In analyzing the best dating sites, it is important to define the term "top" or "best." There are many list websites that claim to offer the top 10 dating sites. However, you must ask yourself what determines these criteria? There are three different factors to consider in terms of measuring popularity.

First, which of these top ten online dating sites are the most highly trafficked? High traffic doesn't necessarily mean popular. Websites like Alexa track the total number of hits, but just because a site is frequently clicked doesn't mean users are active. Members may be lurking at the site and browsing through profiles but with no serious intent to join. You also have to consider the total number of unique visitors to a website.

Next, consider how many members have officially signed up and created a profile. This will also give you a good idea of the top ten online dating sites. Many sites claim to have millions upon millions of members. Just bear in mind that many websites insist upon new users creating a date profile before they can even access any browsing features. Naturally, many users will create fake or gibberish profiles just to access the site for a free trial. Curiously, a few of the most popular websites have gotten in legal trouble for encouraging fake profiles, going so far as to pay women or men to masquerade as an available person.

In reality, what you want is the most active top ten online dating sites in terms of regular users that frequently browse, have legitimate profiles, and chat. What are these sites? Recently, Compete, a web tracking service, published their list of the seven most active sites. These include Yahoo Personals, Singles.net, Match.com, E-Harmony.com and Plenty of Fish.com.

What is the best website for you and your dating life? The most active site is not necessarily the best site for your own tastes. You may not feel comfortable at certain sites, because of their graphics, risqué photos, or because a large portion of their membership seems inappropriate for you. For the best results, choose a website that allows you to search for compatible mates-people with your lifestyle, your habits and your general disposition.

Any one of the top ten online dating sites may work for you, as they have worked for millions of others. Why not create a profile right now and start mingling online?