GUIDE: Best First Date Ideas – Funny, Romantic, Cute (Full List)

Congratulations! You’ve found that (potentially) perfect person to date and, hopefully, get to know a bit better.

Now what? Where do you go, what do you do? Will he or she even like you?

Make no mistake about it: finding your match is only half the battle. The other half is slaying that first date.

Your first date doesn’t have to be perfect. Just be yourself! However, it might be hard to come up with first date ideas – do you go to a movie? To the putt-putt course? What happens next?

In this article, we’ll talk about:

  • Great first date ideas you’ll both love
  • What to do on your first date
  • What not to do on your first date

Ready to start planning? Here are the best first date ideas you can use to wow your match. Whether you want to spend a fortune or a few bucks, there’s an idea on this list for you. But first…

First Date Precautions

There are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind as you plan your date with this new match. At the heart of it is this: you do not know this person.

Today, one of every three matches is made online. Never forget that “you can be anyone you want to be on the internet.” You don’t know that Sally, that cute redhead with the pearly smile, could actually be Bruce. Here are a few things you can do to avoid an emergency:

  1. Plan ahead. Make arrangements with a friend (we’ll call her Emily) to check in every now and then. If you opt to go to a movie, take a restroom break after, say, an hour. Text your friend and let him or her know where you are. Then, go back and enjoy your popcorn!
  2. Always keep your cell phone location on. Tell Emily that your location is on and that if she doesn’t hear from you within the hour, she should check your location status.
  3. Never have him or her pick you up for the first date. Once you do, he or she knows where you live. That’s bad news, friends. Meet in a public place, then drive to the location. Better yet, simply meet at the location of the date.
  4. Know his or her full name. “I’m on a date with Todd” isn’t going to cut it if Emily has to call the police. Know the full name of your date. As an added bonus for your safety, ask where they work. You have every right to confirm that it’s true. After all, it’s your safety.
  5. Trust your gut. Did she mention the guy who’s been locked in her cellar for a decade? Probably not. But if anything seems out of sorts it’s perfectly okay to end the date! Your instincts are your best friend. Trust them. And give Emily a heads up ahead of time.

First dates aren’t what they used to be. The days of meeting up at the soda shoppe are long past! Be safe, take precautions and, then, have fun!

How to Find a First Date

The first step to the perfect first date is, well, actually finding one. If you haven’t yet met your match, there are a few things you can do to make the whole process a bit quicker. Ready? Here we go.

Go online.

There are tens of thousands of matches out there for you. But where?!

They’re online! Like I said, one out of every three relationships are begun online – don’t you think the odds are in your favor?

Hop on the internet and join a dating site. There are quite a few that are free to use… some are paid, but most will allow you to search, scroll and connect without paying a cent. And that’s not all – there are dating sites for just about every interest.

Want to date a cowboy? There’s a site for that. Want to date a senior? There’s a site for that, too. You name it, it’s out there, from religion and ethnicity to sexual orientation and hobbies.

Create a great dating profile, and don’t be afraid to connect with people who may not seem your type. There’s no harm in shooting a few messages over just to chat. After all, if you find you don’t get along there’s no commitment.

Once you find a few prospective partners, it’s time to let the dating begin! Here are our best first date ideas; whether you want a casual date, a romantic date or something unique, have fun trying the ideas on this list.

Romantic Dates

Many times, people think the perfect first date is a romantic-knock-her-or-his-socks-off kinda thing. If that sounds like you, that’s great! Men and women alike enjoy a little romance, and what better way to show how romantic you are than a picnic by the sea and a bottle of wine?

But there are a few things you should consider before you plan a romantic date. First, consider whether it’s really “you.” If you go all out on your first date with the champagne, roses and chocolates make sure you’re willing to continue being romantic.

Secondly, a romantic first date shouldn’t necessarily take place at a “fine dining” establishment, and there’s a reason for this. That reason is that dinners at upscale restaurants seem to take forever. It’s not that the service is bad or the chef is slow. It’s just the nature of the game. Do you really want to sit through five courses with someone you realized quickly you just plain didn’t like?

Thirdly, movies aren’t a great idea. After all, all you’ll be doing is sitting there staring at a screen. You can’t talk and get to know each other, so it’s usually best to skip the movie theater.

Finally, be sure that the romantic date you have planned isn’t going to make your date feel uncomfortable. This could mean any number of things. He could feel that you’re flashing your money around. She could feel that you’re pressuring her for a physical relationship. Run your idea by a friend before you take your date out. Sometimes romance is best left for later, when you know each other better.

With that said, however, romantic dates don’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of ideas in this guide for romantic dates that won’t break the bank.

Fun Dates

It goes without saying: you want your first date to be fun! There are plenty of fun first date ideas out there, and there are quite a few on our list! But as with romantic dates, there are a few “rules” to keep in mind.

First, if you’re planning anything overly adventurous, do clear it with your date first. Not everyone is going to be thrilled at the prospect of skydiving or even a trampoline park. Not everyone loves animals, not everyone loves the water and so on.

Chances are, you’ve chatted with your date enough to know what he or she really likes. Are you both Red Sox fans? Go on to Fenway! But if that’s something you’ve never discussed, be sure to keep in mind that some people find baseball insanely boring. That’s just one example, but you get the point.

What’s fun for you might not be fun for your date, but you can’t go wrong with, say, mini-golf or the aquarium.

Great Cute Date Ideas

First dates are perfect for getting to know one another. And there are some great cute date ideas on this list, as well as in other articles on this site.

There’s really no one way to describe a “cute” date. It could be something fun like flying kites or something kids would do, like going to a theme park. As always, check to be sure your cute date idea isn’t one that’s going to be insensitive to your date’s preferences. In other words, don’t take someone who’s scared of dogs to the animal shelter on your first date.

Cheap Date

There’s nothing wrong with a cheap date! However, it’s absolutely imperative that you remember this: you can be as cheap as you want. But don’t make yourself look cheap. To put it another way, McDonald’s is never a good first date idea. Never.

Instead of thinking about it as a cheap date, try instead to think of free date ideas. When you do something that’s unique and free, you won’t risk your date thinking you’re a cheapskate, or that you’re not willing to spend a few bucks on him or her.

You can be cheap. But don’t make yourself look cheap.

The Best First Date Ideas

Alright! We’ve covered the basics, and now it’s time to get down to business. Here are, in no particular order, the best date ideas out there. Be sure to stay safe, always carry your cell phone and always tell a friend where you’re going. Then, just have fun getting to know your new partner!

The Best Free Date Ideas

Everyone loves a free date! And, as we mentioned, focusing on free is a good way to keep yourself from looking like a cheapskate. Here are the best free date ideas.

1. Go to the airport.

You can’t get through airport security anymore, it’s true. However, most large airports have a viewing deck from which you can watch planes land and take off. There’s no better conversation starter! You’ll find yourself talking about where you think the plane is going, where it’s coming from and what the people on board were doing at the destination. Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it!

2. Go to the animal shelter.

Most animal shelters host a program where visitors can come and walk a pup or pet a kitty. Why not go there for your first date? Of course, if your date is scared of dogs or allergic to cats, this is a terrible idea. But for everyone else, it’s a great opportunity to get some exercise… and some furry snuggles!

3. Test drive a car.

You’re going to have to deal with pushy salespeople, but it’s worth it when you test drive your dream car. Head over to your local Jaguar or Maserati dealership. You can pretend to be a married rich couple looking for a new ride. Our only recommendation to you is that, if you drive a clunker from 1988, park far, far away so you don’t give yourself away.

4. Explore downtown.

Whether you’re new to your city or have been living there for eons, it’s always fun to explore downtown. That’s true for even the smallest of towns – a walk down Main Street will help you notice things you never would have had you been driving. Be sure you explore on foot, though.

5. Go to a playground.

Going to a playground certainly fits under the category “cute first dates” as well as free ones. There’s little like swinging on the swings with a new friend, or seesawing with your new partner. Be sure to check out a few of the neighborhood parks before you go. You’ll need a backup in the event that there’s a birthday party or – heaven forbid – actual kids are on the playground.

6. Go hiking.

If you’re both the athletic type, or simply aren’t afraid of a challenge, take a hike together! Stock up on your favorite snacks, some water and put on a supportive pair of shoes, then take a hike! Bear in mind that it’s important to exercise all safety precautions. After all, being deep in the woods with someone you don’t know is the stuff of horror flicks.

7. Go to the Farmer’s Market.

If you and your new date are into the local scene, hit up your Farmer’s Market. Farmer’s Markets aren’t just veggies anymore. You’ll find tons of local artisans, florists, and more, plus live entertainment in some cases. If you choose the Farmer’s Market, be sure you do bring along a bit of cash. Your date may fall in love with something that’s too good to pass up.

8. Go to the lake.

Particularly off-season, most lakes are free. It doesn’t have to be a lake, either. Any water will do. Skip rocks, have a picnic and watch the clouds roll by. Don’t forget to bring the sunscreen… and a swimsuit!

9. Take a free class.

If you live in a place with pretty much any kind of population, there’s a good chance you’ve got a rec center or a community college nearby. Check with the venue’s website and see what kinds of free classes they offer. You’ll find everything from painting to Photoshop in most locations… what better way to get to know each other better than by learning something new?

10. Have a snowman building contest.

Or sandcastle, or any other thing you can think of. Host this friendly competition in a public place, then have passersby vote on whose creation is the best. Of course, if he or she isn’t a competitive person, this won’t work out too well. But usually this is a great idea for a first date – you’ll never have laughed harder!

Simple First Date Ideas

Next, we’ll talk about some first date ideas that are simple. They don’t require a whole lot of planning, and while they’re not free, they’re not so complex that a limo and three dozen roses are required. Here are some simple first date ideas that just about anyone can pull off.

11. Have a potluck for two.

Before we talk about the potluck, let’s set one thing straight: it’s never a good idea to bring a first date to your home. It’s dangerous, awkward and just not a smart thing to do. That said, you can still have a pot luck. Reserve a shelter or picnic area at your local park, then divvy up a meal. She makes an appetizer and a main dish, you make a side and a dessert. However you want to split it is up to you. Bring your dishes to the park and enjoy! Bon appetit!

12. Go bowling.

There’s not much to be said about this one. Bowling is tried and true, and it doesn’t really matter if you’re both terrible at it. Bowling alleys are extremely casual, but they’re noisy, which means you won’t feel pressured to share your innermost secrets. Plus, bowling is fun!

13. Go to the arcade.

Along the same lines as bowling, the arcade is a minimal pressure environment for serious conversation. Sure, you want to get to know your date better. Arcades will give you the opportunity to chat, but not feel obligated to engage in constant conversation. Grab a few quarters, head to the arcade, and find out who’s the Dance, Dance Revolution champion!

14. Go geocaching.

We’ll confess. We go geocaching even when we’re not on dates. If you’re not familiar, geocaching is free (except for what you might pay in gas) and oh-so-fun. You’ll simply download an app to your phone, then follow your GPS to the coordinates marked. Once you get to the coordinates, you’ll find secret stashes and a log to sign. Those of you in bigger cities can geocache on foot, while others of you may have to drive from one cache to another. So. Much. Fun!

15. Volunteer together.

You don’t have to be a full blown activist to make a difference together. All you have to do is sign up to work with Habitat for Humanity, a river cleanup or even a charity music festival. Make sure you choose an event where you’ll be able to chat – a highway cleanup is one example of this – so that you can truly learn more about one another while you do good for the global community or the planet.

16. Play disc golf.

If you’re both okay with spending time outdoors, look up your closest disc golf course. Disc golf is one of the most non-competitive, fun outdoor sports there is. Prepare for your date by bringing water and snacks as well as your favorite putter. Wear comfy shoes, because you may end up hunting down your disc in the woods!

17. Get in the car and drive.

It can be fun to get lost on purpose. Hop in the car, then take turns choosing “left” or “right” at intersections. You never know where you may end up, and you may discover parts of your area you’ve never seen before! It’s a good idea to have GPS, however, so that you know how to get back!

18. Go to the coffeeshop.

Almost every neighborhood or town has a coffeeshop where you can hang out for the afternoon. Grab a cup of joe or a pumpkin spice latte and settle onto the couch with your date. If conversation fails you, people watching is a great way to make small talk. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could visit your coffeeshop on Open Mic night and recite some of your favorite original poetry.

19. Rent a canoe.

Or a paddleboat or a pontoon, whatever’s available in your area. Some of the most fun first dates are on the water, whether you’re tubing, rowing or sailing. Be sure your date isn’t fearful of water, and that you both have some basic knowledge of swimming. Buckle up your life vests, then hit the water for an insanely fun first date!

20. Visit the used bookstore.

This works for used record stores, too. Take your date to grab a cup of coffee, then head over to your local used bookstore. There, you can each choose a book or an album for one another. Buy your purchases, and promise to report back to the other what you thought! This is an excellent way to get to know your partner’s style, and to share a bit of your own.

Casual First Date Ideas

As we mentioned, first dates don’t have to include limo rides and roses. Instead, by keeping it casual you’ll actually have the opportunity to converse and get to know more about your potential partner. Here are some of the best casual first date ideas you can use when you want to play it cool.

21. Go on a double date.

There’s nothing that says “no pressure” more than a double date. Talk with your date ahead of time about who you’ll be inviting, then the four of you can head out to your local chain restaurant or to the tavern for a drink or two. If the date doesn’t go well, at least you’ll have others to talk to!

22. Take a class.

We talked earlier about finding free classes at your community center or junior college. But if you don’t mind shelling out a few bucks, the options are almost endless. Try a cooking class, a painting class or even a fitness class together to get to know one another. For best results, try something neither of you have tried before. Who knew you loved canning vegetables?!

23. Go to the dog park.

You don’t even have to have a dog! But if you do, why not allow your pups to have a first date, too? If you like, you can “borrow” a dog from a relative. Some shelters even allow you to take pups on holiday for the afternoon, so why not give them a call? The dog park is the ultimate in casual for your first date.

24. Grab a drink.

It’s kind of a cliché, but you can always meet at a bar and grab a drink. Set yourself a drink limit ahead of time – you know yourself best – and don’t go over that. Then, just have fun! Let your hair down, play some pool or darts and don’t be afraid to people watch. Always be sure you’ve got reliable transportation home. After all, you don’t really know this person and safety is your number one priority.

25. Go to a wine tasting.

If the bar scene’s not your jam, you don’t have to go. Instead, you can visit a local brewery or vineyard and taste what they’re brewing. The advantage to these events is that they’re typically done in groups. You won’t feel pressured to have in-depth conversations. Plus, you’ll get a feel for how your date acts in social situations.

26. Have a lunch hour dat.

We mentioned before the drama that ensures when you’re stuck in a bad date and still have three courses to go. Avoid this, and agree to meet on your lunch break. That way you’ll only have to sit there for an hour, guaranteed. If things go sour, you have an excuse to leave. If they go great, you’ll leave your date wanting more!

27. Work at the community garden.

The couple that plants together, stays together. Okay, we just made that up. But gardening is a fun activity you can do together. Your hands will stay busy and you won’t need to engage in constant conversation. Community gardens are great for the environment, too. Put on some gloves and get digging!

28. Go to the food truck rally.

Food trucks aren’t popular in all countries. But if you live in a place where they are, you’re in luck! Go to the food truck rally and sample dumplings, pizza, tapas and more, all in one location. Your belly will be full, and you’ll try all kinds of tasty treats while spending time with your date in a casual atmosphere.

29. Attend a local festival.

All around the world, communities host festivals – you’re sure to find one that suits your interests. Cultural festivals, music festivals, art festivals, you name it. They’ve got it. Try the food at the next cultural festival or listen to new bluegrass bands at the music festival. We don’t recommend making the first date a camping trip, but if that’s your style, go for it!

30. Play mini golf (putt putt).

You absolutely can not go wrong with mini golf. Unlike traditional golf, where people get competitive and serious, mini golf is sheer fun and it’ll make you feel like a kid again. After all, who can be serious with the giant pirate ships and water-blowing elephants? Grab a club, a ball and a score card and compete for the lowest score on your nearby course.

Unique First Date Ideas

If you want to stand out among the other “fish in the sea” take a look at these unique first date ideas. Some may require a little planning, but they’re sure to impress your date. He or she will definitely think of this date as one to remember!

31. Plan a scavenger hunt.

This one takes a little planning, but it’s so much fun! Together, prepare a list of things you wish to find within your town. For instance, a man wearing a blue coat or a dog wearing a sweater. Then, hit the town! It’s more fun to do it on foot, but car is okay, too. You’ll both find new places to visit and you’ll find yourself laughing so hard you cry!

32. Plan a photo scavenger hunt.

Amateur photographers, this one’s for you. Make a list of the things you’d like to take pictures of. This can be anything from an “interesting crack in the sidewalk” to “a cloud shaped like a bunny.” Then, get snapping. For even more fun, have strangers you meet judge your photographs against each other.

33. Take a ballroom dance class.

It helps if you’re both beginners. And it doesn’t have to be ballroom dancing, either. Why not try swing dancing, line dancing or something else? Dancing is fun – and instructors will respect your need for personal space so don’t fear getting too close in the first date. You’ll both get moving and learn a lot about each other. As Shakira said, Hips Don’t Lie.

34. Become each other’s personal stylist.

Take a trip downtown or to your nearby mall. Then, take turns dressing each other up. Choose a shirt, bottom, shoes, hat and accessories for your date, then have him or her do the same. You don’t necessarily have to buy what you’ve chosen. It’s just as much fun to try the clothes on! Plus, you’ll get a good sense of your partner’s style.

35. Dress up and walk the streets.

And by dressing up, we don’t mean formal attire. Go to your nearby costume shop and choose a pair of outfits to rent. For example, you may be Big Bird and she can be Grover. Rent the costumes for a day, and simply go about life as usual. Have lunch, grab a coffee… all while in costume. It sounds silly, but that’s the point! It’s definitely a day your date will never forget!

36. Take an improv class.

If you’re not scared to speak up in front of strangers, an improv class is a fun way to exercise your imagination and your vocals. You can find improv classes by searching the web and on social media. Get together and go. If nothing else, you’ll have some strange characters to talk about when you grab a drink afterward!

37. Go mushroom picking.

Yes, this is a thing. We were surprised to learn that, all around the world, there are guide-led mushroom picking events that teach you to forage. Of course, you know that you shouldn’t do this on your own, as many mushrooms will literally kill you. That’s not a good ending to a first date. Go with a guide and gather all the ingredients you need for a fantastic mushroom soup!

38. Entertain some seniors.

Seniors absolutely love when young things like you come to visit. Why not get in touch with a nearby retirement center and offer to entertain the residents for an hour or so? You can paint the ladies’ nails, you can simply read poetry or you can go all out, putting on a concert for the crowd. It’s definitely an experience you won’t forget, and you’ll make a difference in what may be an otherwise boring day for a few older folks.

39. Visit a tarot reader.

Or palm reader or the woman with the crystal ball. Whatever floats your boat. Getting your fortune told is a great way to learn a bit more about your partner – even if you don’t believe in the stuff. Head to your yellow pages to find someone in the area, then go find out what the future holds!

40. Interview each other.

You’ll find plenty of questions for your interview online, or you could purchase a deck of conversation starter cards. These questions aren’t too in depth or personal, leaning more towards topics like “what’s your dream vacation” or “would you rather be invisible or fly?” Sit down with each other and randomly pick questions for each other. It’s an excellent way to learn more about one another.

Cool First Date Ideas

There are hundreds of first date ideas that don’t fit into any of the above categories. If you’re looking for ideas and none of the above struck you, here are a few more cool first date ideas you can consider.

41. Go to the trampoline park.

You and your date can bounce the night away at your nearby trampoline park. You’ll have a chance to show off your skills with a minimum conversation requirement. Of course, you’ll be able to chat, but the jump park is a no-pressure zone.

42. Go ice skating.

If it’s summer, go roller blading or roller skating. We love ice skating, though, because it’s just as fun as it is romantic, and you have an excuse to curl up with some hot cocoa after you return your skates. Many places have indoor skating rinks. Or, just pick a blustery winter day and get outside!

43. Go on a ghost tour.

If you’re not scared of the dark, consider meeting your date after the sun sets to take a guided ghost tour of your local area. Many cities around the world host these tours, and they’re relatively inexpensive. Choose from walking tours, bus tours or even carriage rides for a spooky fun first date.

44. Go horseback riding.

Whether you’re experienced with horses or not, horseback riding is a great way to spend your first date. Find a local guide who offers horse trail access and sign up either to rent a horse for the day or take part in a group class.

45. Simply go to the beach.

Pack a picnic lunch, some water and your towels and head to the shore for a relaxing day. You can lie on the sand or walk in the waves. Those more active types will be swimming in the surf. The beach is a wonderful place to fly a kite, walk the dog… the possibilities are endless. The beach is perhaps one of the absolute best locations for a first date.

46. Go to the planetarium.

You can stargaze together for your first date – indoors. Planetariums are actually quite interesting places; it’s not all science and NASA. Your local planetarium offers laser light shows, music performances and more. Check with the closest to you to see what events are scheduled, then take your first date to go look at the night sky!

47. Go check out real estate.

Along the lines of test driving your dream car, you can also peek into the lives of the rich by visiting real estate open houses. You’ll be rewarded with free food (and sometimes champagne) and a taste of what it would be like to live in that 6,000 square foot property. Don’t forget to work out a back story for yourselves, in case you need one!

48. Visit a recording studio.

If you’re both musically inclined, search the internet or the phone book for the nearest recording studio to you. Then, book an hour and sing to your heart’s content. At the end of the date, you’ll be rewarded with a  CD version of the harmony you made with your first date. So much fun!

49. Schedule a day at the spa.

Spas aren’t just for women! In fact, there are many men-only spas popping up all over the globe. You and your date can visit the spa of your choice to enjoy being pampered, massaged and treated like royalty. You’ll leave your date feeling and looking great – ready for the second date!

50. Go on a yard sale tour.

Schedule your date for a Saturday morning and hit up all the local yard sales. You’ll find yourselves talking about the books you’ve read, music you’ve listened to and even games you used to play in childhood. You’ll get some laughs, too. Who exactly do they think is going to buy that bearskin rug? If your area’s not big on yard sales, you can visit your closest thrift shop and check out the items people have donated.

51. Do something extreme.

Go bungee jumping. Skydiving. Take a ride in a hot air balloon. Whatever’s on your bucket list, do it together for your first date! Of course, it’s important to ensure you’re both comfortable with the activity. If it’s a green light for both of you, go do something hair-raising!

52. Have a video date.

There’s nothing saying you actually have to meet your first date in person. You can always schedule a time to get on Skype or FaceTime and just chat for a bit. It’s best to come prepared to this one, though. Have a list of things you can talk about in the case of an uncomfortable silence. Or, pick up some of those conversation cards and interview each other remotely.

53. Create a YouTube tour of your city.

If you’ve both been in the area a while, get out there with a camera and show the world what your town has to offer. Point out the sculpture in the town green, the local haunts and the hottest clubs, bars and restaurants. Who knows, the pair of you may be YouTubers before you know it!

54. Visit the county fair.

There’s little more romantic than sitting in a ferris wheel, watching the crowd as they walk kwhat seems to be thousands of miles beneath you. Cotton candy that’s malting in your mouth. Playing the carnival games, and letting your date choose the prize. County fairs are fun, local and usually pretty inexpensive, too! They have the added benefit of being too loud for awkward conversation.

55. Have dessert for dinner.

We’ve mentioned several times: sometimes dinner just takes too long. Instead of waiting for the baked potato to cook, visit your favorite diner or dessert-only restaurant and splurge on the molten lava cake. Order your dream dessert and a cup of coffee, and then enjoy a no-stress first date that can end on your terms.

56. Visit the drive in theater.

Movies aren’t always great options for a first date. You’re supposed to stay quiet, and there’s really no way to get to know one another. But drive in theaters are a bit different, in that you can chat with one another without fearing that you’ll disturb others. Pack a bottle of your favorite wine and some fun food like fried chicken. Then head to the drive in and get greasy while you talk about the movie’s finer points.

57. Pick fruit together.

Drive on over to your local pumpkin farm, orchard or berry patch and start picking! Then, have fun with your bounty. Host a contest to see who can bake the best blackberry cobbler, apple pie or carve the best pumpkin. For more fun, get friends involved and host the ultimate pie tasting event. You’ll be in for some laughs and a few tasty treats!

58. Have a bonfire.

Check that it’s okay with your local government, then have a bonfire! You can do this on the beach, at the park or in your own back yard. Make it an event – get out the canned beans and the marshmallows. Roast hot dogs on a stick. Tell ghost stories. There are few things more relaxing than sitting around a fire on a first date.

59. Go to trivia night.

Want to show off your brains and your pop culture savviness? Head to the local sports bar or restaurant for trivia night. Play against one another or team up and slay the competition. Either way, you’ll get a great idea of your date’s interests and hobbies, all while having fun!

60. Have a board game night with friends.

Get together with two of your friends and two of your dates, then have a board game night. Choose from the classics like Trivial Pursuit and poker, or you could mix things up a bit with Twister. Whatever you choose, you’re going to love spending time playing games, chatting and tossing back a few drinks.

Key Points to Remember for Your First Date

Your first date should be a fun way to learn more about this person you’ve met. Is he or she a good match for you? Do you have similar interests? If your interests aren’t similar, what does that mean for your relationship?

But above all, your first date should be stress free and safe. Plan your date so that you’ve accounted for any phobias or points of discomfort. If you don’t feel comfortable in a one on one setting, it’s perfectly okay to make your first date a group event.

Always let someone know where you’re going and who you’ll be with, and be sure to trust your gut. If anything feels “off” to you, call your friends for back up or just step away from the situation entirely.

Your first date doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be overly romantic. It just has to be relaxing and conducive to chatting with your new potential partner. Don’t overthink it, just get out there and schedule it! No matter what you decide, relax, be yourself, and have fun!