Dating sites have been around for several years with their popularity growing. Most of the online dating sites out there charge a fee for their services. However there are a growing number of free online dating sites that are very popular like Plenty of Fish and Friendsation, with more popping up every year.

The free sites appear to make their money of selling ad space or by selling back end products like dating courses, dating seminars or other products related to the dating game. One concern that is voiced by users of online personals services is they suggest that the type of person, who would be profiled on a free dating site as opposed to a one where you have to pay, is not as serious.

Is someone who joins a Match.com more serious than about meeting someone than on a site like Friendsation? That may not be the point. The members of any online dating service are usually unique to that service. And when polled a high percentage of persons using these dating sites are members on several sites at once in order to increase their chances of meeting that special "someone".

Adult dating sites are increasing in popularity these days as well. Adult sites like adultfriendfinder are increasing in popularity while some traditional online dating sites are experiencing flat sales. A survey of dating affiliates recently pointed to the conclusions that they are mostly attracted to the niche dating sites as well as the more risque ones that have an adult theme. Some dating affiliates prefer the smaller sites and claim that they are happier with the payouts.