{"id":20292,"date":"2026-01-10T17:39:33","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T23:39:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/2026\/01\/10\/ready-to-start-going-on-dates-here-are-things-to-keep-in-mind-about-safety-privacy\/"},"modified":"2026-01-10T17:39:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T23:39:33","slug":"ready-to-start-going-on-dates-here-are-things-to-keep-in-mind-about-safety-privacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/2026\/01\/10\/ready-to-start-going-on-dates-here-are-things-to-keep-in-mind-about-safety-privacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Ready to start going on dates? Here are things to keep in mind about safety, privacy"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Staying Safe While Dating: Tips and Reminders<\/h1>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Recent incidents involving dating violence have highlighted the importance of safety and privacy protocols when making dating profiles and pursuing romantic relationships, both online and in person.<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">A shooting in northwest Dallas last week left one woman dead and injured her husband after they met with a man from Facebook Dating. <\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">\u201cToday\u2019s dating landscape is vastly different than it once was, with digital dating being the new way many people pursue romantic relationships,\u201d Jan Langbein, chief executive officer of Genesis Women\u2019s Shelter &#038; Support, said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Though online platforms provide ways to meet new people you might not meet in daily life, safety and privacy should always be the priority.<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">\u201cYour safety should always come first,\u201d Tiffany Tate, chief executive officer of The Family Place, said. \u201cIf you feel unsafe or experience harassment, remember you are not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Here are some things to keep in mind about privacy and safety when creating a dating profile and meeting with individuals for dates, whether the relationship started in person or online.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"body-text-header\">The Importance of Safety and Privacy<\/h2>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">The rise of online dating has made it easier for people to connect with others, but it also comes with its own set of risks. According to the Mozilla Foundation, about 80% of dating apps share or sell their users&#8217; personal information for advertising purposes. <\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">About a fourth of dating apps collect metadata related to the content you share, such as the date, time and location a photo or video was taken.<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">\u201cDating apps and platforms can sometimes be misused to facilitate harm, including stalking, harassment, and even violence,\u201d Tate said. \u201cPredators can exploit these platforms to access personal information, make unwanted contact, stalk new matches, or deceive individuals into unsafe situations.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"body-text-header\">Creating a Safe Online Profile<\/h2>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Tate said dating apps can create opportunities for genuine relationships, but it\u2019s still important to approach them with caution, as it\u2019s easier for dangerous individuals to hide behind a screen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">\u201cPeople can curate exactly how they want others to perceive them \u2013 for some that may mean showing only the highlights and best parts of themselves,&#8221; Langbein said. \u201cFor others, that may mean using false information or photographs to deceive or trick others. For abusers, that may mean that they are able to mask concerning behaviors while building a romantic bond with someone before pulling that mask off.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">It remains just as important to take steps to protect yourself when creating and maintaining a dating profile as it does when meeting up with someone you\u2019ve met in person.<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Here are a few suggestions for making a profile that prioritizes your safety.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"body-text-list\">\n<li><span>Treat a dating profile like a LinkedIn profile. Assume the information could be seen by anyone, including family, friends and employers, and only post photos and details you\u2019re okay with being public. Tate said avoid posting your full name, address, workplace or daily routine within the profile.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Don\u2019t link your social media accounts to your profile, as this invites more personal information to be shared across platforms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Limit app permissions, such as access to photos, contacts or location. The less you share, the more you and your personal information are protected.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"body-text-header\">Safety Disclosures and Resources<\/h2>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Texas\u2019s Internet Dating Safety Act requires dating apps and websites to provide safety disclosure statements to users. <\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Implemented in 2011, it states dating service providers must \u201cinclude a list and description of safety measures designed to increase awareness of safer online dating practices.\u201d Dating services that do not adhere to the law are liable to a civil penalty of up to $250.<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a few dating services and where to find their safety disclosures and resources.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"body-text-list\">\n<li><span>Tinder\u2019s can be found here, along with a list of its safety features.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Hinge has a similar disclosure here.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Facebook Dating has safety tips here.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Bumble, which also has an online platform for making friends, has safety tips and features here.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Grindr, used by men looking for men, has a list here.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>HER, used by women looking for women, has a list that includes domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking and LGBTQ+ support resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>OkCupid\u2019s safety tips and disclosure can be found here.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Coffee Meets Bagel has all its safety resources linked on this page.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"body-text-header\">Tips for Before, During, and After a Date<\/h2>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Here are some tips to keep in mind when meeting someone for a date:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"body-text-list\">\n<li><span>Wait to meet in-person until you feel 100% comfortable. Tate said trust your instincts. If someone\u2019s behavior makes you uncomfortable, take it seriously.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Check the Texas Family Violence Offender Database. Under Texas House Bill 5202, the Department of Public Safety has created a free, online database that contains information on domestic violence offenders who have been convicted two or more times of crimes relating to violence and stalking. You can access the database here.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Tell a trusted individual where you\u2019re going and with whom. Update them once you\u2019re safely home. Langbein said creating a safe word to text them if you are feeling unsafe may also bring peace of mind that someone knows where you are and can help remove you from a potentially unsafe situation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>If someone sends unwanted or threatening messages, keep a record of the interactions, Tate said. The documentation can be crucial if you decide to report the behavior to authorities or the dating platform.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>When meeting someone for the first time, meet somewhere public. Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, public parks or movie theaters are a few options.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Provide your own transportation so you can leave on your own terms if things go south. This can include taking a taxi, bus or rideshare. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>If you\u2019re doubtful or feel uncomfortable, leave. You\u2019re not obligated to stay on a date if you don\u2019t feel safe.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>If you want to exchange phone numbers, consider initially using a unique number instead of your personal number. Apps like Google Voice provide this service for free.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Watch for red flags. Be cautious if someone seems too good to be true, pressures you to share personal information quickly, or tries to isolate you from your friends and family, Tate said. Other concerning behaviors may include constant messaging, controlling actions, name-calling, threats, or refusing to respect your boundaries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"body-text-header\">Getting Help and Support<\/h2>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">The Genesis helpline is available 24\/7 for individuals to speak with someone about red flags, safe date planning and seeking services. It is free and confidential, and can be reached by calling or texting 214-946-4357.<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">The Family Place offers assistance through their 24-hour crisis hotline in both English and Spanish at 214-941-1991.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"body-text-header\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Staying safe while dating requires a combination of common sense, caution, and awareness of the potential risks. By taking the necessary precautions and being mindful of red flags, you can minimize your risk of becoming a victim of dating violence or harassment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Remember, your safety is the top priority, and it\u2019s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to meeting new people, especially online.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"body-text-header\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p class=\"body-text-paragraph\">Here are some frequently asked questions about dating safety:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"body-text-list\">\n<li><span>Q: What are some red flags to watch out for when dating someone new?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>A: Some common red flags include constant messaging, controlling actions, name-calling, threats, or refusing to respect your boundaries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Q: How can I protect my personal information when creating a dating profile?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>A: Treat your dating profile like a LinkedIn profile, and only<br \/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Staying Safe While Dating: Tips and Reminders Recent incidents involving dating violence have highlighted the importance of safety and privacy protocols when making dating profiles and pursuing romantic relationships, both online and in person. A shooting in northwest Dallas last week left one woman dead and injured her husband after they met with a man [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":20294,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-20292","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com\/resizer\/v2\/SH4QTEP6GNF6NK6K7ILL7K2UGI.jpg?auth=a2ebefc18ee7c486d43694cfefd72bf60a1efa596cc6a80318ec8c7b70435f66&quality=80&width=1200&height=630&focal=2292,1461","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20292"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20292"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20292\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20295,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20292\/revisions\/20295"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20294"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20292"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20292"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/dallas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}