If you feel concerned about communicating with more people at the same time, it is good to know that online dating etiquette considers it acceptable. Answering to people who are contacting you feels just fine. Statistically speaking, one in four or five emails gets an answer. Which means that the system does not follow a single thread as in 'you write to someone and wait for him/her to get back to you'. The rule is valid vice versa too; you don't contradict the online dating etiquette if you don't answer back to someone who has contacted you.

You have the right to decide whether the email sender is or isn't okay for you.While in real life such situations are more delicate and usually require an explanation, in the electronic system, you break no online dating etiquette by just turning your back on someone. Plus it would be more offensive to write back and say that you don't find the person suitable. A different issue is when you break up through emails.

If you have met online and then went on a real date, things can be more complicated. You can tell that person that you don't want to meet again, or you can write him/her a message. However, you would break the online dating etiquette if you met online but went out a couple of times. After several dates, you probably owe the other an explanation. Do it in elegant and friendly terms. Plus, you can still continue to write to other people even when dating someone. It works just fine.

Furthermore, do not keep the profile up when you are in a serious relationship with someone. Even if the relationship is carried online, there will come a moment when you will meet. You can still remain a member and keep your profile, but take it off the active list. If you don't follow this very basic guideline you could very well spoil your chance of meeting someone who loves you.

Most of the rules in the online dating etiquette refer to communication. Dishonesty, profanity and rudeness are totally unacceptable, yet they cannot be eliminated from dating services for good. Well moderated sites have less offensive interventions, but usually every online dating web page has some dubious characters that will come out eventually.