I've learned the hard way, there are certain dating sites to avoid.
Avoid dating sites that do not offer a free trial.
They want to get your money before you discover their flaws.
Avoid dating sites that cater to "Adult Friends" only. If you are looking for friendships, and romantic relationships that will hopefully lead to a commitment, this is not the site for you. This site is for adults that are looking for sexual "Friends" only. So, unless you want to be a permanent "Bootie Call", keep looking!
Avoid sites that have limited search options. It is very frustrating when you have to actually interact with someone before you can find out their age, height, weight, location, occupation, religion, likes and dislikes.
Having extensive search options, will allow you to narrow your search. If you are opposed to a long distance relationship, here you will be able to search for someone that interests you within a certain mile radius.
Not having adequate search options will force you to interact with too many people in order to reach the people you would be interested in. It is a true time waster ...
Run ... do not walk ... to the next dating site.
This is a good sign that this particular site has a very limited number of members. The only way to keep them is to set the site up in this fashion. This "forces' attention to their limited number of members.
This is only a few of the dating sites to avoid. As you shop for dating site / s to join, you will soon have a list of your own!
Good luck ... just make sure you are safe and have fun along the way!