Up to date, down to earth

With another Valentine’s Day looming, a broad range of dating options beckons to singles.Some people dread it, many skip it, and others wait all year.

Valentine’s Day draws scoffs from romantic cynics, but completely ignore it and chances are you’ll be in the doghouse until next February.

Of course, no one dreads V-Day more than some singles. When you’re flying solo, it can be a big reminder of how lonely the world can be.

This Valentine’s Day, the Independent takes a look at some new twists on the dating scene and examines three increasingly popular ways to meet people. The methods may have gotten a little more high-tech, but the goal remains the same: finding that special someone.

Speed dating

What do you say to your potential soul mate in four minutes? Confess your undying love? Complain about your ex-wife? Brag about how much money you have?

“I tell people not to start rattling off their resume,” said Adele Testani of Hurrydate.com. “It’s a date, not necessarily an interview. They should try to keep it as much like a regular conversation as possible.”

For those looking to get the most bang for their buck, speed dating has become an increasingly popular way to meet dozens of new people in less than two hours.

Several times a month, Hurrydate.com holds parties at Buca di Beppo in Huntington Beach, where about 30 to 40 singles come together and talk, about whatever, for a very short period of time.

Here’s how it works: Guys, you come in, grab a drink, sit at the first table you’re assigned. Across from you will be a very available lady with whom you will engage in a four-minute conversation. A whistle will blow. The guy will get up and move over to the next available girl, talk with her, then wait for the whistle again. After each mini-date, both male and female note on a small scorecard who they would like to speak with again.

After the night is ended, the singles go home and log onto Hurrydate.com’s website. They then input all the singles they liked, and those they didn’t. If the object of your desire feels the same way about you, the two of you will be put in contact. From there you can exchange e-mails, talk on the phone and maybe go out again.

Online personal ads

Personal ads used to be so taboo, but the advent of the Internet and massive marketing campaigns by sites like eHarmony.com and Match.com have made online dating an acceptable form of matchmaking.

“A lot of people just don’t have time to hang out at bars,” Matthew Laughlin said while enjoying an Italian dinner at Luggatti’s in Huntington Beach with girlfriend Charlotte Ebert. “I think that’s where the Internet comes in. It’s a way for people to find exactly what they want.”

Nearly every major media company and search engine offers some sort or personal ad or dating service. For people who seem to know exactly what they’re looking for, there are sites like Jdate.com for Jewish singles or Millionairematch.com for those searching for a sugar daddy.

“For me, online dating is the most efficient way to meet as many people as possible,” said Susan Jacobs, a frequent Huntington Beach online dater who browses free sites like Craigslist.org and MySpace.com. “Of course there’s also a lot of letdown. Pictures don’t match, people lie about their age. I’ve even been tricked by a few married men.”

Professional matchmakers

There’s a time to date, and there’s a time to bring in the hired guns.

For those committed to being committed, sometimes hiring a professional matchmaker is the only solution. The Debra Winkler matchmaking service is the largest outfit of its kind serving Orange County, and for $5,000 to $12,000, you can be matched to your soul mate.

But one important note -- you have to be ready.

“If you’re looking to just go on dates, then hire a dating service -- we don’t do that,” said operations director Louis Felix. “We help people who are looking for long-term commitment.”

After a brief phone consultation, singles are brought in for an in-depth interview with Winkler’s trained staff.

“You really have to go into detail about who you are and what you’re looking for,” Felix said.

Not only that, you have to discuss your past relationships, problems with the opposite sex and why you need to hire someone to help you get hitched.

From there you’re matched up with someone in Debra Winkler’s database of about 5,000 singles.

Vagabonds need not apply, said Felix.

Only professional, high-caliber applicants are allowed to use this exclusive service.

From there, matchmakers set you up on several dates until you find that special someone.

Still not satisfied? If you’re looking for someone very specific -- say a 34-year-old vegan who’s never had children and loves lacrosse -- Debra Winkler will conduct a nationwide search for you, but it isn’t cheap.

The cost of hiring a top-level dating recruiting: about $25,000.

Your first date together: about $300.

Finding someone who will put up your idiosyncrasies for all of eternity: priceless.

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Surf City singles

Another Valentine’s Day without someone special? Don’t be afraid, there are plenty of available people out there who are single and loving it. Check out our list of very available Surf City bachelors and bachelorettes. What are you waiting for?

Name: David Liang

Age: 28

Low down: Floral designer and the owner of Pocadot Posey, a high-end flower and design firm.

Favorite thing to do on a date: Eating something, anything -- this guy loves his food.

Why he might be the one: He cooks, he cleans -- he’ll even do the gardening.

Don’t bother: Girls who are picky eaters.

Name: Patricia Rogers

Age: 55

Low down: Marketing director for Bella Terra, Huntington Beach’s new mall.

Favorite thing to do on a date: Comedy club, this girl loves to laugh.

Why she might be the one: Volunteers all over town; loves to give to others.

Don’t bother: Bossy men. No one tells her what to do.

Name: Claude Panis

Age: 44

Low down: Marine safety officer for the city of Huntington Beach.

Favorite thing to do on a date: All nights end with a walk on the pier, one of his favorite places.

Why he might be the one: Uh, surfer dude, hello? And he likes women who can talk about their feelings. Does it get any better than this?

Don’t bother: Chatterboxes and fake people.

Name: Jeana Cason

Age: 36

Low down: Fashion Model, owner of L’zev Boutique

Favorite thing to do on a date: Her own words: “Take me to the beach for a bonfire, stare into my eyes, tell me I’m beautiful and passionately kiss me.”

Why she might be the one: Likes motocross, kicking butt and letting the boys be boys.

Don’t bother: Wimps.

Name: Monte Perez.

Age: 58

Low down: Educator at Golden West College, VP of Student Services

Favorite thing to do on a date: Did someone say salsa? This guy can boogie.

Why he might be the one: Brilliant. Cultured. Charming. Well dressed.

Don’t bother: Women who try to read his mind -- you’re going to need a pretty big map sweetheart.

Name: Maureen Sloan James

Age: 47

Low down: Property manager for Five Points Plaza.

Favorite thing to do on a date: Anything relaxing. A day at the spa? Sure, that will work.

Why she might be the one: The ultimate socialite. And that New York accent -- so fabulous!

Don’t bother: Guys who can’t make up their mind.20060209iud3syncDOUGLAS ZIMMERMAN / INDEPENDENT(LA)Chantal Kornett and Robert Smeltzer have been dating for two years. For those still seeking partners, websites, speed-dating services and pricey, professional matchmakers are eager to help.20060209iud3shncDOUGLAS ZIMMERMAN / INDEPENDENT(LA)Shawn Bernhard, left, and Chris Watson walk along the Huntington Beach Pier. They met at the marathon and just started dating.