Many singletons searching for a long term partner encounter the same frustrating problem repeatedly. Their well meaning, but miss-guided, family and friends try to set them up with totally unsuitable people, without stopping to consider if the blind date is really a good match.

Lots of singles say that meeting one unsuitable person after another is a waste of money and time, not to mention a blow to their morale. So, what other options are there?

One answer is online dating services. Here, the odds that you will find a compatible partner are much better. Indeed, not only can you view profiles and photos of possible dates on these websites, you can additionally download videos that members have made to get a better feel for their interests and mannerisms.

However, the best thing about online dating services is that they cater to many different styles of dating, so you can select the style that suits you best.

Here are some of the more popular types of online dating services:

Mainstream Online Dating Services

These services, generally, will just give you a list of members who you might be compatible with. You then simply select someone from this list to contact on the site and (hopefully) arrange a date with.

Online dating services like this are essentially broad and generic. This is good in that you can choose a date from a wide range of people. However, should you want a date from a particular ethnic group or age group, then the following type of dating service may be a better fit:

Speciality Online Dating Services

These services are aimed at particular groups like African Americans, Christians, senior citizens etc. Some sites, for instance, also offer online dating services solely for single Jews. So, you will get a date quicker and easier on these sites if Jewish people are the only people you want to date.

Unique Online Dating Services

Lots of online dating services set you up on a date, but you still have to choose what to do and where to go. Unique online dating services bring a completely new element to dating.

For instance, one dating website matches up professional people for a 1 hour lunch. The premise here is that, even if they do not hit it off, they've only lost 1 hour. Another website brings 4 men and 4 women together for a dinner. The singles are not matched together, but relationships are permitted to evolve in a group environment.

Speed Dating

Here, single men and women go on eight to twelve "dates" of about 6 minutes each in an evening. Then, everyone votes on the dates that they would wish to meet again. If there's a match, the organisers will provide the couple's contact information.

Hopefully, you now know how to find dates without relying on your family and friends. Most importantly, you just need to get out there and take some risks.