Online dating has been around since the Internet first began, and it is becoming more popular all the time.

It used to be that there was a certain stigma attached to online dating, and admitting that you had joined a dating site to your friends was like saying "I'm unable to find a date." But times change, and as more of us are using the Internet in our daily lives for work, shopping or socializing, using it for dating seems very much more natural. And it can influence our lives in the most profound way - by helping us find that elusive special person that we have been looking for.

The traditional ways of meeting a partner, such as at work, in an evening class, or random introductions thorugh friends simply don't work for many people. And even if the old ways might eventually work, it's all a bit random. You might have to wait an awfully long time, never knowing if someone that you light like - and that might like you - is going to come along. These days that simply isn't reliable enough or fast enough for most of us. Life is too short.

Hoping to bump into someone while doing the weekly shop, or in an evening class is a bit hit and miss. And as for trying to meet someone in bars and night clubs - you're up against some tough opposition!

• They'll possibly be a bit drunk.
• They'll possibly just be out for fun with their friends and not looking to hook up, even if they are single.
• The noise levels in most of these places means there is no chance of having a conversation to try and get to know them better - or even at all.

When you are introduced to someone through an online dating web site such as Datingle, they may not be perfect for you, but at least you know that they went to the trouble of visiting and joining the site - so they're probably single and probably looking for a relationship!

See what you should do before meeting someone for the first time - read our Online Dating Safety Tips.