Long-distance relationships can be very difficult. Teenage dating is never easy, and it's especially hard when you rarely see each other (or never, as in the case of Interenet relationships).
In fact, dating long-distance is a lot like being single-- most of the time, you are going to feel lonely. It isn't easy. It's very hard to date someone so far away-- and because of that, I would generally recommend against getting involved in a long-distance relationship.
Dating is supposed to be fun. It's not supposed to be stressful. Too often, though, long-distance relationships sour-- you can't talk to him or her enough, you can't see him/her, you're lonely-- it's tough to deal with. It's a lot of pressure and a lot of work. Yes, it can pay off, but again, it's a lot of pressure and a lot of work to get there. This has to be something you really want or you will not succeed.
I'm not trying to wreck your dreams. You need to realize, though, that it's going to be hard. Dating long-distance is a big commitment. If you really like this person-- if he/she's the only one you want; if you feel really special around him/her-- go for it, but only if that's the case. If not, I'd stay closer to home. And still, in any situation, be careful. Even the best of couples can be ruined by stupid mistakes, and long distance only makes that more likely.
Moreso than "everyday" relationships, long-distance dating requires a serious commitment. In fact, it's such a huge commitment that if you have never been in a relationship before, I would STRONGLY recommend AGAINST starting your love-life with a long-distance situation. You don't want to go to all the pain to set this up only to have a bad experience and the whole thing collapse in two weeks. Make sure this is what you both want before you get involved.
In fact, because of the distance complications, I would recommend sticking to dating only people you already know-- people you're friends with, people you along with, and people you can trust. Yes, I know it's tempting to hook up with that person you just met over vacation or at the ball game who lives an hour away, but remember this: those good times you have in person are going to be pretty rare, and unless you really know him, you're setting yourself up to be used and heartbroken.
As written elsewhere on this site, it's much better to become friends first. Besides, that way you'll have a good idea whether the relationship will work or not anyway before you get involved and start going out (and that makes things a lot easier).
Of course, if you do become good friends, consider this: depending on how far away you live, you might be able to see each other only rarely (if at all), and so think about it: is that really worth a relationship? Often even if you really care about the person, you're only setting yourself up to be frustrated. And there's no sense ruining a good friendship for a fleeting love.
Of course, despite all I've said, you may feel that, against all odds, you still want to try this-- and to that I say, "Great!" Some long-distance relations do work, and there are some truly wonderful success stories. However, always remember that there are many more that don't work, and you must be mindfall if you are to avoid those pitfalls. Here I will warn you of a few of them.
First-- and especially in Internet relationships-- don't lie! I cannot tell you how many people have sent fake pictures, only to find out months later that, hey, they really like the person, and now they have to tell the truth somehow. Better just to not send the picture!
Relations are built on one thing-- trust-- and if you lie you destroy that. You can very well insure a breakup later (or at least a lot of pain) if you fib early on. Don't do this to yourself! Don't do this to him/her! If you're not comfortable answering a question, just say so!
Second-- and this applies to the relationships where you still get to see each other-- don't rush into sexual things. Sure, I understand kissing and making out-- but leave it there. Being in a long-distance relationship puts you in an especially dangerous position-- because you don't get to see him or her very often, you will have a great amount of sexual tension building up, and it will be easier than you think to lose control. Be on your guard that you don't.
Even at their best, long-distance relations are fragile. Throwing something wild like sex in will only jeopardize that. Everything in The Sex That Is Not Sex applies, and then some. Please, remember that even in the best situation, you are often striking a very uneasy balance. Don't tip it with something that will make it crash. Pushing too hard will only insure that you fall.
Third, when in a long-distance relationship, check yourself with reality once in awhile. Certainly you should never give up your social life in any relationship, but this is especially true for long-distance relations. Don't give up your friends for him or her. He/she's not with you most of the time, obviously, and you are going to spend that time with other people. He/she simply has to accept that.
Now some people are concerned that you may have friends of the opposite sex. That is understandable. However, if you are just friends-- and he/she'll have to take your word for it, because this is long-distance-- he/she'll have to get over it and accept it.
If you are around someone like this, be careful-- often, it is the people who can't handle you associating with others of the opposite sex that are most likely to use (and abuse) you sexually, physically, and emotionally. Certainly, not all those people do this, but it happens often enough that you should exercise caution.
Fourth and finally, make it a point to stay in the right frame of mind. Being in a long-distance relationship naturally leaves you more vulnerable to being confused than a "normal" relationship (and those are confusing enough). It is important that you stay in check with reality so that you don't develop unrealistic expectations.
Go out with your friends. Tell them about your relationship-- not everything, perhaps, but do talk about some of it with someone.
And don't expect it to last forever. Don't expect to get married, or for everything to magically work out in the end. And if things aren't working, be honest. There's no sense sticking together if you're only going to be miserable. If your heart isn't in it, give it up.
Yes, long-distance relationships can work out, but it takes a lot of time and effort to make that happen. If you're willing, go for it, but always keep in mind the dangers, and things should turn out all right.