You might want to become Facebook friends before you meet. You can always unfriend them.

• Never send money to someone you’re interacting with online and never give out a credit card number, mother’s maiden name or other private information that could be used to access your financial accounts.

• Stay sober during your first date to help make sure you’re exercising good judgement.

• Be honest about your age and other characteristics and be very suspicious if you discover that your date wasn’t being honest.

More:

Valentine’s Day Dating Advice from Julie Spira

Julie Spira’s site CyberdatingExpert.com

Whatever Happened with Manti Te’o, Online Dating Scams Are Real

Online Dating Scams advice from OnguardOnline.gov