Meeting Safely: A First-Meet Checklist

Before you meet

• Chat first. A few days of messages, or a quick video call, helps confirm the person matches their profile. Be wary of anyone who refuses a video call.
• Check the profile. Look for the blue ID Verified tick, the member's rating, and consistent details. A tick is a good sign, not a guarantee.
• Do a quick search. A reverse image search of their photos can reveal stolen pictures.
• Keep personal details private. Hold back your full name, home address, workplace, and financial information until you trust them. Your real name and email are never shown publicly on Casual Encounters, and you decide what to share.
• Keep early chats on the site. Our messaging is moderated, and we alert you if someone tries to move the conversation to an outside app.

Choose the right place

• Meet somewhere public the first time, such as a bar, café, or restaurant.
• Arrange your own transportation so you can leave when you want.
• Avoid meeting at your home, or going to theirs, on the first meet.
• If you move to a private location later, make that a conscious decision, not an assumption.

Tell someone

• Share the person's name, profile photo, where you're going, and when you'll check in.
• Use your phone's live location sharing with a friend.
• Agree on a check-in text or code word that means "call me, I need an out."

During the meet

• Watch your drink. Don't leave it unattended, and don't accept drinks you didn't see poured.
• Pace your alcohol and other substances. They affect judgment and the ability to give or read consent clearly.
• Keep your phone charged and within reach.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off, leave. You don't owe an explanation.

Sexual health

• Use condoms or other barrier protection every time.
• Talk about testing and boundaries before sex. It's normal, and it's a good sign when someone is open about it.
• Get tested regularly, especially with new or multiple partners. Find a clinic near you at gettested.cdc.gov, or ask your doctor.
• Know where to get emergency contraception, and that PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) must be started within 72 hours of exposure.

After the meet

• Let your friend know you're home safe.
• If you're not interested, say so clearly and kindly. You have no obligation to meet again or keep chatting.
• Leave honest feedback with the one-click upvote or downvote, which helps other members judge who is trustworthy.
• If you felt unsafe or were treated badly, report the member. You can also block them instantly.

Printable checklist

• Chatted or video called first
• Profile and photos checked
• Public place chosen
• Own transportation arranged
• Friend told who, where, and when
• Phone charged, location shared
• Protection with me
• Check-in text planned

Last reviewed: October 2026