We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cultural

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Dating Background Check?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 23, 2024

The dating background check is a process which uses the resources of a professional to ascertain if an individual you are currently dating or are considering dating is what he or she appears to be. Essentially, a dating background check makes use of public records to prevent the hurt and anger that can come from finding out important factors about a love interest after the relationship has become firmly established. The use of this type of precaution has become increasingly popular, especially since the advent of online dating opportunities.

The goal of a dating background check is to make use of available documents and records to determine if there are known factors that could have a negative impact if the dating becomes serious. Taking the time to conduct this type of check makes it possible to avoid a first date altogether, or to end a budding relationship before too many dates have taken place and emotional attachments have begun to develop.

For example, an individual who is not interested in dating someone who is not financially secure or at least responsible enough to hold down a job can make use of this type of background check to identify any indicators of financial instability. This can include looking into employment history, noting how long the individual remained with various employers. A check of the credit history of the individual will also reveal any slow pays on loans or credit cards, bankruptcies, foreclosures or other adverse financial dealings. When the information indicates an ongoing and current problem with finances, there is a strong chance that the relationship would end badly if pursued.

The dating background check can also help reveal important bits of information that are sometimes concealed, such as whether or not the potential date is married or has children. For people who are not ready to take on the responsibility of children, this can be extremely important information. The presence of a legal spouse, even where there is a legal separation, may also be a warning sign. Anyone who has become emotionally involved with an individual who is not legally free knows just how hurtful this type of dating situation can become.

There is also the matter of determining if there is a criminal history that should be discussed or taken into consideration. A competent dating background check will include looking for any indications of arrests or convictions for any type of issue ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. As with the financial background check, the main point is to determine if there is an ongoing issue with criminal activity. If someone had a minor issue a number of years ago and nothing has occurred since, the criminal record may not be of great importance. However, if there is a lengthy record of arrests over several years, there is a good chance that the individual should be avoided.

A dating background check does not ensure the success of the dating or that a loving relationship will bloom. However, running this type of check can help to minimize the chances of ending up with someone who will either prove to be a disappointment or worse. Investigative agencies that offer this service can be found online as well as in many major metropolitan areas.

PublicPeople is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including PublicPeople, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
Discussion Comments
By ctaylor — On May 13, 2010

My friend just found out that the guy she's been dating for over a year (in Chicago) is a complete fraud and had used her credit cards. Don't fall into this trap.

By hoosnext — On Oct 02, 2009

Help me out - I've been chatting with a woman and we're ready to meet, but she sent me to a "safe" site and they require a credit card number. I'm not sure this is legit. Anybody able to teach me about these things?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.publicpeople.org/what-is-a-dating-background-check.htm
PublicPeople, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

PublicPeople, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.