Guidelines for Dating Several Men (or Women) at Once

Most online dating involves meeting a lot of people, some at the same time. Just because you start emailing or making plans to meet with one doesn't mean you have to wait on seeing others. You're a free agent until you're in a committed relationship.

However, that doesn't mean that you can do whatever you want without regard or consideration for others. Dating should involve mutual respect and honesty. If you practice these qualities, you'll attract more like-minded people to you.

Following are some guidelines to dating more than one person at a time:

Know what you're looking for. If you just want to play the field and aren't interested in a relationship, let your dates know upfront. Same thing if you are looking for a relationship. Either scenario is fine, but you get into trouble if you're not honest. Don't waste someone else's time with game playing.

Be considerate. If you're on a date, don't mention the other guys you've met online, and please don't text your other dates! A friend of mine sent a text to another man she was dating while on a date and then got up to use the restroom. When she returned, she noticed that the screen with her text was on display to her date, who obviously had seen the flirtatious exchange, and promptly told her "thanks, but no thanks."

It's okay to keep your options open. Maybe you've met someone that you really like, and decide to stop dating others because you're waiting for something to happen with him. This is not a good move. Instead of cutting off your options when there's no real commitment, take this time to continue dating and meeting people. It takes a while to really get to know someone, so take advantage and don't expect too much too soon.

Don't date friends or co-workers. If you work in the same office or live in the same apartment building with two women you're dating, things could get messy. It's best to keep your dates separate as much as possible. Even if you're not committing to anyone, you're opening yourself up to a potentially tricky situation, and will likely end up losing both of them.

Don't disappear. If you've been dating other women when you meet someone who makes you fall head over heels, don't just vanish. Be communicative with your dates. Let them know you've met someone and want to start a relationship with her, instead of letting them wonder what exactly happened to you. There's a caveat to this: don't tell them to wait around in case it doesn't work out. They are free to do as they please, as are you.