Good advise there

I'm a single father. My daughter lives with me, so I have a similar problem when going out with anyone.

I view is that, in a way, anyone dating me is dating the two of us.

Not all relationships get off on the right note, so give it a chance and see if things get better. It also depends on where the issue comes up... who doesn't like who?
If your date doesn't like your child, then dump them. If your child doesn't like your date, it could be anything from him seeming intimidating (adult male in their zone) or jealousy (mommy is too busy loving someone else now).

I wouldn't however, keep up a relationship just because my daughter gets along nicely with someone but I don't.

I think you got it spot on, Chatt3r.

I am going to stick my neck out and also admit that I have in the past used my pets as a guide. If one of my cats or dogs took an instant dislike to a guy, warning flags were on full alert, and he didnt last long!

(I believe animals and small children are good judges of people's hidden personalities, I trust their instincts).

Now my kids are 16 and 20 (my older lad is about to get married) it is still vital that a prospective guy gets on well with them. I respect their point of view, and being both boys coming up to adulthood and quite mature now, they are often more canny about men than I am!

I suggest you re-read chatt3r's post again. I believe he has some very good points re:the child's issues on this.
Depending on your child's age and understanding/maturity, it might be best for you to have a chat with your child and tell him that you understand (or at least try to) his feelings eg jealous of you giving your attention to someone else, feeling intimidated etc.
When a single parent meets someone new, a child often feels threatened that they are going to 'lose' that parent, especially if say the absent parent already mett someone new, got new children and does not give this child the attention and love they once knew -- there are so many issues surrounding this, but you just need to bear in mind that your child's feelings may well be - from *your own* point of view - unfounded or trivial but from your child's point of view his feelings are very valid and important and you need to try to respect that.
What you dont want is to let the child dictate your personal life else he will learn how to "get rid" and you will end up joined at the hip with said child and partnerless.
That can work the other way round too - I know a man who now in his 40s and never had a long term relationship because his mother has seen them all off sharpish - and no he doesnt even live with her!
Dont forget too - particularly younger children, they often 'sound out' a new adult to see where the boundaries are - does your child have a good relationship with his own father? Is he just sounding out your new boyfriend to see if he's someone who is going to set boundaries and rules? Being provocative is not always a sign of lack of respect or dislike/unacceptance, sometimes its just a case of "If I act in a certain way, will he tell me off, or let me get away with it, will mum let me get away with it just to make herself look good in front of him, or will she show *him* who is boss around here by telling me off herself?"

Just you wait til your child is old enough to find a partner for themself. Then it goes the other way round - "Help, I cant stand my child's new partner, how do I cope?"
And he'll be on another web forum saying "My mum and g'f dont get on, how do I cope?"

My eldest son is getting married in 3 weeks and luckily I love his fiancee to bits, but his last g/f........jeeez, had me reaching for the valium that one!

Hope it all turns out for the best! Good luck