Long distance relationships ?

I'm 23, shy, reserved and never had a boyfriend, I don't really have many mates but I've never really been 'ready' for a boyfriend. I stubbled upon a ChatRoom when I had no mates and it was worrying me sick, I met a few mates there who I spoke to and I felt I finally had some friends. one man has stuck with me though, I never thought anything of it we have been speaking for 18months, and a few months ago he spoke about us being more and meeting.
the thought of even telling my parents scared me. they're old and strict and get mad a lot and my mum is so controlling. so I put him off, I was gutted myself but it seemed risky. time has passed and I thought we will meet but I planned to tell my parents nearer the time as he cant come (lives 2 hours away) until later this year.
one day my mum came to me and said I should try online dating I saw my chance and told her she was really happy and it made me really happy. I told the lad and he was happy. the other day my mum came to me again and said I should try online dating and named a specific site now I like this lad a lot and looking on other sites wouldn't be possible as I'm interested in him, so I told my mum and she went mad, I cried (lol) I was so upset she said things like 'he's no good if he can't come up' 'how do you know him you don't know him' 'he could be anyone'
she wants me to have someone, and I want someone to, him. the time I'm waiting seems to be an issue to her too, but once we had met he'd come regular and I'd go there ect. can this work? Or is waiting an issue ? she just wants me to be happy and have someone but I know he is genuine and makes me happy. what do you all think ??