In the world of online dating, the smartest thing you can do is to prevent all sorts of bad situations from happening. And this advice doesn't apply just to women. Men have safety issues, too, although they tend to be less physical.

Tell others what's going on. Never go to a meeting without telling someone you trust all the Ws — who, what, when, where, and why. Include enough detail so that the person you trust can locate the prospect online, too. This precaution may appear unimportant, but it can make a world of difference.

Meet in a public, well-lit place like a coffee shop. Tell a good friend where you are, when you're meeting, and approximately when you're coming home. If you have a cell phone, bring it along.

This task of telling a friend is much easier for women than men, who often don't want to admit their fears to anyone. But men, take heed: Admitting your fears and staying safe is far better than the alternative outcomes that are possible.

If you're uncomfortable telling a friend in person where you're going and with whom, just send the details in an e-mail. Include where you're going, with whom, the prospect's profile name, and which dating site you're using. Tell your friend why you're e-mailing those details but not to worry.