Speed Dating

Speed online dating is one of the newest features in the world of dating to come along. And maybe one of the most fun.

Here's how it works:

One of the speed dating services takes over a restaurant or similar location for the evening and invites a group of singles - from 20 to 60 individuals - to show up for the event. The crowd is pre-selected to make sure there is the right mix of men and women, and that there are some common interests.

Over the course of the event, every guest has the chance to meet all of the guests of the opposite sex, but only for a few minutes. This is a chance for everyone to ask a few questions and decide if they have met someone they would like to see again. Things move pretty quickly, and each person has a 'scorecard' to take notes so they will be able to remember people later.

After the event, there is a means of matching up singles who are interested in each other.
This information is passed back to the participants, and it is up to them to follow up if they want.

Sound like fun to you?

This is a great way to meet a large number of people, without the pressure of figuring out how to move along if you have met someone that isn't a good match for you. And at the same time, you will be matched up with other singles who have expressed an interest in you.

Each organization runs their program differently, but with the same basic format. There are also more specialized events, such as African American speed dating events, or groups with people with a similar religious background, such as Jewish or Christian speed dating.

The organizers report a tremendous success rate in matching singles. While it is hard to keep track of the exact results, the number of second dates resulting from a first meeting at a speed dating event is reported to be quite high.

But the only way to find out if this works for you, is to try it out.

If you join Match.com - the online dating service - you will be able to attend Speedmatching speed dating events. Speedmatching.com conducts several events in major metropolitan areas all the time. You can find out about local events by going to Match.com.

Another major organizer is HurryDate. You can find out if there is an event near you by checking out their website at hurrydate.com

There are other, smaller online speed dating comanies, which operate more locally. While these may be good places to meet other singles, the larger companies, such as match.com, will be able to have the largest turnout for their events.

Good luck and have fun!