One in five relationships now start online. However, despite the growing popularity and proven success rate of online dating, the debate over which is “better” – online dating or meeting people the old fashioned way – still rages on. Whereas some singles are still reluctant to trust the process of online dating, others have become so accustomed to it that it’s become the norm for most people. So, I wasn’t surprised when a friend recently said to me recently, “Online dating and meeting in person – are they really that different?!”

Yes and no.

Although it’s still very possible to meet your soul-mate offline, making this happen depends a lot on chance, trial and error. For example, if you go out to a bar you’re likely to meet other single people. However, the likelihood that you’ll find someone within that limited pool of singles that shares the same values, interests, relationship expectations – and that you’re attracted to – is rather slim. Instead, online dating provides you with access to thousands of singles that are matched with you based on what you’re looking for. In other words, why rely on chance, when you can rely on science?

It’s not that online dating is better, it just streamlines the process. If you’re looking for a serious commitment, here are a few ways that online dating can help you out.

1. It takes out the guesswork

Real talk, people: just because you’re attracted to someone physically, doesn’t necessarily mean that you share the same interests, values or even have compatible personalities – all of which are important when it comes to making a long term relationship work. This is where online dating really does you a solid.

For example, eHarmony has all of their members complete an in-depth questionnaire as soon as they sign up. The eHarmony Compatibility Matching System® matches singles based on 29 Dimensions of Compatibility for lasting and fulfilling relationships. They accomplish this by learning as much as possible about your dating personality, values and lifestyle through their signature questionnaire, so that they can match you with people that you’re “deeply compatible with.”

Instead of roaming aimlessly in the online dating sphere, dating services like eHarmony help take out the guesswork by only exposing you to other singles that you’ll be compatible with – saving you both time and energy.

2. It allows you to be as specific as you want –

So, your dream partner is a blonde haired, brown eyed, vegetarian who loves canoeing, Battlestar Galactica and making their own yogurt? Guess what – with thanks to online dating, you can actually search for someone with these specific characteristics and find what you’re looking for.

If you’re the kind of person who is incredibly detail oriented, Match.com has one of the most advanced search functions in the industry. Their advanced search filters contain detailed sorting of lifestyle features, such as exercise frequency and occupation, but also physical appearance, such as hair color and eye color, which allow you to literally build your own perfect Match. Similar to using a search engine like Google, Match.com also gives you the option to search under specific keyword in profile, such as “yogurt making” or “tofu” by using the MatchWords™ feature. You can even choose a set list of words that other users can search you with, to help ensure that the yogurt making, Battlestar Galactica loving person of your dreams can easily find you too.

3. Location, location, location –

One of the coolest trends in online dating as of late is the advent of mobile, location based technology. Thanks to a host of fun, user friendly mobile dating apps, you never have to worry about going to a bar and “striking out.” You can actually connect with singles based on their geographic proximity to you.

If you still prefer to meet people offline so you can immediately gage chemistry, you’ll love Zoosk’s Carousel app, which brings a playful spin to online dating. Carousel allows you to look through photos of other singles in your area and “swipe” left or right if you like them or not. If you find each other mutually attractive, you have the option to connect with them instantly using Zoosk’s in-house, free chat service. This is means that you can chat, flirt, interact and gage chemistry with a potential date without ever giving out your phone number. This is a great feature for people who like to cut straight to the chase and connect with local singles on the go!

4. It’s a numbers game –

Think about it: If you’re looking for “The One,” are you going to go to your local pub where you have to choose from a limited pool of people to talk to, or are you going to go to a dating popular dating site like Match.com or eHarmony which has millions of users worldwide?! Let’s face it – no matter how you slice it, dating is a numbers game and involves a lot of trial and error. So, you might as well start yourself off on the right foot and head to where all the singles are already hanging out: online.