How to navigate online dating

If you say you are physically fit, spontaneous or intelligent, you are likely to double your dating chances in the world of online relationships.

But steer clear of using the word "funny" - it's a turn-off for women - so said a study by dating website eHarmony.

The study also showed dating buzz words have changed.

Three years ago, a man referring to himself as "sweet" would have lured a potential female suitor. But now women want to date men who portray themselves as go-getters.

The study looked at the words used in more than 12,000 profiles to chart changes in what people search for in a potential partner.

Among the top 10 words women use to describe themselves are ambitious, perceptive and sweet.

For men, it's physically fit, perceptive, ambitious and outgoing.

South African dating website Perfect Partners avoids language that could trigger poor interest in dating hopefuls.

"We write profiles on our members before we circulate them and 'sell' them to others.

"Because we study neuro-linguistic programming, we know how to avoid words that produce even a subconscious negative and poor interest," said Shannon Davidoff, founder of Perfect Partners.

She's found turn-off words for men in the dating world include "quirky, bubbly and passionate and funny".

"Phrases like sociable with many friends [means a good time girl], while a girl who says she loves funs suggests that the woman sees herself partying and holidaying non-stop," said Davidoff.