It is also not a very good idea to invite a stranger you’ve just met online to your home. It would be wise not to disclose any unnecessary personal information. Drive yourself to the date and leave the same way. Even police do not recommend giving people your home address during the first stage of the relationship, both for safety and anti-stalking reasons. This applies not only to online dating safety but to offline relationships too. Also, consider using a separate email from your personal for online dating. Unfortunately, online communications always draw scammers. So don’t send your personal or bank information to some Nigerian prince. That is probably one of the most important rules in online dating safety.
It doesn’t mean you should become paranoid, sleep with a knife under your pillow and with one eye open. Just apply the common sense you’d use on a date you’ve scored off-line with some additional precautions. Meet in public places. It’s even better if it is a place you are familiar with. It will help you to be more relaxed and keep your focus on other things. Keep an eye on your food and drinks, just in case. Also, try to stay sober. A drink or two won’t probably hurt you, but it’s better to have a clear mind on a first date with basically a stranger. It’s a good idea to pay separately for your food. Generally, trust your gut. If anything smells fishy, stay focused and try to figure out what feels off.