In the era of online dating, it's easy to stretch the truth in that catchy profile you use to attract potential dates. Be careful about the bait you use to lure that great catch, however, because it will come back to bite you.

"Fresh, Young Outlook!"
Men and women alike sometimes subtract a few years when they list their age on their profiles - or maybe even a decade! Sometimes they use creative math, saying they're younger on their quick summary but then confessing their real age in the longer description. Sometimes they lie consistently throughout the profile. False advertising is not going to win over your dates. Maybe people tell you all the time that you look younger than your age. Fine! Let your date be the judge if that's true when he or she meets you.

"Wrinkles Disappear Overnight!"
Photos are another danger zone. Are you using old or extremely touched-up pics to attract dates? If so, you're setting yourself up for failure. This is called bait and switch in the advertising industry. Wouldn't it make more sense to attract someone who likes you the way you are and is pleasantly surprised that you look even better in person?

"Single and Looking!"
One of the most faith-shattering falsehoods is to lie about your marital status. If you're married and trying to have an affair, luring some unsuspecting single person into your web of lies is not going to end well. It's just plain wrong on all levels! If you must stray from your spouse, go to an online site that starts with the expectation that members are there to hook up on the side. Then you can both go into the date knowing that you're equally unconcerned about breaking vows and that you're looking for fun and games, not a relationship.

"Free to a Good Home!"
Even saying you're divorced when you're still separated is not fair. Those separated "singles" can and do waffle over whether to end their marriage. Then if the previously unhappy couple reunites, the third party gets left out in the cold. So let your potential date make his or her own decision whether to step into that uncertain territory by being honest about your legal status.

"Guaranteed Results!"
When you meet face to face, the disparity between how old you say you are, how you look in the photos you posted and how old you look in person will be obvious. What then? What's the point in luring someone on a date that's going to turn sour immediately? And if you're lying about your marital status, your date is likely to discover the truth after a few dates. Watch out then! What if your new sweetie seeks revenge and alerts your spouse to your wicked ways? You might get burned in more ways than one!

If you're viewing your false advertising as a few harmless white lies, think again. What's your goal? To catch the attention of someone awesome, right? If you attract the person you want to attract, at the very least he or she will be irritated at your deception. More likely, your lack of honesty will make them walk before the date really begins.

In reality, you'll be better off dating someone who knows the truth, is pleased by your youthful appearance and is attracted to your genuine personality. So keep it real!