12 Ways to Impress a Guy on a Date

Co-authored by Judith Gottesman, MSW and Amber Crain

Last Updated: December 13, 2024 References

If you have a big date coming up, you probably want to knock your man's socks off, right? You've come to the right place! We've put together this simple list of tips and tricks to help you do just that. Read on for great advice on what to wear, how to flirt, and what to talk about so that you and your guy have a memorable night together!

1

Dress to impress.

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Wear something that you know will catch his eye. ^{[1]
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Expert Source

Judith Gottesman, MSW
Matchmaker & Dating Coach

Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to show some skin—although that works, too! Just aim to dress up a bit in an outfit or style you know he likes. Wear something that highlights your best features so you’ll feel confident and sexy all night. ^{[2]
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Expert Source

Judith Gottesman, MSW
Matchmaker & Dating Coach

Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.}
- For example, if you have bright blue eyes, play them up with a matching blue dress. If you love your curves, highlight them with a pair of fitted trousers or a pencil skirt. If you're proud of your toned arms, wear a top that accentuates them.
- When he asks you why you’re so dressed up, tell him: “Because I wanted to look my best for you.” Follow that with a smile and he’ll be swooning!
- If you’ve been together for a while, it’s totally normal to start dressing more casually around each other—and there’s nothing wrong with that. It's fun to change it up sometimes, though!

2

Wear a sexy scent.

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An alluring perfume or cologne will definitely make an impression. Our sense of smell is deeply primal, so when he catches a whiff of something intoxicating coming from your skin, he's going to sit up and take notice! Spritz a little perfume or cologne on your wrists and neck right before you walk out the door. Just be sure not to over-spray—ideally, he'll smell the scent when you're within arm's reach.
- If you aren’t sure what scents your guy likes, try something with notes of lavender, vanilla, or oriental spice. Studies have shown that most men find those smells particularly attractive. ^{[3]
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3

Make plenty of eye contact.

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Eye contact sends a clear message that you're into him. ^{[4]
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Expert Source

Judith Gottesman, MSW
Matchmaker & Dating Coach

Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} It may sound too simple to be true, but little things like making eye contact and letting your gaze linger on him can make a big impact. Eye contact can also be very intimate, so this is a super easy way to get your flirt on. ^{[5]
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- If you're having trouble maintaining eye contact, try this trick: focus on the different colors in his irises. ^{[6]
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- Try to avoid staring into his eyes nonstop, though! That can be a little intimidating. ^{[7]
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4

Smile at him often.

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Flashing him a genuine smile is effortlessly charming. Smiling communicates to him that you're having a great time on your date and you want him to know it. ^{[8]
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Expert Source

Judith Gottesman, MSW
Matchmaker & Dating Coach

Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} You'll make him feel special and he'll love your warm demeanor. ^{[9]
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- If you're feeling extra flirty, throw in a little wink to accompany your smile.

5

Laugh at his jokes.

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Laughter has the same impact as a smile—multiplied tenfold! If you want to make him feel extra special, don't hesitate to giggle when he cracks a joke or makes a humorous comment. He'll love that you appreciate his quick wit. ^{[10]
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6

Find little excuses to touch him.

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He'll appreciate these classic flirty gestures. Subtle touches on the arm, brushing up against him, and leaning in close when you're chatting are just a few ways to show him that you're attracted to him. Even "accidental" touches can feel intimate; if you're a bit shy, try "accidentally" bumping into him. ^{[11]
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- If you're sitting next to him, scoot a little closer to him and give him your best smile.
EXPERT TIP

John Keegan
Dating Coach
John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

John Keegan
Dating Coach

Spark physical contact subtly. During your date, if it feels comfortable, lightly touch his hand or gently touch his arm. If his responds positively, that may be a green light to explore further contact, leading to a more romantic connection.

7

Compliment him.

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A genuine compliment will make him feel appreciated and special. Who doesn't love a compliment? If possible, try to focus on something that you know is important to him rather than just giving him a generic compliment on his looks. ^{[12]
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Research source} For example:
- If he clearly puts effort into his clothes and appearance, you might say, "Are those Tom Ford sunglasses? I thought so! I love that you have such great taste and a sense for fashion."
- If his work or studies are really important to him, you might say, "Your work ethic and dedication really stand out to me. I think it's super attractive."

8

Ask him open-ended questions.

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He'll love that you're genuinely interested in his life. ^{[13]
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Expert Source

Judith Gottesman, MSW
Matchmaker & Dating Coach

Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} Open-ended questions are questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." These questions are perfect when you're on a date because they keep the conversation flowing and help you develop a rapport with your guy. If you can squeeze a little compliment in there, even better! ^{[14]
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Research source} For example:
- "I can tell by your adorable accent that you're from the Midwest but I can't pinpoint what state. Where did you grow up and what was it like there?"
- "I think it's really cool that you work with animals. What's a typical day like at the shelter?"

9

Give him your full attention.

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This may sound like a simple gesture but it’s also really sweet. Tell him that you’re turning off your phone so he knows you plan to focus solely on him. Being the center of your attention is sure to make him feel special. ^{[15]
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10

Focus on having fun.

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Flash him plenty of winning smiles and try to keep the conversation light. If the night hits a snag, just try to roll with the punches and focus on having a good time. ^{[16]
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11

Suggest an exciting or new date activity.

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What if you went to an amusement park instead of the movies? If your date activities have been feeling a bit dull lately, spice things up a little! Look for something unique in town that you can do together that you’ve never done before, like going to a carnival, visiting an amusement park, or wine tasting. Think about activities that both of you will really enjoy. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Going hiking or camping if you're both nature lovers
- Dancing the night away at a local club
- Karaoke night if you both love to sing and/or be silly
- Sigh up for sky diving lessons if you're adrenaline junkies
- Taking a pottery or cooking class ^{[17]
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12

Surprise him with a super romantic night.

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He’ll be touched that you went all-out to make him feel special. Plan something special and romantic just for him and surprise him with it at the last minute. Just knowing that you put in time and effort to make it a great night will warm his heart. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Plan a midnight picnic on the beach
- Whisk him away on a day trip
- Book a spa day or couples massage
- Pack a few soft blankets and take him stargazing ^{[18]
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- Reader Poll: We asked 449 wikiHow readers which type of date night they prefer, and 52% of them said spending a cozy night in cuddling and watching a movie. [Take Poll]

Take Your Relationship to the Next Level with this Expert Series

If you really want to drive your boyfriend crazy (in the best way) we have the perfect expert series for you. These articles will help you make sure your boyfriend is absolutely obsessed.

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Flirt With Your Boyfriend

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Be Flirty With Your Boyfriend at School

3

Be Playful with Your Boyfriend

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How to Drop Hints to a Boy That You Like Him

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12 Ways to Impress a Guy on a Date

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Make Your Boyfriend Go Crazy over You