Re: David Wygant's answer. Just because someone may ask these kinds of questions too early in the game doesn't necessarily mean he or she is the type of pond scum Mr. Wygant implies. Internet personals are quick and fast-moving, these questions are the some peoples' own version of the weeding process. It doesn't necessarily mean that they're out for sex right away, but perhaps are just sizing up the competition, dating history, and personal tastes, which I think are natural questions. The e-mail asking to wait before answering these kinds of questions is still probably the best response. Direct questions deserve direct answers, even if it's that you'll answer it later. Make sure that you don't word it like Mr. Wygant's answer to this question, calling the person childish or without manners. Yes, some people online are still neanderthals, but you can't always make this determination in the first e-mail. It will become evident after three or four messages if this person still lives in the stone age, but give him or her a chance first.

Any stranger who asks that kind of personal information is being rude and disgusting. I would never even e-mail someone back who asked me those kinds of questions when I had never even met them or talked to them! Whatever happened to common courtesy? Do not give him or her a chance as the caveman above suggests. ANY stranger who asks specific questions about your sexual hisory is either a perv or a social misfit. Guaranteed.

One must be very cautious while using online dating services

In my experiences when someone has mentioned sex or any other personal subject related to that I tell them what I am looking for in the other person and what I will and will not do with someone. If they really are interested in me we continue talking, if they are only interested in sex they usually don't contact me anymore. Either way I'm protecting myself from a possible bad situation and remember you never know if they really are nice people or just another weirdo, so be careful.

I do not think it is out of line to ask but I do think that if you decide to answer the question then you are entitled to an answer from him as well. This is also a question that should be asked later on instead of on the first date.

Hi there, sadly here are a few negative people out there in cyberland, all I can offer on this is related to how I feel - so basically as a man, sex is important and openess about sex is important, therefore email gives most men the chance to get this stuff out of the way from the start - they are being honest when they ask these q's, they basically know what they - so should you! Instead of playing mind games, just be honest if you feel you can answer the question asked and dont be afraid to ask it back - it could make for some entertaining. A friend of mine recently realised she had spent 20 yrs playing games in her marriage and all games were around her ebing in control cause she had low self-esteem! She ended up losing a very good man because of these games! If it's too difficult for you to be straight answers then you are the one with the problem! No man wants to waste a lot of time and money sussing out whether he will have even a modicum of a sex life if he starts dating someone - you ladies wnated equality - you got it! Start asking honest questions-no games

I feel getting these questions out in the open and answering them honestly is the only way to go. If you dont like there questions or answers then you know not to waste your time on them. Tell them No Thank You and go on.

It's true, sex is an integral part of a romantic relationship. The key word here is "relationship". Someone you don't know and have never met, should not be asking you such incredibly personal questions. He should at least agree to meet you in-person (in a public place) so you can see if you even like him. If there is no chemistry when you meet in-person, there's no need to discuss sexual history or past relationships.

I would never dream of asking someone their sexual past, ie number of partners etc., as I would never dream of telling them mine. I just assume yes we both have one. My question would be if we are at the sexual stage of our relationship are we both healthy? Don’t be as naive as to expect 100% truthful answers… protect yourself until proof is provided and trust is built.

I would add by saying that there is no need of someone whom you doesn't have relationship with to ask such silly questions. If such a person asked such questions you better leave him and go on your way.