In today’s world, it is difficult to find someone to date. While online dating makes it a little easier to find potential dates, it also increases the risk of someone being married and looking for a date on the side. This is why it is more important than ever to know how to know if someone is married or not. You can simply check someone’s marriage records now.

Perform a background search.

One sure way to find out if someone is married is to do a background check. You will often have to pay for this service, but it will answer your question. Of course, if the person got married in a foreign country or if they have never registered with the state as being married, they would not be taken care of that way.

Talk to your family and friends.

If you tell this person’s past to this person’s family and friends, something may creep in overtime if you have something to hide. You can always ask at close range if this person has ever been engaged or married. Watch the person’s response carefully. If she acts nervously, avoids eye contact, or gives an odd answer, then you know there is something more in the story.

“Google” the person’s name

Often you can learn a lot about a person by doing this. If there had ever been a wedding announcement in a newspaper, a MySpace profile, or anything of that nature, you might find it. Sure, you would need to dig through all of the results and you might not find anything, but you might just find the information you were looking for. Remember to check the person’s friend’s profile on the networking sites. You may see photos, comments, or other information that may help you.

Act like a detective.

You can become a detective and follow the person. Stop by her to see if something strange is going on. If she’s invited into the house, rummage through her documents, especially old tax returns or bank statements. Look for old photos or anything that might indicate a past marriage. Finding out about a past marriage does not mean that marriage still exists, but at least you have information from which to work and to verify if a divorce has been filed.

Ask the person.

You might also consider asking the person if they are married. Often, this question will not be anticipated, so when you ask it, be prepared to read body language. Any strange reaction, loud laughter, nervousness or lots of questions could indicate something other than the truth. A quick and harsh “no” would also be a signal that something is happening. You should be able to notice a real surprise in the person if they are not married.

Look for the telltale signs of a ring.

Wearing a wedding ring for a long time could create a tan line or indentation on the left ring finger. Just remember that this can also be seen on recently divorced individuals.

If you are a man or a woman, you have probably hit the Internet dating. Internet dating is the best way to meet a wide range of potential partners. Why? The Internet is everywhere and a number of singles use it to find love.