Time for a crash course in what not to do if you’re online dating: 

• Mistake #1: Send someone a message that makes you seem like Dexter, the detail-obsessed serial killer on the hit TV show. For example, “Were you waiting in the bathroom line at the Van Halen concert last night around 9:15? Thought I saw you.” A lot of people send “run-in” messages like that because they think it’s a casual way to reach out. But it just makes you come across as a stalker. So, experts say if do see someone you recognize from a dating site, go up and say “hi" - and start a real live conversation. 

• Another bad online dating move: Your profile looks like it’s from the Witness Protection Program. In other words, no photo and hardly any personal details. Experts say that a lot of people leave their profiles almost blank thinking it’ll filter out people just looking for flings or people who judge others solely on looks. So only people who are seriously interested will contact them. But experts say it’s a bad move because your profile is your star wingman and an opportunity for you to play up your top qualities and unique personality.

• And, the final online dating no-no: A blah user name, like Sarah13. German researchers found that online daters with fun and detailed usernames were contacted dramatically more often than those with blah-sounding ones. So, what’s the recipe for a fun name? Experts say incorporate either your home city or your favorite sports team or activity. For example, “New York Knicks fan” or “Pilates Girl.” Those user names contain built-in conversation starters so people can easily reach out to you.