I might be going on a date soon. I've never been on a date.

[Inflikted]

I've never been on a date (I'm a guy, early 30s), but I might have a date in my future with a girl I matched with on Tinder, and I'm starting to realize that I really don't know the first thing about dating, like... at all. I don't know any etiquette, I don't know any "dos and don'ts", I don't even know good things to do for early dates, especially with the pandemic. Like, are "coffee dates" fine? I don't even know what time people normally go on coffee dates.

[Trail Blazer]

Coffee dates are fine.  For somebody with no experience, I'd recommend making the date as simple as possible.  People go on dates when they have time.  Talk to your date and find a time that works for both of you. 

As a male it is generally appreciated that you take the lead, organize the time and date, and where possible, pick up the tab for at least the first date.

Good luck!

[BaileyB]

Dating is like a tennis match - back and forth. You ask her a question, she will reply. Try to find something in her reply that you can expand upon - either ask another question (related to her response) or offer something about you (related to her response). Back and forth - offer information about yourself and ask her to tell you about herself. Lots of people stubble with this, but it is the basis of a good conversation. It will make her feel comfortable with you. It will help both of you to have a good time. 

Be prepared with a few basic questions (is she a student or does she have a job, tell me about your family, what do you do for fun, have you travelled anywhere interesting). And, be prepared to offer the same info about yourself. Be prepared to talk about current events if you run out of things to ask each other - ie. how about this COVID virus... how has it affected your life? What have you been doing to pass the time? What did you do this past summer? The weather is turning cold... etc...

But most of all, try to have fun. Be curious about this person - get to know her and see if you have anything in common. The only thing you need to worry about at this first meeting is whether you like her enough to see her again. Good luck!

Edited September 26, 2020 by BaileyB

[DarrenB]

Try not to over-analyze the situation in its entirety, and don't take on an abundance of advice as it'll likely overwhelm you when the time comes.

Anything including food is always a good foundation to work off of when it comes to first dates or just dates in general. It'll put you in a position to properly communicate and interact with the other person and get to know them better, without any problematic restrictions or distractions. Places where this is limited is things like the Cinema, some if not most physical activities dependent on the location and surroundings.

Keep it nice and simple, whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Solidify a specific place and time so it doesn't become an improvisational date, more so a planned one as most people like the organized process better as oppose to an unarranged one.

Best of luck

[nospam99]

I don't use Tinder so I can't speak to it. The dating (web) site I use (Match) and used to use (OKC, PoF, ourtime) had the ability for people to put in their profiles things they were interested in. If you have that information, it's a good idea to plan a simple, fun date doing something SHE is interested in. A walk in the park is usually good and has the covid advantage of being outdoors. FWIW, I never so much as contact OLD women if I don't share at least one of their interests. AND pay for the date, the food and the activity.

Edited September 26, 2020 by nospam99

[smackie9]

Awwww good for you! I hope it goes well. Remember first impressions count, like opening doors, picking up the tab, ask questions about them, good eye contact, relaxed body language, be engaging. You don't need any fancy foot work. Look good, smell good, and don't for get to smile, and throw in a light compliment.

[robaday]

Do something you will enjoy yourself. I find whenever I have tried to go somewhere to make myself look different to how I am (I know nothing about art so whilst an art gallery is a good place, for me its not where I'm going to be able to show my strengths, maybe I'd save it for a 6th date), or an expensive restaurant (too forced, too formal, not me), or a super trendy really busy bar with live music (great to go and watch music together, great to go to bars but on a first date you want to be able to talk). So do something you will enjoy too, somewhere you feel kinda relaxed, somewhere you can talk, or an interactive experience - 10 pin bowls for instance is super fun. I find talking while I'm walking quite effective for getting to know someone - an hr walk followed by a drink/meal then go your seperate ways. 

[Dork Vader]

On 9/26/2020 at 8:52 AM, Inflikted said:

I've never been on a date (I'm a guy, early 30s), but I might have a date in my future with a girl I matched with on Tinder, and I'm starting to realize that I really don't know the first thing about dating, like... at all. I don't know any etiquette, I don't know any "dos and don'ts", I don't even know good things to do for early dates, especially with the pandemic. Like, are "coffee dates" fine? I don't even know what time people normally go on coffee dates.

For the first date, keep it casual coffee, ice cream something along those lines. Keep in mind women want to have fun. So have fun... 

[Be Cool]

If this is your first ever experience in the world of dating, prepare yourself it's 100% definitely going to fail, so you can learn something about it and get more experienced.

You are going to make mistakes, embarassing ones even, just so you can do better next times.

Edited October 1, 2020 by Be Cool