Dating online is fine when you believe that there are people who are serious to have relationships through the internet because it will take time to know someone online. It is not advisable to rely on a couple of emails or video chatting only before meeting offline since you know very little about him or her. Based on studies, women are usually vulnerable to rape and attacks during the first few dates of the men they don't know so well. One way you can make your meeting safer is to suggest a double date situation. Ask one of your friends that you are comfortable with to be with you. If ever your new date refuses then never go out with this man. You should always consider your safety and if he cares then he should understand that you just protecting yourself since both of you are still in the process of knowing each other.