The dating scene has crossed over to the internet, and unless you've been living under a rock for the past few years, you should know that it's one of the hottest things around. Online dating has catered to all niches, from singles to teens, straights to bis, lesbians, and gays.

Online dating websites sport different features for interaction and matchmaking, but all have the same purpose: to match you with your ideal mate. Though the internet may be a relatively safe place to meet guys, keeping a clear head and observing proper etiquette is the rule, especially in a setting as ambiguous as the web.

As is with every mate search, finding the ideal guy for you takes time. You may be overwhelmed by the numerous online buzzes you receive as you browse a site, so much so that you'll find it easier to flirt around than to focus on a particular hopeful.

Suppress the urge to go on dating spree and find one person who has the potential of being the one. Browse his profile, and match yours with his. If your profiles click, it's time to drop the quick hint.

Most sites offer you the opportunity to send a quick, discreet message to a member, showing him that you're interested in a deeper acquaintance. If he picks up the hint, you're all set for the next step: online chatting.

Online chat lets you get up close and personal with the guy you're into, especially if you're using an online cam. You can talk about anything under the sun, and find out if you and your newfound friend really go well together.

Keep in mind though that chatting is not very different from a real, face-to-face conversation: you have to be initially discreet so as not to put the other person off, all the while attempting to deepen the conversation as you get to know each other better. Don't get too involved too soon.

Patience is the key to a meaningful relationship, and if you want the correspondence to lead to the next level, bide your time till the opportunity for an actual date seems the natural thing to do.

Setting the date is probably the icing on the cake, since you've gotten to know each other so much by now that it's like a casual meeting with a friend. Do remember though that there is a possibility that he may not be the man you expect him to be. Put your safety first and take the necessary precautions.

Inform a close friend about the date, and set the meeting at an open and crowded place. Don't let the person pick you up for the meeting, at least for the first date; and try not to let the first date go too far unless you are perfectly comfortable being with the person.

Relationships take time to develop, and if the first date goes well, let the guy know how the meeting was great for you, setting up the next date at a future time. If, unfortunately, you're date goes bust, be polite enough to inform the other person that the match didn't take off as expected, but you're more than willing to give friendship a chance.