© Shutterstock

Apps - The most popoular dating apps are: Tinder, Badoo, Happn, POF (PlentyOfFish), AdoteUmCara, Bumble, Once, Grindr, Kickoff and Fresh.

© Shutterstock

Self-esteem - Make sure you're emotionally ready. If you haven't got over a breakup or if you're anxious or demotivated, your experience probably won't go so well.

© Shutterstock

Decide on the type of relationship you're looking for - The website or app you're looking for, as well as the pictures you'll be using and how you present yourself all depend on the type of relationship you're looking for. Is it a serious commitment? Or a friend with benefits?

© Shutterstock

Profile - Don't turn your dating profile into a CV. It shouldn't be personal marketing, it should be an honest description of who you are and what you like.

© Shutterstock

Profile picture - Picking pictures where you look happy will make your profile more attractive.

© Shutterstock

Profile picture - Avoid posting obnoxious pictures of money, cars and expensive objects.

© Shutterstock

Profile description - Write a short, fun and simple description of yourself that will leave potential matches curious.

© Shutterstock

Don't lie - It's not worth lying about your age, height or appearance. You'll be wasting the other person's time!

© Shutterstock

Show your personality through Facebook - Your dating profile can be connected to your Facebook account so that other people can see what you've 'liked' and learn more about your tastes.

© Shutterstock

Don't believe everything you read - Don't judge a book by its cover and don't believe everything you read on someone's profile straight away.

© Shutterstock

The right timing - Wait a little while before you strike up a conversation, otherwise you could seem a bit desperate.

© Shutterstock

The conversation - However, once you start chatting with someone, don't leave them waiting for too long or you they may lose interest.

© Shutterstock

Take a step further - As the conversation evolves, you might want to consider moving on to a different app - such as Whatsapp.

© Shutterstock

Social media - You can also send them a friend request on different social media platforms so you may learn some more about their lives.

© Shutterstock

First date - Of course this is all a lead-up to the actual first date, where you'll be able to finally have a real-time conversation and decide if you enjoy the other person's company.

© Shutterstock

Matching - But if they don't accept your request for a date, don't be bummed out. It happens frequently in online dating!

© Shutterstock

Rejection - Many people who sign up to online dating apps stop responding or vanish for several different reasons - don't let that put you off of continuing your search.

© Shutterstock

Immediate results - You must also have patience and learn how to lower your expectations regarding the efficiency of online dating, as it can take a while to find the right person.

© Shutterstock

Share - Tell the person you're chatting with your intentions regarding a potential relationship so they're aware of your mindset and can make a proper decision of whether or not they want to meet you.

© Shutterstock

Beware of: - Don't believe everything people tell you about themselves on dating apps. Try doing a bit of research online and on social media to see if it all makes sense.

© Shutterstock

Beware of: - Browse through their social media profiles so you can learn more about the type of person they are, including their tastes, how they respond to other people and what their sense of humor is like.

© Shutterstock

Beware of: - In case you go for a face-to-face date, tell your family or friends where you'll be.

© Shutterstock

Beware of: - For the first date, make sure you pick a public place, with other people around.

© Shutterstock

Beware of: - Make sure your social media pictures and information are only visible to friends and family that you actually know.

© Shutterstock

Beware of: - Be careful with scammers! They're everywhere, including dating apps. Don't mention valuable things you may own or give away too much personal information.

© Shutterstock

Beware of: - Don't ever share your passwords.

© Shutterstock

Beware of: - In case you fall victim to an online crime involving someone you met online, make sure to let the authorities know.

© Shutterstock

Senior dating - Love spans across every age, that's why there are dating apps for older people too. The most popular are: Stitch, Par Perfeito and B2.

© Shutterstock

Senior dating -

However, one must always be careful, so the advice above applies to senior dating too!

See also: The science behind falling in love 

© Shutterstock