Meeting someone online is now ordinary — staying safe while you do it still matters. Keep early conversations on the platform itself before sharing a phone number. Video chat before meeting in person if it's an option. And always meet for the first time somewhere public, telling a friend where you'll be.
Trust your instincts — if something feels off in a conversation, it's fine to end it, no explanation required. A little caution up front protects the excitement of a good connection later.