If you do give out personal information, make sure you trust the person. Usually the smart thing to do is to keep online friendships online. No one can ever be sure of the real person sitting at the other keyboard. You can seriously put yourself in danger. These dangers can include stalking, abduction, assault, among other dangerous acts.
Restaurants are usually good meeting places.
Just remember that your comfort level is always the most important thing. Never let them drive you anywhere. If you don't bring a friend, tell someone where you are going. Tell a friend. Let your friend know where you are going and how long you will be.