The New Rules Of Online Dating

Follow these expert tips to make sure you’re not over- (or under) doing it.

- Candice Jalili

Showing your romantic interest without looking too thirsty is a hard balance to strike...especially on social media. After you’ve ‘researched’ your new crush online and gone on a few dates, when do you add them on Snapchat? Is it cool to Like their Facebook status? How soon can you post an Instagram pic together?

Don’t be fooled—these moves matter. “They’re baby steps for testing your partner’s interest in being public and showing affection with you,” says sociol o gist Lisa Wade, PhD, a professor at Occidental College, Los Angeles, and author of American Hookup: The New Culture Of Sex On Campus.

With that in mind, here are your (super) specific guidelines for integrating a new partner into all aspects of your social-media life during every phase of your budding relationship.

AFTER THREE DATES

Friend or Follow

“Wait at least three dates before making the first move (sending a Friend Request or hitting Follow), so you’re sure you like them enough to see them in your feed,” suggests US-based Founder and CEO of eFlirt, Laurie Davis Edwards. “If you do it before this point, it could come off like you’re trying to dig up dirt.” (Of course, you can carefully backstalk them before this if their account isn’t private.)

WITHIN SEVEN DAYS

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