As the internet plays an ever greater part in our social lives, with sites such as Facebook helping us to keep in touch with our friends, it's inevitable that we also use it to help us run our love lives as well. Here is the pick of the best dating sites - not forgetting our very own website telegraph.co.uk/dating, of course
Internet dating has shed its geeky image and now there are a host of sites offering free online dating, some with millions of members and some with a more select clientele. There are sites especially for singles of all sorts, whether they are disabled, gay or lesbian, Christian or lovers of fine wine. There is even - rejoice! - a site to help you find the perfect millionaire.
Dating Direct
Newly merged with Meetic, the giant of the dating scene, giving access to nearly 20 million users across Europe and with plenty of high-tech ways to find them.
Match.com
Another heavyweight player: 15 million members, funky, irreverent and boldly guaranteeing love within six months.
My Single Friend
The place for those well-meaning types who can't believe their best friend is single. They push your qualities so you don't have to.
Friend Finder
Webcam chats, an online magazine and plenty of Good Housekeeping-style tips and advice.
JDate
The net's biggest Jewish dating service, with often hilariously self-deprecating personal descriptions.
Gay.com
Probably with the broadest reach of the hundreds of lesbian and gay sites on the net, plus news, features, travel tips, fashion and gossip.
Christian Cafe
With the strapline "All Christian. All single", a worldwide meeting place for believers in search of each other.
Meeting Millionaires
Where the ultra rich meet other ultra rich - and, yes, they do check your wealth when you sign up.
Large and Lovely Connections
A welcome antidote to the size 0 brigade. Big built men and women and their admirers.
Wine Lovers Meet
For those who connect over first growths and talk of terroir. Includes a wine glossary, features and tips, plus an etiquette guide to get you through that first vintage date. Mostly US but with a growing number of UK members.
Speeddater
Not a dating site as such but the quickest route to finding a speeddating event in your area. Sharpen up that patter and be prepared to woo.
Dating4Disabled
Dating and online chat with disabled and able-bodied people around the world.
Flirtbox
Simple, straightforward and free UK personals site - hugely popular.
Loopy Love
One of the UK's first dating sites and still in the top five with an engaging blend of fun graphics, "mad" profiles and interactive add-ons for the Facebook generation.
Club Karibu
Online personals for Africans and Afro-Caribbeans in the UK.
Dating For Parents
Where you don't have to worry about mentioning the little nippers.
Parship
Dating with a scientific approach - finding "the perfect match" through online psychometric testing.
Asians4Asians
Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and non-believers from around the UK and beyond.
Fifty Aready
Who says dating's just for the the youngsters?
Green Singles
Personals for those in the environmental, vegetarian and animal-rights communities and people who value the outdoor life.