Dating Ideas

It's always best before asking someone out, whether it be the first time or one of many times out, that you have an idea of where to go on the date.  Even if you've been going out for awhile, you'll want to keep the spark going by taking him or her out to different places.  Pretty boring if you always go to the same place.  To avoid an uncomfortable situation by asking someone out for the first time and not having a clue where to take them... or to keep the romance alive in your relationship... always have some date ideas for your upcoming date.

First dates are best where both people will be comfortable.  Do not ask her or him to go to a certain place that you know they will like if it will make you feel uncomfortable.  You can always go there another time once you've established a relationship with them and feel more comfortable going out with them.  Likewise, you do not want to take your date someplace that will make them feel uncomfortable.  You want to make a good first impression and you want them to feel comfortable around you, especially on the first date.

You will want to keep in mind how much you can afford on your date.  If you are a girl and you ask a guy out I believe it is fair that you pay for the date, just like a guy would pay for the date if he asks you out.  Going dutch on a first date is a big NO-NO!  You don't want to look cheap.  If you can't afford something lavish then go for something more affordable yet creative.

The Movies

Here is a terrific first date.  Everybody likes to go to the movies.  It's fun, entertaining, and you don't have to be alone with the person.  You can even save money by going on a cheap day of the week or by going to a matinee.  The only problem is that you can't talk during the show, so this makes a great first date for those people who are on the shy side.  Mention to the person you are interested in asking that you have a movie in mind that you would like to see and that you'd like them to join you (make sure it isn't a horror or overly violent movie).  If this is not your first date then let the other person decide which movie to go to.  Comedies are a sure winner since everyone likes to laugh and it's a great conversation piece for afterwards.

Dinner

Here is a classic first date.  You'll need money for this date but it can make for a romantic evening.  If you want to get to know someone more intimately then this is a great way to do it.  The only problem is that you will need to find something to talk about for an extended period of time.  If this is a problem for you then I suggest you go out for dinner on a double date.  There is nothing wrong with going out on a double date for your first date with someone.

Sports Game

This also makes for a great first date but you should find out whether or not the person you intend to ask is into that type of sport.  It can be inexpensive, especially if it is a school game, and you can talk a bit more with the other person than if you were to go to the movies.

Dances

This is a more popular first date.  First it is inexpensive.  Secondly you can have fun dancing and also have great conversations.  Thirdly, you will be around other people you know so it will make things a bit more comfortable.  This is a great date that can be asked by both a girl or a guy.

Live Theater

This is a great first date if you don't want a lot of conversation.

Bowling

This is a great first date but is more enjoyable when you go in a group.

Miniature Golf

This can be a fun first date.  Go by yourselves or in a group.

Ice Skating

This can be fun and doesn't necessarily have to involve a lot of talking if you don't want to.  Top it off with a nice cup of hot chocolate and you've got a nice date!

Music Concert

This is a nice first date but can get on the expensive side.  You will have to think about the cost of not only the tickets but also transportation and refreshments.  This definitely is not a good date if you want to create a conversation with the other person.

Ice Cream Parlor

This can be fun for a first date if you don't have a lot of money.  I don't know anybody who can resist ice cream!  You will need to find things to talk about but this date doesn't have to be as long as a dinner date.

Nature Walks

This happens to be the first date that Rob and I went on.  It was very romantic and it's a great way to do something and still be able to carry a conversation.  Sometimes you can even find a nice area where there aren't a lot of other people around which can make things more private.

Bike Riding

I would say this is OK for a first date but probably more appropriate for a second or more date.  If you know that the person is already into bike riding then by all means use it as a first date.  Not a great date if you want to carry a conversation and get to know someone.

Tennis

More of a seasonal activity unless you can find an indoor court.  Racquetball is also a good idea.  Not a great date for conversation but you can always do that afterwards if the court also provides a juice bar.

Billiards

This is a terrific first date idea.  It's fun and you can have a fun time especially if you have to get close and intimate by showing the other person how to play.  It incorporates both an activity and conversation.

Rollerblading

Great way to get some exercise, have fun and get to know someone.

Swimming

It's inexpensive and fun but more suitable for a first date only if both parties feel comfortable in bathing suits. So if the person you wish to ask is on the chunky side then I wouldn't recommend this date for fear of them saying no.  Also it's more fun if you go in a group.

Charity Walk

Got a charity walk coming up in your area?  Use that as an idea to ask that special person out.  It's inexpensive and you can still talk with them while walking or just enjoy the view.

Museums

I believe this one is more appropriate for a second or more date unless the person you are asking is studious.  A great way to get different types of topics into conversations.

The Zoo

This is great for a first date.  It's inexpensive, fun and a great conversation piece.  You can think of lots of things to talk about while looking at all of the different exhibits.

Parties

This is a wonderful first date idea.  Especially if you both know the person who is hosting the party or if you both know some other people who will be there.  It makes things more comfortable.  If there aren't any parties around why not create one yourself?  You can have a video party, fondue party or even have a pizza party where everyone can make their own individual pizzas.  You can have a pot luck dinner or a cookout if the weather permits.

Picnic

This is another great first date idea but it's also great for adding romance to an already established relationship.  Either you can supply all of the food or have your date bring a few items along, too.  Don't forget to include a blanket and portable radio.  If the weather isn't going in your favour, why not have the picnic on the floor of your livingroom?

Go to an Arcade

Only suitable for a first date if you go with others.  I would only recommend this as "part" of the date and not as the entire date.

Skiing or Water Skiing

This can be a really fun date.  If you know that your family is going to the lake for a day or up to the hill this would be a perfect opportunity to invite someone to come with.  Along with water skiing you can also relax on the beach which will give you a perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with them.

Fruit Picking

Pick your own fruit at a local orange grove or strawberry field or any other place where you can pick your own fruit.  This has proven to be a unique, fun way to break the tension before going on to the next leg of the date.
 

IDEAS SUITABLE FOR SECOND OR MORE ONLY DATES

Take A Class Together

Find something that you'd both like to learn and take a night course together.

Go to Open Houses

Pretend that the two of you are in the market to buy a home and go visit some Open Houses one Saturday or Sunday.

Lookout Views

Go to your local lookout and enjoy the scenery.  You will need to be able to hold a conversation but with such a view you will be sure to find lots to talk about.  Bring along a blanket and some beverages and don't forget the soft music.

Shopping

This can be a great way to get some ideas on what interests a person.  What kind of clothes they like or what kind of music they are into.  Not sure what to buy them for Christmas or their birthday?  Take them shopping and look carefully at what they are looking at.

Test Drive A New Car

Why not?  As long as one or both of you have a license.

Cooking

Plan an evening either at their house or yours for the two of you to cook together.  Plan in advance what it is you plan to have on the menu and make sure you have the recipes to prepare it with.

Volunteer

This is a great way to spend time together and do something good for your community.

Walk on the Beach

An extremely romantic date!  Take a light lunch with you and bring an extra container to fill up with the shells you've collected on your walk.  And don't forget to bring a camera.

Church

This can be an incredible spiritual experience if both of you are of the same religion.  If you have a church you go to and they don't then take them to yours and vice versa.  Churches also have different functions that you can take someone to, such as picnics, dinners and dances.

Flea Market

You can find lots of different things about a person by what they look at and do at flea markets.  Don't forget yard sales!

Trips

Plan a trip together.  Or better yet, be spontaneous and don't decide until the last moment.  It can be in the following town or just drive until you find a spot you'd like to visit.