I was married for 23 years. 23 years ago we didn't have a virtual cornucopia of internet dating sites. Nope, we did it the old fashioned way in bars, social get togethers, or friends setting you up. My question is this, is there an internet dating protocol, a common knowledge etiquette so to speak? Do you reply to all messages sent? Should you expect a reply to messages sent? Honestly, I have no idea how to navigate this modern twist to dating.
Google "rules online dating". I just did and pulled up lists that varied tremendously, even to the point of stating the opposite. It's not much like f2f dating at all.
Also, since it comes up a ton around here, do yourself a favor and DON'T expect replies to every message. Many people opt for a silent show of disinterest, rather than receiving a verbal tirade to their polite "no thank", which, sadly, happens a lot online.
I'm polite, so I respond to all messages, except the scammers.
The first thing I learned is how to recognize a Nigerian scammer. And from what I've been told and read, the "female" scammers are the worst. I put female in quotes because they're really men.