Single parent dating

Hello,

I’m a mother of one, I wanted to actually start back dating but apart of me is afraid because all of this crazy stuff I see on the news about the these little angels getting hurt. I don’t even like for my child to be around people I don’t know well because I’m so over protective. I’m the only active parent in my child’s life.

The father doesn’t try to help out at all or tries to be in our child’s life going on two years now but that’s another story for another day. I know if I did start dating someone it would be a while before they actually meet my child. I guess I’m just wanting some advice and tips on this whole dating life thing and where to start because I know online can be a lot (catfishing) stuff.