Online Dating Glossary
If you're new to online dating it'll help to familiarize yourself with the terminology. Below is a list of terms and definitions we've put together to get you up to speed and on your way!
Limited membership
A limited membership is usually a free membership to a dating site that allows you browse member profiles but does not (usually) allow you to communicate with members directly. In order to communicate with members you'll be required to upgrade your membership and subscribe to a monthly, quarterly or yearly plan.
Matching
"Matching" is the term used by dating sites that utilize a system to connect members with each other using members' preferences as a guide. After a member indicates their preferences (the details of the type of person they'd like to meet), the matching system then returns candidates that have matched their criteria.
Personality Test
A personality test involves the answering of specific questions to determine what personality type someone might have. In the context of online dating, the result of a personality test is usually presented on a member's profile page and provides other site members with more insight into who they are.
Profile
The biggest element of online dating is the profile. A dating profile is basically a page within a dating site where you post information about yourself for other site members to read. Sites will provide you with the option of listing as much or as little about yourself as you like on your profile page.
A basic profile page usually allows you to list:
- Your Photo
- Your Background
- Your Occupation
- Your Marital status
- Your Education
- Your Hobbies and interests
- Your Preferences (the type of person you'd like to meet)
A good analogy is to view your profile as your personal billboard to advertise to site members what you're all about. Needless to say, a well written profile
is important if you plan on making a good first impression on members who stop by to check it out. Take a look at our article for tips on making your profile stand out from the crowd.
Smiles and Winks
A smile/wink is the online equivalent of friendly flirting. Most dating sites offer members the ability to send a smile or wink to other members to indicate their interest.
Subscription
A subscription is the ability to fully access a dating site's features for a fee on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
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