Patent ID: 8171424

Claim:
A computer-implemented method, comprising: at a server computer system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors, sending information corresponding to a map to a client device; and sending information corresponding to a plurality of icons for meeting spots to be overlaid on the map to the client device; wherein the plurality of icons are configured such that in response to selection of a first meeting spot icon in the plurality of icons by a user at the client device, user identifiers for other users who have currently selected corresponding first meeting spot icons are displayed at the client device, wherein other users who have currently selected corresponding first meeting spot icons include users who have currently selected two or more meeting spot icons that are also currently selected by the user, the two or more meeting spot icons including the first meeting spot icon, and in response to selection of a second meeting spot icon in the plurality of icons by the user at the client device, user identifiers for other users who have currently selected corresponding second meeting spot icons are displayed at the client device; receiving a request from the client device to initiate online communications with one or more respective other users who have currently selected corresponding first meeting spot icons, the request corresponding to selection by the user of one or more respective user identifiers for the one or more respective other users who have currently selected corresponding first meeting spot icons; and, initiating online communications between the user at the client device and the one or more respective other users who correspond to the one or more respective user identifiers selected by the user.