If you are single and looking to find a partner, chances are you have asked yourself … “Why should I join online dating sites when I can join social networking sites for free?”.

To answer this question, we first must consider the actual nature and substance of the sites.

People who join social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are there for various reasons. Most want to connect with old classmates, friends and family, play games, etc. In contrast, people who belong to dating sites are explicitly there seeking dates.

Most social networking sites are global and a melting pot of people of all age groups (including kids) that come from all walks of life who by and large simply want to socialize. If you’re looking for a date on social networking sites, it might take a while young in it’s demographics, which is fine if you’re young too, but it might not be that useful[spin] for singles over 35. [spin]Because the site started with and grew from college students and teens, that age group still represents the vast majority of of people on Facebook.

Dating sites are distinctive websites where people can interact and form relationships based upon common denominators. There’s a broad variety of niche dating sites that are available. You can find sites that cater to almost any interest or lifestyle that you can possibly imagine. There are dating sites for Christians, Catholics, dog lovers, cat lovers, horse lovers, single parents, guys who like older women, career minded people, etc. Let’s say for example you are primarily seeking Single Cowboys or those into the country way of life, then a site such as the Hitching Post may be an ideal choice for you.

What about dating apps like “Zoosk” and “Are You Interested?” that are now available on Facebook and MySpace?

The Zoosk Facebook App, for example, is technically a pay dating site that is simply utilizing Social Networking sites by creating an application as a means to advertise their services without having to pay for conventional advertising. Basically they are the same business model as dating sites like Match.com. It’s only free to browse and search for singles and send winks or flirts, you must be a premium member to reply to messages. Zoosk’s premium membership plans range from $19.99 per month to $59.96 for six months.

Many of these apps tend to be clumsy and often confusing to use. There also can be be some potential privacy issues when using or installing these apps. When you install a dating app, everyone knows it, including all your friends and family that you are connected with. Some will even spam those on your friends list to also install their app. After all this is the principal attraction for them to create their apps on the major social networking sites, the potential for viral marketing.Some of these apps can also be difficult to get rid of once installed.

Match.com and other major paid dating sites are also working on implementing dating apps for social networking sites. Make no mistake about it, these companies aren’t investing millions on developing and promoting applications without expectations of a return on their investment.

Don’t get me wrong, people have found love on social networking sites, but most often it’s by chance more than by design. Odds are you’ll typically have more success on a specialty dating site.

Grab important information about wedding favours – please make sure to go through the publication. The times have come when proper info is really at your fingertips, use this possibility.