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Dating is a fun, exciting experience, but it can be a little nerve-wracking if you don’t have much experience in it. Thinking about what you’re going to say, how you're going to act, or what you’re going to wear can all feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! While there aren’t any set “rules” for dating, if you keep a few guidelines in mind, you can make sure that you and your date both have a good time as you get to know each other more.

1

Show up well-dressed and on time.

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  1. If you’re going to a nice restaurant, you might put on slacks and a button-down. If you’re going mini golfing, jeans and a T-shirt are perfect. Make sure whatever you put on is clean and wrinkle-free to make a good first impression. [1]
    • If you’re having trouble figuring out what to wear, ask your friends or family for advice. They can help you figure out what you look best in.
    • Spend a few minutes getting cleaned up in the bathroom before you head out on your big date. If you want to wear cologne, remember: less is more.
    • you. Aim to get to your date about 15 minutes early so you don’t leave your date waiting. If you are going to be late, send your date a text or give them a call to let them know.
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8

Open the door for your date.

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  1. You don’t have to do these things (and don’t force them if it feels awkward), but adding a bit of chivalry can leave your date feeling charmed. [7]
    • Chivalry doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pay for the date. You can ask your date to split the bill with you, if you feel comfortable.
    EXPERT TIP

    Laura Bilotta

    Dating Coach & Matchmaker
    Laura Bilotta is a Dating Coach, Matchmaker, and the Founder of Single in the City, her dating and relationship coaching service based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With over 18 years of experience, she focuses on helping singles date more intentionally, encouraging them to let go of negative patterns so that they can attract the love that they deserve. Her experience, skills, and insights have led to thousands of successfully united over 65,000 singles through events and one-on-one matchmaking coaching sessions. She has been the host of The Dating and Relationship Show on Global News Radio 640 Toronto (AM640) for 6 years and is known as The Hookup Queen of Clubhouse; her popular singles club, Single in the City, has over 95.5K members who regularly join in weekly dating and relationship-focused rooms.
    Laura Bilotta
    Dating Coach & Matchmaker

    Our Expert Agrees: When you're going on a date, be a gentleman. Be on time, open the door for the person you're dating, and pull out their chair. It can be difficult to do sometimes, but it's a charming way to set yourself apart from the rest of the guys out there.

10

Ask for a follow-up date if it went well.

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  1. You can see if they’re free next week sometime, or let them know that you’ll text them to set something up. You don’t have to commit to anything, so don’t feel pressured to go on another date if you don’t want to. [9]
    • Say something like, “I had a really good time tonight. Wanna do this again sometime?”
    • Or, “It was so nice to meet you. Are you doing anything next weekend?”
    • If you don’t want to ask for another date, don’t ask for one. You can keep it ambiguous for now and then let them know later that you aren’t interested.
11

Give your date a hug if you both had a really good time.

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  1. If you were both smiling and laughing throughout the night, it’s probably safe to lean in. If your date seems tired or ready to get home, stick with a handshake instead. [10]
    • If you really enjoyed your date, you might go in for a kiss. Try a hug first, and then see if they’re smiling afterwards. You can either lean in and go for it, or you can ask them directly if they want to kiss you.
    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 their hand or gently touch their arm. If they respond positively, that may be a green light to explore further contact, leading to a more romantic connection.

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Have the Perfect First Date with this Expert Series

First dates can be intimidating. Skip the stress and plan the perfect first date with these expert articles.

Community Q&A

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  • Question
    If you like each other but you are too scared to tell each other how you feel, what do you do?
    Community Answer
    Take the initiative and tell them that you like them. The other person will be more willing to open up and explain their feelings if you do it first.
  • Question
    What if she dating somebody already?
    Community Answer
    If you know they are already in a committed relationship, you need to wait until it's over before you can ask her out on a date. Otherwise, you can both hang out in a non-romantic atmosphere.
  • Question
    Do you just walk up to someone?
    Community Answer
    You could, but it's easier to establish an existing relationship before going on a date with them. That could be a friendship, an acquaintance, or meeting them online.
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      • It’s okay to feel a little nervous before a date—your date is probably nervous too!
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