When I first signed up for online dating about four years ago, one of the things I found most surprising was the sheer number of messages that I received as a single female online for the first time. I live in a small-ish sized city, so when someone new that you’ve never seen online pops on, you take notice. At times I felt a bit like fresh meat – just waiting to be preyed on by potential internet suitors. The point is, I spent most of my time online just trying to sort through all the messages, trying to figure out who was legit and worth talking to. I was looking for a relationship and didn’t want to waste my time with people who weren’t serious.

But, how do you find the good candidates amidst all of the unsuitable ones? Easy. You train yourself to avoid certain people online.

Here’s a few types of online daters you should avoid at all costs.

1. The hook-up.

OK, so this one is pretty obvious, but it goes without saying that if you’re looking for a serious relationship you should definitely only be looking at people who fall in the “looking for a relationship category.” With that said, some people who are just looking to hook-up, will select that they’re looking for a relationship in hopes of attracting more people. So how can you tell these people from the legit commitment seekers? Beware of a large number of scantily clad photos, a profile that’s devoid of details and messages that are overly forward or sexual. I don’t care how good their abs look – they’re only after one thing and it’s not a serious commitment. Next!

2. The sly player.

Unlike the hook-up, the player is much less overt about his or her intentions, therefore making them that much more difficult to spot. The player is after the same thing (to hook-up) but they’re much better at hiding it. They’re good-looking, charming and want to meet up right away. If fact, they seem almost perfect. Words to the wise: if someone seems too good to be true, they probably are.

3. The instant boyfriend/girlfriend.

So, you’re looking for a relationship. That’s great! But, here’s the thing about relationships: they take time to develop. You have to meet the person, date for a bit and then decide to make a commitment. Like the old saying goes, “you can’t rush love” or something. With that said, the realm of online dating is rife with singles who are looking to find a boyfriend or girlfriend immediately – even if it means jumping into a commitment with someone they barely know. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to be their boyfriend/girlfriend on the first or second date or tell you they love you far too soon. Maybe they’ve recently been broken up with or maybe they are deeply insecure and can’t stand the thought of being alone.

Either way, anyone who seems to be in a rush to take things to the next level should be avoided at all costs.

4. The Rebounder.

They’re easy to spot because they usually mention their recent breakup or divorce in their actual profile (“Just ended a long term relationship and am here checking things out”) because, you know, that’s romantic. They may say that they’re ready for a new relationship but let’s be honest: they’re probably lying to themselves and the general dating population. You can’t have a healthy relationship with someone new until you’ve made peace with your past relationship(s). Eventually they’ll figure this out for themselves, but in the meantime don’t waste any time on members of the online heartbreak club.

5. The drama queen.

These people are also easy to spot because their profile is 70% ALL CAPS and exclamation points (!!!!!) They’re just looking for a “good guy!!!” or “good girl!!!” because that’s what they are!!!!! They also mention the word “drama” in their profile eleventy million times because they want you to know that they’re “totally not into it!!!” Drama, that is. Their profile write up also likely mentions their personal relationship experiences (“I’ve been hurt a lot in the past and now I’m just looking for no drama!!”) and maybe even includes a lengthy list of everything they’re looking for in a partner.

Sure, maybe these lost souls have just had too!!! Much!!! Coffee!! but, more than likely if it walks like a drama queen, talks like a drama queen…and well, you know the rest.

6. Mr. or Miss. Numbers game.

Yes, online dating is a “numbers game.” You have to meet and interact with a lot of different people before you find someone you share a great connection with. However, some online daters really take this ‘powers in numbers’ philosophy to heart. In the process, they have become jaded. They’re easy to spot because it seems like they’re putting zero effort into online dating. The messages they send are only a couple of words and seem to have been cut and pasted. In order to find a relationship you need to make an effort to actually connect with people. This can be as simple as sending a short but thoughtful message about something you saw in the other person’s profile. If someone is not willing to put in effort to contact you, they’re not worth your time.