I'm a US citizen living in the Netherlands with an indefinite work contract and work permit. I'm looking for new work, and I want to understand my legal rights once I have either verbally accepted a new position, or signed a new employment contract. 

At either stage (verbal agreement or signed contract) am I within my rights to pull out before the start date of the new position?

I understand that verbal agreements are often considered binding in the Netherlands, and I also understand that employment laws are sometimes different for foreign workers. 

If it's not within my legal rights, what are the possible consequences of doing so any way? 

Note that I'm not asking if this is strictly a "good idea", or whether it's good manners or ethical.