By ANGELICA SANCHEZ

Maryanne DeJesus started dating at age 11. That was five years ago. But Maryanne, now 16, learned a lesson: “Don’t start dating online,” she said. “Online dating is dangerous because the person you’re actually talking to can actually be way older than you.

In many cases, the start of teen dating comes somewhat with a learning curve–teens may simply not know what they are getting themselves into.

Statistics show five percent of online sex predators pretend to be teenagers, according to Online Safety Site, a group that offers outreach in how to protect oneself from the Internet.  Pimps often cruise around the Internet, striking up conversations with young girls and boys, only to abduct them from their homes or off the streets.

But some teens find that dating online is more convenient than actually going out into the real world. Most teens call them “partners in crime” or “my other half.” Actually going out and meeting someone new is better than not knowing who is behind the screen. Are parents on their child’s back wondering what they are doing online? Dating online comes with many different consequences, especially for teens who will give out the wrong information.

Dahlia Hughes, 15, thinks trust is not the right thing to do or feel in a relationship while dating online. “Trust is a very dangerous inaccurate word and that applies to dating of any sort. Just because you’re dating someone does not mean you know them inside and out. The person you simply can be talking to online can become your predator,” said Dahlia.

Other teens may feel that dating online is based on “catfish,” a practice where someone takes on a different name and persona over the Internet. Jared Anderson feels that being “catfished” is a huge part of dating online.

Teen dating online is more reliable for others such as one Bronx teen who went by Nelson. “Yes, I do think teens dating online is a reliable resource for finding new love.” He finds that dating online is way easier than getting rejected in person.