Online dating can be a great way to meet new people, but meeting someone in person for the first time can come with a bit of uncertainty.

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You don't need to assume something will go wrong, but taking a few simple precautions can help you feel safer and more comfortable. Here are some things to think about when using dating apps and meeting someone new.

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What age range should I set?

If you've recently turned 18, you might want to set your age range to people who are a similar age to you. Dating someone significantly older can sometimes mean there's a difference in maturity, life experience or finances, which could create an imbalance in the relationship.

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It's important to know what a healthy relationship looks like so you can recognise behaviour that doesn't feel right.

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Should I ask what they're looking for?

Have a look at what they've said about their intentions on their dating profile, and don't be afraid to ask them about it too. You might be looking for different things, and it's useful to know that before you invest your time in getting to know someone.

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Where should we meet?

For your first date, meet somewhere neutral and public. You might want to continue meeting in public places until you know and trust them well enough to feel comfortable doing something different. Meeting publicly means there are other people around if you need help, it's easier to leave if you feel uncomfortable and you don't need to share your home address straight away.

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Should I tell my friends where I am?

Let a friend know where you're going and who you're meeting. If it would make you feel more comfortable, you could arrange for a friend to be in the same public place or somewhere nearby. That way, they can check you're okay and help you make a discreet exit if you need one.

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You could also choose to share your location with someone you trust using your phone or an app such as Snap Maps, if you're comfortable doing that.

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Should I tell my flatmates?

If your date is coming to your accommodation, or you're going to theirs, let your flatmates or someone else you trust know. This can help with your safety as well as respecting your flatmates' boundaries when you're sharing a home.

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What personal information should I share?

Avoid sharing too much personal information when you've only just started talking to someone. This could include your address or details about your daily routine, such as exactly when and where you go to the gym.

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Keeping some information private can help prevent unwanted contact if you decide you don't want to see the person again.

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Should I check their social media?

You could ask for their social media, such as Instagram, to help you get a better idea of whether they are who they say they are. You could also have a phone or video call before meeting if you'd feel more comfortable doing that.

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If you've been talking for a while, this can be another way of getting to know them before meeting in person.

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What does a verified profile mean?

Check whether they have a verified profile on the dating app. For example, some apps display a tick or another symbol when someone has completed their verification process.

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Verification can give you some additional reassurance about a profile, but it isn't a guarantee that someone is trustworthy or safe.

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It's worth verifying your own profile too, where that's an option. It can help give other people some reassurance that you're the person shown in your profile.

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Should I charge my phone before a date?

Yes. Make sure your phone is charged and you have access to mobile data or Wi-Fi. That means you can contact a friend or arrange a taxi if you need to.

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What if something doesn't feel right?

Trust your gut. If something feels off or you feel uncomfortable, it's okay to leave the date early. Your safety comes first.

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Similarly, if you don't feel a connection or don't want to take things any further, that's okay too. You don't owe someone another date just because you've met them once.

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What if something goes wrong?

If something happens on a date that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried, you don't have to deal with it on your own.

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If someone pressures you, ignores your boundaries, behaves in a threatening way or does something without your consent, support is available. It doesn't matter whether you met through a dating app, agreed to the date or had previously been comfortable with something – your boundaries should always be respected.

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You can access confidential support through the University's Support and Report service. They can talk through what happened, explain the support available and help you understand your options.

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You’re in control of what happens next. Getting support doesn't mean you have to make a formal report or contact the police if you don't want to.