Warning: don't date these men!

The computer dating gamer

The dating scene has always been full of game-players, but the online dating gamer is a special breed. He treats online dating like a computer game. He creates a profile that bears little relation to reality, and has hours of fun seeing how many 'hits' he can score.

He'll enjoy flirting with you and whipping you into excitement, but will never meet you.

How to spot him
The gamer may give himself away through weird inconsistencies in his profile or emails. He'll lose interest quickly and never meet you for an offline date.

The rebounder

A dumpee can be a very enthusiastic boyfriend. He's grateful for your affection and desperate to prove to his ex that he's happy without her. And that's the point: it's all about his ex, not you.

The rebounder still thinks about her first thing in the morning and last thing at night. He'll never stop hoping for a reconciliation. If she offers any hint of hope, you won't see him for dust.

How to spot him
He'll probably fill his profile with veiled references to his heartache and not-so-veiled criticisms of his ex. 'I'm looking for a woman who won't slag off my clothes and make me spend weekends with her mother' is the mark of a man who's stuck in the past.

Don't assume that separated or divorced men are rebounders. It takes time and courage to walk away from a marriage, so chances are he's had a while to get over it.

The married man

Dating websites aren't quite the adulterous knocking shops that some believe them to be. But online, just as in any bar, you're bound to find men in search of some extra-marital pulling.

How to spot him
The biggest clue is the absence of a photo on his profile. He won't include much personal info either, and when you start emailing he'll neatly sidestep your questions.

He may want to meet up quickly rather than get caught up in a three-week email bonding session, and he'll only see you at odd times, perhaps a bit of Wednesday afternoon delight or a weekday evening rendezvous.

He's not keen on weekend dates, because he has other commitments. Like a wife and two kids!

The pretty boy

You say you want a man who is wise, witty and kind to animals. But when you're browsing online profiles, you click on the ones with pretty faces. It's human nature.

Worse, dating a guy who is better looking than you will leave you feeling insecure. You know that he can get any woman he wants, so you'll always be looking over your shoulder. My tip: use him for sex and move on.

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