Online dating or Internet dating is a system that enables people to find or introduce themselves to new personal connections over the Internet. The goal is usually developing personal, romantic, or sexual relationships. An online dating service is a company that provides specific mechanisms like websites or mobile applications for online dating through the use of Internet-connected personal computers or mobile devices. Such companies offer a wide variety of unmoderated matchmaking services, most of which are profile-based.

Online dating services allow users to become “members” by creating a profile and adding personal information like age, gender, sexual orientation, location, and appearance. Most services also encourage members to add photos or videos to their profile. Once a profile has been created, members can view the profiles of other members of the service, using the visible profile information to decide whether or not to initiate contact. Most services offer digital messaging, online chat, telephone chat (VOIP) and message boards. Members can constrain their interactions to the online space, or they can arrange a date to meet in person.

A great diversity of online dating services currently exists. Some have a broad membership base of diverse users looking for many different types of relationships. Other sites target highly specific demographics based on features like shared interests, location, religion or relationship type. Online dating services also differ widely in their revenue streams. Some sites are completely free and depend on advertising for revenue. Others use the freemium revenue model, offering free registration with optional paid or premium services. Still others rely solely on paid membership subscriptions.