21 Online Dating Red Flags And How To Keep Yourself Safe

However, if he starts doing it through your messages very early on, it can be a big warning sign. It could be because he is messaging lots of people with some sort of pet names so he doesn’t make any mistakes, or it could just be his way of trying to flirt. A red flag is a warning sign in someone’s profile or texting that hints at a problem or threat. If overlooked or ignored, you can spend a lot of time and energy on someone who does more harm than good.

If a guy never really asks about you, it could be that he is very self-involved and selfish. Such characteristics make a relationship difficult to maintain and it can ultimately be highly unfulfilling for you. It could be inexperience on his side, but it could just be he will never be a caring boyfriend.

The unfortunate truth is we’re all capable of narcissism as a form of self-preservation, but when you’re dating a genuine narcissist, red flags get particularly intolerable. Red flags in the early stages of dating can be subtle or obvious. If a red flag appears more than once, it’s important to take note before the relationship goes too far, says dating coach Blaine Anderson. Someone who is looking for honest connections will take the time to complete their Seeking profile. In the world of online dating, your profile is your calling card. It’s what allows you to share more about yourself and who you’re looking to connect with.

Also, if he pops up on many different dating apps all with very different target audiences, you can probably start to Bravo Date wonder if their intentions are honorable. If a guy only texts you very late at night, it could be a big warning sign. Either way, it is an online dating warning sign as it means you will invariably be the individual that is doing all the work. It’s okay to take your time getting to know each other. But if every attempt to talk about boundaries, feelings, or where things are going gets brushed off, that’s not just a communication issue. Someone who wants a real relationship will be open to honest conversations.

But it’s worth paying attention if you start to feel smothered, monitored, or guilty for not replying quickly. Constant check-ins often stem from insecurity or control, not genuine care. Don’t ignore your gut feelings when it comes to online dating. Both extremes—pushing for an in-person date too quickly or refusing to meet after weeks—raise concerns. A 2024 report notes that 11% of women under 50 on dating apps have received threats, often tied to rushed meetups.

Their Words And Actions Don’t Match

At best, they want to keep you a distance and you’ll never truly know them. At worst, this person will attempt identity theft or kidnap you. Avoid online dating profiles where you can barely see the person. In this guide, we will provide you with practical tips and strategies to spot online dating red flags. By following our advice, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable online dating experience.

• Someone who is too persistent in how he messages you can be extremely overwhelming and perhaps an online dating red flag that really puts you off.
• In the age of generative AI, you should also look out for signs that their profile picture is fake by knowing how to identify an AI-generated image.
• Another red flag is if they ask you to send sexually-explicit pictures right away.
• His flawless facade may be concealing not just personality flaws but perhaps an entire secret life.

The safest thing to do is end the conversation and use your time to find someone who has a genuine interest in you. And if you’re looking for some personalized guidance on your path to finding love, I’m here for you! Schedule a Free Relationship Readiness Review here, where I can learn about your goals and how I can support you in creating the loving, fulfilling partnership you desire. While you don’t want to jump to conclusions, it’s important to trust your gut if things aren’t adding up.

On the flip side of a brief profile, is a profile that is over the top and too good to be true. It can often be the sign of a guy with a big ego that can make for a tricky relationship. A big ego means that you will often be the individual doing all the sacrificing for the sake of the partnership. Additionally, this type of profile can also be a big let down when you do eventually meet.

The Top Online Dating Red Flags To Watch For

Like with other financial requests, this is a major red flag that your match is a scammer. Another online dating scam doesn’t request money from victims, but turns them into “money mules”. Rather than trying to get money from the victim, these scammers make you an accomplice in money laundering. This is also the reason why so many scammers claim to work in another country or be on military deployment—it provides them with an excuse for not being able to meet up. In fact, many scammers use photos of military personnel and soldiers on their profiles. Online dating scammers tend to move very quickly in terms of trying to establish an emotional connection.

But noticing red flags in early dating isn’t being paranoid. And if your DMs are flooded with real people, you don’t have time for suspicious profiles. Attract the right interest by following my dating profile checklist, available in my free download bundle. We always recommend planning time to meet in real life soon after you establish a connection online. That’s why Washington says avoiding this can be a red flag. On the one hand, it’s good to make a few mistakes in your teens and 20s, but on the other hand, some of them can actually ruin your life.

Inconsistent Communication

She says people who engage in sexting early on may be more interested in short-term, casual relationships rather than long-term commitments. Just keep in mind, not every red flag has to be a deal breaker. Therapist LaTonya Washington, LICSW, adds that some red flags are just an indication that something needs further examination. Do you have a burning question, personal story, or problem related to this topic?

Copy-pasting an opener or a quip isn’t a problem, though. But when someone does nothing but copy-paste their messages, it’s a red flag. If they only have 3 or fewer photos, tread carefully. The more red flags you spot, the more you want to avoid the profile.

Don’t use dating apps until you’ve learned how to spot a red flag. Do you want to dive deeper into the dating red flags of a narcissist? In the following article, we’ll look at what narcissism is, what the signs of narcissism are, and how to deal with a narcissist. Healthy relationships build on consistent communication. If your match’s texting habits are erratic—hot one day, silent for a week—it’s a red flag.

Tell your partner about their suspicious behavior and that you have noticed red flags of online dating. Things happen, and sometimes it is inevitable to cancel a date. However, if this occurs on a regular basis, you should decide whether you want to continue your connection on a dating app or site. One of the most prominent red flags on dating apps is the incomplete personal page of a user. This might indicate that they are attempting to conceal something or mislead you into thinking anything different from reality.

Learn more about the the pros and cons of emotionally intense relationships and tips for being in one. But always make sure to check the person’s social media accounts too so you can be sure they’re a real person and being upfront about their identity. This one has scrolled through your Instagram so thoroughly, he mentions your family vacation from 2016 on the first date. A little social media research is normal, but knowing your dog’s name from three years ago?

Health issues are sensitive, especially as we age, but a lack of transparency can lead to serious concerns down the line. If he’s unwilling to share anything about his frequent doctor’s visits or his assortment of daily pills, you’re not just dating him; you’re dating a big question mark. This gentleman can’t stop talking about his glory days. Whether it’s his high school football career, the killer parties he used to throw, or the innumerable “good times,” he’s stuck in a time warp.

If the other person is pressuring you to share personal details before you feel ready, consider that a red flag. A respectful potential partner will understand your need for privacy and security. As much as I love online dating (I met my husband online), I also know how important it is to keep your eyes open for any potential red flags. Dating is dating, whether it’s online or in-person, and you’ve got to protect your heart and your well-being. You may well start to ascertain from a person’s messages what they are truly using dating apps for.

A model-like appearance, a long list of accomplishments, an extensive description written professionally — these are just a few red flags in a woman’s dating profile. ROAST is a service provided by professionals who have studied dating apps. They’ll give you personalized advice to improve your profile and help you get more matches. You won’t need to worry about online dating red flags; you’ll be chatting with the right people. The popular scam and one of the red flags on dating apps is when your partner pretends to send you a gift but asks for money to pay for the parcel. You should understand that modern delivery services don’t work in such a way, so add this warning sign to your red flags online dating list.

“That demonstrates emotional availability and the intent to form an emotional bond,” says Chan. “They should be considerate about where you feel safest meeting and do not demand that you meet them at your home, their home, or anywhere secluded,” Washington says. Jain caveats that sometimes it may take weeks or months to really build a connection, so don’t write someone off too quickly, either. You may need to verbalize the level of communication you want. In addition to this being disrespectful and potentially unsafe, Washington notes that it may be a sign they are looking for a hookup rather than a date. This profile review will finally allow you to know how to make your profile more attractive, and get more dates with people you really like.

Within a short period, they may say they love you and that they feel a very deep connection to you. If a guy’s profile has photos that look too good to be true, you may want to pursue this person with caution. While a profile is definitely the place to sell yourself as best as you can, it is not a good basis for a relationship if a person has lied through their photos to get dates. Plus, it can ultimately be disappointing for you as well as misleading. No one likes to be with a person who always has a story that is one better than the ones that you tell.

He’s the kind of guy who thinks it’s cool to be disinterested. Somehow he’s convinced himself that not caring is a personality trait. If he can write you a sonnet but can’t carry a conversation, you’re essentially dating his phone.