I just have to mention this Gentlemen...
For those Hobbyists who DO know the difference, no offense or patronizing is intended. For those Hobbyists who DON'T know the difference, no offense or patronizing is intended, however, this huge variance needs to be defined:
IN MY OPINION, THE FOLLOWING IS NOT A REFERENCE:
- the name & contact info of a Provider seen, passed onto the next Provider in line who screens
- a reference is not a reference until the Hobbyist has specifically asked the Provider he has already seen, if he can LIST her as a reference
IN MY OPINION, THE PRECEDING IS ONLY PROVIDER HISTORY, IF THAT PROVIDER IS UNAWARE SHE IS YOUR REFERENCE.
If you hand in a resume for your dream-job, the interviewer calls your references, of which one never picks up the phone, & another states that she doesn't remember who you are, you won't be getting that job, nor another chance to submit different references. In this aspect, we would only list references of value, permissible of our use.
Listing a reference is not the same as the reporting of a Provider seen. And here are the problems that lie within the difference:
- I (attempt to) contact a "reference" a Hobbyist has provided, & she doesn't remember who he is
or, she doesn't acknowledge whatsoever, the fact that I am attempting to verify him through her, for whatever reason her issue is
- or, she responds, but gets shitty with me b/c she's appalled I had the audacity to inquire, for whatever reason her issue is
Now, you can just imagine all the different scenarios relating to whatever reason her issue is... but that's her prerogative & I see no need to start a train-wreck that steers away from the original topic anyway. As for me, I'm just a lowly little ole' Provider trying to keep a grip on some minimal form of safety for my own sake, & I don't appreciate having to pull teeth without the license. 
Furthermore, let's say you might list so & so as a reference, who is unaware she's your reference. She remembers your date but maybe didn't have such a good time b/c perhaps she thought your breath was a little weird or something. She might be so bold as to mention this b/c she views it as something relevant, falling into the hygiene category. Then the Provider inquiring misinterprets this as outright bad breath... well then there goes your prospective date (when really all it was, was that Starbucks you had right before the first date... etc, etc...).
So I'm thinkin', references are great... I mean, who really wants to take the time to dig up skeletons of a guy who may not even exist anyway (reluctant to divulge his real name)? And references are pretty much all I need, provided that they come from an established, traceable, legitimate Provider, but... where references are involved, we should ask the person that we would like to list as that reference, if we have the permission to do so. Then they know to be expecting correspondence from inquiries, will be cooperative since they've agreed, & obviously don't mind others knowing that they've seen you or of having their contact info shared within the community. This would be nothing more than a benefit to all three parties, versus possible non-compliance or acknowledgement, animosity between Providers, or deal-breakers for Hobbyists. And ladies, if you don't stick up for yourself by declining when asked to be of reference if you're not reference-friendly, then it is your obligation to cooperate with full honesty when you are contacted upon. That's only fair.
And guys, don't be afraid to ask. I myself am very reference-friendly, & I truly like helping others hook up. Isn't that kind of the whole name of the game... hooking up with no strings attached? Thanx.