Meeting a date safely, before, during and after
Key facts
| Before | Chat on the site and check their photos |
|---|---|
| Tell someone | Where you are going and who with |
| Keep private | Home address, full postcode, workplace |
| Money | Never send it to someone you met online |
A first date should feel exciting, not risky. A few habits make it much safer without spoiling the fun. They work just as well in a city centre as in a market town.
Do a little checking first
Get Safe Online suggests keeping chat on the dating service until you are sure the person is genuine. Search their name and photos, and run a reverse image search. Take your time and ask questions.
Source: Get Safe Online: Keep online dating safe this Valentine's, and every day, checked 9 November 2026
Keep your address to yourself
Do not share your full name, date of birth, home address or workplace early on, and protect details about your children. On Postcode Match only your postcode area is used, never your full postcode. Be wary of anyone who asks you to keep them secret from friends and family.
Source: Get Safe Online: Keep online dating safe this Valentine's, and every day, checked 9 November 2026
Pick a busy, easy place
A free museum or a weekend market gives you people around you and plenty to talk about. Visit London lists free museums across the capital, and most UK cities have one too. Tell a friend where you will be and keep your phone on.
Source: Visit London: Free museums in London, checked 9 November 2026
Questions
Should I meet at their house or mine?
Not on a first date. Meet somewhere public, like a cafe, museum or market, and make your own way there and back.
What if I want to leave early?
That is fine. Some people arrange a call from a friend partway through so there is an easy way out.
When should I share my number?
When you feel ready. There is no rush, and you can keep chatting on the site until then.
Read next
Our sister site Smooch has more first date ideas. WhichDating, our sister review site, compares dating apps in the UK.