Matchmaking is sometimes used to describe online dating services, but they are a very different thing. Even though online dating services do matchmaking with their profiles, real matchmaking companies do a lot more screening before they will match someone.

Matchmaking services will spend a long time interviewing you and insuring you are a good condidate for other people that have signed up for their service. They figure out what you are looking for in a person and then set you up on dates. In online dating, you are on your own to get dates, but a matchmaking service actively seeks dates for you.

There are many different matchmaking services, including very high end ones for executives who have no time to date, but would like to meet the partner of their dreams. In general, most matchmaking services do not charge women for joining, but will charge men. Some of the higher end services will also charge women a significant amount to be part of their network of eligible women, but there the men are charged even more.

Matchmaking services tend to have pretty good success rates, because of all the screening that is done and the fact that a preson has though about the match. It is worth talking to matchmakers, if you have not had the success you are looking for with online dating or just don't have the time to date everyone that looks interesting online until you find the right person.

Some good matchmakers to check out include Kelleher & Associates, which has been featured on 20/20 and CNBC, and Valenti International. Another very popular and relatively inexpensive matchmaking service is "It's Just Lunch." After an interview process, they set you up with lunch dates. It's a very informal and relaxed way to meet some new people that doesn't require a large time investment. Since you have to pay for the It's Just Lunch service, the people on it are serious about dating and the matchmakers make an effort to connect you to the right person.