Let's Talk Red Flags (Page 2)

Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor: Lillian Castro

Updated:

“I love spotting red flags,” said no one ever. So we want to help you spot them early in dating or relationships. That way, you won’t waste your precious time on the wrong someone.

Whether you just started texting someone, are going on a first date, or are months into a relationship that just feels off, we have the tools to help you spot the warning signs or troubling behavior you may be missing.

To be frank, red flags can be sneaky little things and hard to detect, especially if you’re really digging someone. So let us be your barometer.

Read about common red flags, such as love bombing and gaslighting, so you can understand what they are and how they appear. In no time, you’ll learn to identify toxic patterns and red flags in real time, as well as how to take action with confidence. We did the research, so you can kick bad dates to the curb.

188 Results

What Our Experts Say:

31.
15 Dating Violence Statistics[updated_month_year before=" for "]
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Dating violence statistics shine a spotlight on the undercurrent of dangers in romantic relationships. Every action in the dating scene -- from giving out a phone number to accepting a date invitation at someone's home -- can bring up safety concerns, so it's vital to get the facts on the worst-case scenarios. Our researchers have pulled some numbers to answer common questions about domestic violence in the U.S.1...

Read More »
32.
8 Guys to Avoid in Online Dating
Julie Spira

Julie Spira

The best part about using dating apps is you’ll have the opportunity to date every day if you like, and there’s no doubt about it that no two dates will be the same. When you’re searching for love online, you’ll find men from every walk of life and varied personal backgrounds — that means you will also encounter the spectrum of different personality types. Many single women who use online dating sites and apps...

Read More »
33.
Signs of an Abusive Relationship (LGBT Advice)
Dr. Frankie Bashan

Dr. Frankie Bashan

I hear phrases like these all the time from people, the media, or on social media: “I don’t know why she stayed," "It's her fault for continuing to go back," "It can’t be that bad if she won’t leave," or "There’s no way she is telling the truth about her partner, who's the nicest, most generous person. It must be her who is the problem." One of the major problems with abusive relationships is that the people who...

Read More »
34.
9 Signs of a Toxic Relationship (From an Expert)
Rachel Dack

Rachel Dack

There is no such thing as the perfect partner who will do every little thing right. Even healthy, happy relationships have some level of conflict, but toxic relationships are consistently unhealthy and can do significant damage over time. Oftentimes, there are warning signs early in dating, but toxic partners may be on their best behavior at the beginning of the relationship, which is part of their act. Then the...

Read More »
35.
18 Signs of an Abusive Relationship (Early, Emotional & Mental)
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

Most of us have watched scenes of domestic abuse on TV and in movies. Often there's screaming, throwing things, punching walls, slapping, etc. However, most abuse isn't this upfront, and there are many different types of abuse. According to the CDC, 48% of people have suffered emotional and verbal abuse in a relationship. In this article, I'll take you through the different signs of an abusive...

Read More »
36.
How to Spot a Player When Online Dating
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

In the song "Too Little, Too Late" by the 2000s princess JoJo, she sings: "I can love with all of my heart, baby. I know I have so much to give. With a player like you, I don't have a prayer. That's no way to live. It's just too little, too late." I think it's safe to say most of us have been blinded by someone who said and did all the right things -- but he or she was saying them to and doing them with other...

Read More »
37.
15 Statistics On Catfishing (And Ways To Avoid It)
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

One of my best friends is obsessed with MTV's show "Catfish."1 She'll spend a whole Sunday watching episodes online, laughing about the harmless misunderstandings and getting teary-eyed about the serious heartbreaks (she's a big-time crier). For those of us who haven't experienced catfishing, it's easy to enjoy the show and walk away without a care in the world. But anyone who has experienced catfishing knows it's...

Read More »
38.
Quackwatch℠ Explains How Health Misinformation Can Affect Your Life & Relationships
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: If you don't have a medical education, it can be hard to discern what medicines, vitamins, and treatments are legit. There's so much conflicting advice and information on the web, and it's easy for patients to fall for phony remedies and quack medicines. That's why Quackwatch monitors the health marketplace and challenges misleading information. Its informative articles help average individuals and...

Read More »
39.
How to Be Safe With Online Dating: 9 Tips for Avoiding Scams[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

My online dating vetting process is fairly straightforward: I don't go out with a person I just met online. It takes time to build trust, and I'm not in a hurry to meet any random smooth talker with an internet connection. If a guy asks me out right away, I'm upfront that it's not personal, but I'd rather play it safe and wait until we've talked a little more and gotten to know each other. "That sounds like a waste...

Read More »
40.
Aste — Human-Powered Investigations Fight Online Dating Fraud to  Keep You Safe in Your Search For Love
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The Short Version: Founded by Julie Nashawaty, who was almost wooed by a bank robber on a dating site, Aste is on a mission to reduce the risks associated with online dating. Aste’s team of professional investigators offer a hands-on, proprietary service that scours the web, social media, official records, and other sources to discover all pertinent information about a potential suitor before you meet. By delivering...

Read More »
41.
Is He Cheating Online? 7 Signs From a Relationship Coach
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

Cheating is bad -- let’s just say that right off the bat. It’s a betrayal of trust and is never healthy in a relationship. If we're talking about online activity, though, sometimes it's hard to tell what's considered cheating. Is sexting cheating? Is having a subscription to a cam girl site cheating? Is it cheating to be talking to your ex and lying about it? All debatable. We don’t want to necessarily get into the...

Read More »
42.
LonelyHousewives.com Review & #1 Alternative[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

Our LonelyHousewives review can tell you everything you need to know about this longstanding dating website for married women, MILFs, cougars, and the men who love them. These days, there's a niche dating site for anyone with any interest, and we've tested and reviewed just about all of them. From farmers to inmates to salad lovers to fans of British men, the list is practically never-ending -- especially because...

Read More »
43.
9 Ways to Spot Fake Dating Profiles: From Pictures to Messages
Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer

Analytical data abounds on the realities of online dating — and not all of it is good news. For example, 10% of dating profiles are fake, and over $50 million is lost every year from cons, according to the FBI, which receives thousands of romance scam complaints annually. While these are some overwhelming statistics, there are steps you can take to ensure you or someone you know won't be taken advantage of. We'll...

Read More »
44.
How to Catch a Catfish Online: 17 Tell-Tale Signs & What to Do
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

I used to go catfishing with my grandpa all the time when I was little. We'd go to the river nearby, put our lines in the water, catch as many as we could, and come home and fry 'em up for dinner. These are some of my fondest memories. Now, however, catfishing has a whole 'nother meaning, and it's not a good one. In the online world, catfishing is when someone lies about who they are to lure people into a romantic...

Read More »
45.
5 Common Online Dating Scams & 4 Trusted Sites[updated_month_year before=" - "]
Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer

Sadly, online dating scams are still widespread and affect thousands. In 2018, the FBI received 351,937 romance scam complaints. It's no surprise that deceitful individuals lurk online, seeking to exploit vulnerable and lonely people, often viewing singles on dating sites as easy prey. Our goal is to arm you against those cybercriminals, so you don't become one of those 5,800 complaints. We've put together some...

Read More »
46.
10 Good Reasons to Break Up With Your Boyfriend — (From a Relationship Coach)
Rachel Dack

Rachel Dack

Knowing when to stay in a relationship and when to leave can be an exhausting mind game involving second-guessing and doubt. Defense mechanisms, such as denial, rationalization, or acting out, may be utilized to protect yourself against unwanted uncomfortable feelings associated with confronting your dilemma head on and making the decision to stay or go. Initiating a breakup may be an overwhelming endeavor, but the...

Read More »
47.
The Dangers of Online Dating: 7 Stats & Ways to Stay Safe[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer

The dangers of online dating don't just include things like being ghosted or heartbroken -- there are actual risks involved in meeting strangers online, and it's important to go into it with your eyes open and alert to potential threats. We're big proponents of online dating, but we understand how it can be a scary thing to do. You're putting yourself out there in front of millions of people, and you're never...

Read More »
48.
7 Online Dating Red Flags for Men & Women[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

I remember watching this "Dr. Phil" episode one time about a guy who met a woman on a dating site, and they really hit it off. Not long after, they were making plans to meet, but she was in another country and didn't have the means to come to the U.S. to be with him. So, he decided to help -- after all, they were in love. For months, he'd send her money to use toward paying for her travel expenses, but something...

Read More »
49.
10 Worst Dating “Horror Stories” (Lesbian Edition)
Mary Gorham Malia

Mary Gorham Malia

Any lesbian single who has been dating for any length of time has one or more horror stories to share. Whether they be dates in person or online connections, these situations have gone from being bad to being absolutely bizarre, weird, crazy and horrible. Sometimes you realize the clues were there all along, and sometimes you’re totally caught off guard. Here are the 10 worst lesbian dating horror stories of all...

Read More »
50.
5 Signs You’re an Unavailable Dater
Rachel Dack

Rachel Dack

Take a pause to appreciate all of the wonderful, trustworthy, honest, intelligent, funny AND, most importantly, available men out there. Soak in the reality that these men do exist and one can be yours. You might have a number of reactions to this exercise, such as: "No way!" "How can I be grateful if I haven’t met any?" "What’s there to appreciate when I’m still single?" Or: "Yes, that is true." "I am willing to...

Read More »
51.
Maybe She Should Stay Blonde: 7 Times Kim Kardashian Made A Fool Of Herself
Shelby Davidson

Shelby Davidson

Coming from a family that is famous for big butts, scandalous relationships and hiding plastic surgery, it's no wonder Kim Kardashian has had her fair share of questionable moments. She has built herself quite a reputation of stupidity and narcissism not only through her actions but through the ridiculous things she says. There's a reason she is the face of thousands of funny gifs. Prepare to insert the "eek face"...

Read More »
52.
Study: 49% of Teens Who Date Have Experienced Domestic Abuse
Shelby Davidson

Shelby Davidson

When we talk about domestic violence, a lot of the focus tends to be on adults, and the incidence of abuse within the teenage dating sphere often goes unnoticed. Unfortunately, new research has found some astounding statistics and facts that prove just how concerning younger generations are when it comes to the combination of conflicts and relationships. By the Numbers The new study, presented at the American...

Read More »
53.
4 Most Common Online Dating Lies
Gina Stewart

Gina Stewart

The other day I was talking to this guy online. Conversation was flowing great. He was very intelligent and had done all kinds of things. I was impressed. He was former military, had an engineering degree, had traveled to all kinds of places, was taking a year off before starting grad school, used to be a paramedic — the list of stuff this guy had done was seemingly endless. While he had great stories, I finally...

Read More »
54.
NCDSV: Bringing Professionals Together to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The 411: The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence is a leader in stopping these terrible crimes by training and consulting with law enforcement, educators, media, policymakers and more to provide support for victims and effective intervention for perpetrators, as well as working cooperatively with others to prevent the use of violence. Domestic and sexual violence are serious problems at local, state,...

Read More »
55.
Dr. Gail Dines’ “Growing Up in a Pornified Culture”
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

Teens are bombarded with images and articles that cause them to hypersexualize themselves, making them ready for a pornography shoot even if they never set foot on one, according to Dr. Gail Dines. “This culture is socializing our young girls to be ready for pornography, whether they ever end up on a porn site or not,” said Dines, a professor of sociology and women’s studies at Wheelock College in Boston. Dines...

Read More »
56.
Why is She Ignoring Me?
Randy Mitchell

Randy Mitchell

Let’s say you began seeing someone and things are firing on all cylinders. You’re talking, texting, emailing and even Skyping. Then things severely slow down. What was once a daily call now switches to every other day, then once a week, then zip. What could be the reasons? Let’s take a look: 1. The Chemistry Has Fizzled It happens to everyone. One minute you have that crazy attraction, and the next she says she’s...

Read More »
57.
The 7 Worst Online Daters Ever
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The Internet has a lot going for it, but it's definitely known as a hangout for weirdos. We unfortunately sometimes make the mistake of going out with these rather strange strangers that we meet online, but at least the Internet offers us a forum for sharing these horrible date experiences. Pooled from all over cyberspace, here are the seven worst online dates ever. 7. Talk Baby To Me From complex.com "We head to a...

Read More »
58.
Tips for Teens About Healthy Relationships
Rachel Dack

Rachel Dack

Adolescence and young adulthood are opportunities to get to know yourself, explore who you are, try on different identities and develop your interests. While it is common to date, it might feel tricky to determine if your romantic relationships are healthy, unhealthy or somewhere in between. You are not supposed to have all of the answers about relationships, but you can begin to learn what works for you through...

Read More »
59.
5 Obvious Signs That He’s Not Over His Ex
Brian Rzepczynski

Brian Rzepczynski

Nothing can be more frustrating than finally finding a guy you feel want to settle down with — only to not be able to shake this nagging suspicion that your beau is still pining for or thinking about his ex-boyfriend. While you can understand that he has a past, you also would hope that he wouldn’t be distracted by those old flames who broke his heart and would instead be excited and driven by the prospect of a...

Read More »
60.
Loveisrespect: The Ultimate Resource for Fostering Healthy Relationships
Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

The 411: With more than 88,000 chats, phone calls and texts coming in every year, loveisrespect is the most reliable and authoritative organization focused on helping teens and young adults identify, prevent and end abusive relationships.  With more than 41 million teens in the U.S, it's important for them to have a convenient way to get good advice about relationships, and that's exactly...

Read More »
Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor-in-Chief

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted by the Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, and AskMen, among others.

See Amber's full bio »

Share the Knowledge!

Our dating experts work hard to show you the best dating sites. Want to show your appreciation? Share this page!