Before Meeting Someone
- Take your time. Get to know the person through our messaging system before agreeing to meet in person. Be cautious if someone pushes to meet immediately.
- Video chat first. Consider having a video call before meeting in person to verify their identity.
- Research your match. While respecting privacy, it's reasonable to look up public information about someone you're meeting.
- Share your plans. Tell a friend or family member about your date plans, including who you're meeting, when, and where.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't ignore red flags.
Online Safety
- Use a strong password. Create a unique password for your Essence Dating App account.
- Protect personal information. Be careful about sharing identifying details in your profile or messages.
- Be wary of financial requests. Never send money to someone you've met on our platform, regardless of the reason.
- Report suspicious behavior. Use our reporting tools to flag concerning profiles or messages.
- Be cautious with external links. Avoid clicking on links sent by other users that direct you away from our platform.
- Don't share sensitive photos. Never share intimate photos that could be used against you later.
Meeting In Person
- Meet in a public place. Choose a busy location with plenty of other people around.
- Arrange your own transportation. Drive yourself or use public transportation/rideshare services so you can leave independently.
- Stay sober. Keep a clear head by limiting alcohol consumption.
- Keep personal information private. Don't share your home address, workplace location, or financial information during early meetings.
- Set up a check-in system. Arrange for a friend to call or text you at a specific time during the date.
Reporting Concerns
If you encounter behavior that makes you uncomfortable or violates our community guidelines, please report it immediately:
- Go to the user's profile and click the "Report" button
- Select the appropriate reason for reporting
- Provide details about the incident
- Submit the report
Our safety team reviews all reports and takes appropriate action, which may include warning users or removing them from the platform.
Resources
If you need additional support, these resources can help: