Keeping your wits about you in the early stages of a relationship means being aware of red flags-the signs - or the signs that something isn't right.

Dating and relationship expert Louanne Ward understands how easy it is to let emotion take over and ignore signals that things might not be as they seem.

She said many people ignore these warnings and enter into a relationship that might not be suitable despite the fact red flags were there from the outset.

Here, Louanne offers an eight-step guide that will help you recognise some of the more common indicators.

1. Rushing a relationship

'Sometimes we meet somebody who swoops you off your feet and tells you everything you want to hear and they whisk you off on this lovely, magical journey,' Louanne said in a recent Facebook video.

And as intoxicating this can be, the expert said this situation can be fraught.

'A person might start telling you [early on] how they feel about you but they don't actually know you. They are over-complimentary, they might be too attentive or are putting your needs first.'

Louanne said if a person is trying to rush a relationship, and they are using these sorts of techniques, watch out as this could signal a problem with control.

'These people are trying to manipulate the outcome of how things are going to work out and they are controlling the situation,' she said.

2. They are on social media but have no photos

If you've met through social media, watch for red flags, advises Louanne. One in particular is the person you're dating has no photos of themselves online.

'They say they are really private but often have lots of friends. They comment and like others' posts but rarely post anything themselves,' she said.

The reason this sort of behaviour suggests an issue is that it can indicate a person may have something to hide, the expert explained.

'If you've connected with somebody on social media, this is something to be extra cautious about because if they've started a relationship with you on social media, it's their potential fishing ground.'

3. They pursue you but tell you they don't know what they want

There's nothing more confusing than a person who makes the effort to date you but then says they don't know what they want.

'[They say] they really like you, they enjoy spending time with you, you're really cool but they just don't know what they want, or that they're not even sure they're looking for a relationship,' Louanne said.

The coach is quick to point out that it's important to read this as a sign this person isn't available - and she recommends leaving as quickly as possible.

Louanne continued if you choose to ignore this type of behaviour because you believe the outcome could be different, despite their ambivalence, this may indicate you have a problem with self-esteem and self-worth.

4. Watch for sudden outbursts of anger

Anger can be a tricky emotion to express in a relationship.

However, a sign there's a potential problem is when a person you're dating appears to lose their temper too often - and for no reason.

'You start dating a wonderful person and things are going well but they are very quick to anger for no reason and they can turn on you quite quickly,' Louanne said.

She added this type of behaviour can take a range of forms including storming out of the room, sending nasty messages or hanging up the phone during a conversation.

Louanne said while a person might apologise and offer a range of excuses, this sort of inconsistency can become an emotional rollercoaster.

'If this is repeated behaviour, this is a red flag. It's a definite no for someone to put you on a rollercoaster of anger and apology.'

5. One person controls the contact

During the early stages of a relationship, it's normal to send each other a flurry of messages.

But the issue is when one person appears to be more in control of the situation.

'You might send them a message or phone them and they don't pick up or they don't reply to your message straight away. Sometimes they can leave you dangling for hours or days,' Louanne said.

Dailymail.