It may take awhile before you become completely savvy to your online dating service. All of the different phrases and terms could be a little overwhelming. I have created a list of online dating terms that you should know.

Instant Messaging

These are messages that can be sent very quickly to prospective dates. You can send flirts and smile. The chat turn around is real time.

Block Feature

This feature is to ensure that you can stop someone from contacting you. You may enjoy the first few months of 20 emails a day, but eventually you will want to narrow your emails down so that you can correspond with members that actually interest you.

Emoticons

From smiley faces :-) to winks ;-) everything from colons to parentheses are used to communicate emotions online. It would be good if you learn these so that you can catch on when someone sends you one.

Matchmaking

This is a great service to have access to. Matchmaking services will provide you with a questionnaire to find out who you are and then they will match your profile with other singles profiles according to your answers.   

Free Trial

This is pretty self explanatory. Most services will allow you to join their site on a free trial contingency so that you can test the waters. Depending on the site you may be able to browse prospects, send instant messages, and fill out your own profile.

Fishing

If you want to have a good response rate, you should try to write personalized emails to your prospective date. Some people prefer to go fishing for dates by writing one standard email and sending it out to loads of potential prospects.

Background Verification

This is one the most important features for a service to have. There is security in know that the person that you are in contact with is really who they say they are.

Video Profile

This is feature that has grown into itself as technology evolves. When you build your profile using this feature other singles will see your text and photos come to life. Be careful not to overload your page.

Lurking
This term refers to entering online dating site chat rooms and simply reading posted messages without writing your own posts. It's a great way to get your feet wet in a chat room and learn the style and tone used by posters before you join the conversation.