I don't buy the whole online pedo theory for a couple reasons.

1) The majority of molestation/pedophile cases deal with perpetrators that are a friend of or a member of said family. This has been reflected in arrest records and subsequent reports to psychologists and therapists. I'll trust their research considering the very nature of such behavior.

2) Even if the first reason seems not to exclude the possible formation of 'sub-cultures' of pedophiles online, the simple fact that such abberant behavior is nearly universally abhorred in countries that have a significant online presence that such persons will be pretty easy to pick up on. I've dealt with a few in my day when I was 16 [this was a longggggg time ago, like 1996! LOL!], but even now some folks assume I'm still a teenager by the fact I never give my age and I do like to act immature [mainly cause I am immature, duh!].

With that said, it's natural to immitate real life behaviors online since when you are online the consequence of the behavior is trivial. I dare say, online relationships probably aide such people [excluding the pedo 'subculture', if you can call it that...] to learn how to operate socially offline. I can say for me personally, my online experiences in 'relationships' has helped me know who I want in a relationship [friendship and otherwise] and what to hold back [yes, that may sound weird, but many so-called friends online and offline will often use 'dirty secrets' as a way to leverage things out of you (money and what not).]. I think all the 'pathos [emotion]' surrounding online or virtual relationships is overblown as well considering less than 10% of the world population even has access to a computer, and less than that percentage use it for online activity. As to the OP's experience, I would say, that it's normal for such odd experiences online, and unless the person in question was trying to meet you in real life, there is little to worry. So, enjoy the fantasy, I know I do. :)

-- Bridget