first time trying to date online. help

Dating is absolutely possible here! I've found some success here myself a number of times, nothing that worked out but it was still fun and there are a number of couples still active here too so it's absolutely possible but don't jump in with the idea that you'll find someone straight away, it takes time before any of that stuff happens unless you find a girl looking specifically for a partner herself - but of course that also depends on whether she likes you or not. So my advice is to just take is slow, chill and have fun while you're here. Make some friends, post on the forums, make conversation, etc, etc - just relax, enjoy yourself and you should find someone you click with eventually.

People are pretty talkative and friendly here for the most part. Of course making friends will be easier than finding romance, but in either case best of luck!

Here's something to not forget: ALWAYS BE YOURSELF, EVEN TO OTHERS! I do realize it's hard for many people but I promise you that it's better in the long run. You'd better of being single for a long time and find "the one" than jumping relationships because you realize that you and your partner don't click. My advice is that you take your time and approach others like you want to be friends, because you mostly want to start there if you want to get to know someone better before jumping into a relationship. The rest is up to you.