Think you’ve found someone who could truly be the one? With our advice on how to have a good first date, you’ll both be so loved up that you’ll start hearing wedding bells.
In This Guide:
Okay, well, maybe not that good of a date. You don’t want to rush things after all. But you still want your first date to be good enough that you make plans for a second.
So, what is it that makes a good first date? Is it the venue, the conversation, or something else entirely? Is love at first date possible?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for a perfect first date, there are some things you can do to make your first date a success.
We’ve narrowed down our dating advice to help you have a successful and fun first date that leads to much more.
First Date Tips: Planning is Key
If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail! Sorry for the school flashbacks, but the old adage is true!
Your online chat game might be great, but sitting face-to-face is a whole other ball game, and you need to be ready for it.
Here are our top tips for planning the ideal first date:
1. Choose the Right First Date Activity
Dinner at a fancy restaurant might be the ideal first date for some people, but for others, it can be the most boring, unimaginative date idea they’ve ever heard (c’mon, who hasn’t been on a million dinner dates already? If they truly worked, you wouldn’t be reading this.)
Picking the right first date idea that matches your shared interests can make things so much easier. It helps both of you feel comfortable, breaks the ice, and gets the conversation flowing naturally.
On the flip side, choosing something too formal or not a good fit can make things feel awkward.
But a fun, laid-back setting? That’s where the real connection happens!
Our Top First-Date Ideas
- Pottery Class: Get creative and a little messy together while crafting something unique. It’s a fun way to bond and laugh through the imperfections.
- Stargazing Night: Head to a local park or countryside with a blanket and app to identify constellations. It’s romantic and a great conversation starter.
- Food Truck Crawl: Instead of a fancy restaurant, try hopping between food trucks and sampling different cuisines. It’s casual, fun, and full of variety.
- Escape Room Challenge: Team up to solve puzzles and “escape” together. It’s perfect for showing teamwork and seeing how you both handle challenges.
- Botanical Garden Tour: Stroll through beautiful greenery and flowers while enjoying nature and easy-going conversations.
- Retro Arcade Night: Revisit childhood fun and challenge each other to classic games like Pac-Man or Skeeball. It’s playful and nostalgic!
Read more date inspo in our list of A-Z Alphabet Dating Ideas!
2. Have Some Non-Physical Compliments Prepared
Compliments should always come from the heart, but they don’t have to be off the cuff. If you know you get tongue-tied easily or stumble over what to say, having some compliments locked and loaded is a great idea!
Giving compliments that aren’t about appearance is a great way to break the ice on a first date. It sets a thoughtful and respectful tone right from the start.
When you base your compliments on things you’ve learned about them, like through your chats or messages, it shows you’ve been paying attention and value who they are beyond just looks.
For example, mentioning their great sense of humour, love for a hobby, or knowledge about something they’re passionate about feels way more genuine than a generic “Your smile lights up the room” or “Your eyes sparkle”.
This kind of compliment avoids sounding shallow and instead focuses on what makes them unique.
3. Prepare Questions, But Remember It’s Not An Interview!
The main point of a first date is to get to know each other, so having a few questions in your back pocket is a great way to keep the conversation going, especially if you’re feeling a bit nervous or things get quiet.
Just like giving a nice compliment, asking meaningful questions shows you’re genuinely interested in them.
You could ask about their favourite hobbies, a place they’ve always wanted to visit, or even something fun and lighthearted. It’s a great way to spark a good chat.
The trick is to keep it casual — this isn’t an interview! It’s just about connecting and finding things you both enjoy.
It’s also a nice feeling to know you’ve got something to fall back on if the conversation slows down.
Good first date questions to get you talking:
- What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever been on?
- If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be?
- Do you have a favourite book, movie, or series that you could watch or read over and over?
- What’s a small thing in your daily life that makes you really happy?
- If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
How to Tell if Your Date is Going Well
Once you’ve done your prep work, the only feedback you’re going to get is during the date. So, how do you know if it’s going well?
Thankfully, humans are creatures of habit, which makes it easy to tell if you’re making the right moves.
1. Their Body Language Speaks Volumes
Reading your date’s body language is a great way to tell if they’re having a good time.
Positive body language can say a lot without a single word, and with 55% of communication being non-verbal, it’s important to take this into account when you’re trying to assuage your nerves.
Here are some common positive body language signs to look out for:
- Holding steady eye contact
- A real smile
- Leaning in a little while you’re talking
- Open gestures like uncrossed arms or a relaxed posture
Picking up on these little signals can help you figure out how they’re feeling and adjust the vibe if needed.
2. They’re Responding to Your Questions With Stories
When your date starts answering your questions with stories and personal anecdotes, it’s a great sign they’re interested and engaged.
It shows they’re comfortable opening up and want to keep the conversation fun and meaningful.
Instead of giving short, surface-level answers, they’re taking the time to go deeper and really connect, which usually means they’re enjoying your company and the vibe of the conversation!
3. The Conversation Flows Naturally
A natural, easy-flowing conversation on a first date is such a good sign. It shows that both people feel comfortable and can just be themselves without awkward silences or forcing topics.
When the chat just clicks, it usually means you’ve got some common ground — shared interests, similar values, or maybe the same sense of humour.
That kind of connection is a great sign that there’s more to come from your relationship, and you should be excited to see it develop.
4. They’re Asking You Things Too!
A great way to tell if someone’s genuinely interested is if they don’t just answer your questions but also take the time to ask about you.
If they’re curious about your thoughts, experiences, and opinions, it shows they really care about getting to know you.
A two-way conversation like that means they’re engaged and not just making the date all about themselves or being passive. It’s a sign of mutual respect and a good starting point for building a relationship.
But How Do You Tell If a Date Hasn’t Gone Well?
Sometimes, it just feels like your date didn’t go well, right? It can be tough not knowing if they’re into you or not. But there are a few telltale signs you can watch out for…
- They’re glued to their phone, even while talking to you.
- They can’t stop talking about themselves, their ex, or other dates they’ve been on.
- Their body language screams boredom, like looking away or leaning back from you.
- There’s no mention of a second date, not even casually.
- They pull away from any physical contact, like holding hands or even a goodbye hug or kiss.
- They don’t laugh at your jokes or seem interested in what you’re saying.
It’s disappointing when you were hoping for a great first date, and there’s just no spark. But remember, this isn’t a reflection on you.
Sick of getting home from dates feeling deflated and dejected? Take charge of your love life and download the Finding The One app.
Say goodbye to dates where they were better at texting than holding eye contact. No more endless message threads that never materialise into a date (disappointing or otherwise!)
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Download our app on the Apple Store and Google Play Store today.
Final Thoughts: Overcome First Date Jitters With Our Tips
With these tips, you’ll be rocking your first date in no time! Just be yourself, stay confident, and have real, honest conversations. Listen closely, ask interesting questions, and stay in the moment.
Building a connection is all about being genuine and finding that mutual vibe. And hey, don’t overthink it — relax, have fun, and enjoy getting to know someone new!
FAQs
Is It OK to Kiss on a First Date?
It’s totally up to you and the vibe of the date! If it feels right and there’s mutual interest, go for it. But there’s no pressure—focus on what makes you both comfortable and in the moment.
How Can I Be Attractive On a First Date?
Confidence is key — be yourself, dress comfortably, and show genuine interest in your date. A warm smile, good eye contact, and active listening go a long way. Relax and enjoy the moment; authentic connections are always the most attractive!
If you need more tips, check out our post on what to wear on a first date!
How Long Should a First Date Last?
It depends on the flow! A great first date could be one hour or a few. Aim for quality over quantity, enjoy each other’s company and leave on a high note, keeping them excited for the next time!
You can learn more about how long a date should last in our guide!
What Are Some Red Flags on a First Date?
Disrespectful behaviour, constant interruptions, or a lack of interest in your thoughts are major red flags. Trust your instincts—if something feels off or they dismiss your boundaries, it’s okay to walk away and prioritise your comfort.
We have a whole blog post on early dating red flags to look out for!
Is Dinner a Good First Date?
Dinner can be a fantastic first date if you enjoy good food and meaningful conversation. Choose a relaxed spot to keep things casual and avoid pressure. Remember, the best date is when you both feel comfortable and engaged!
Is Coffee a Good First Date?
Absolutely! Coffee dates are low-pressure and ideal for a relaxed chat in a casual setting. They allow you to connect over a short timeframe, making it easy to gauge compatibility while enjoying a warm beverage.
Is Love At First Sight True?
Love at first sight can happen, but it’s often more about instant attraction, infatuation, or connection. True love develops over time as you get to know and trust each other on a deeper level. Enjoy the process!