How to Impress a Girl on a Date

Co-authored by Kate Dreyfus

Last Updated: October 2, 2024 References

If you impress a girl on a date, you may get the chance to go out with her again! By following some simple steps, you can get ready for your date, dress to impress, and ensure it goes smoothly. Wear something that makes you feel confident, exercise good hygiene, and show manners by opening doors for her and picking up the tab. The most important thing you can do to impress her is listen to her. This shows that you’re interested, you care about her wants and needs, and you would be a great partner!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Ready for Your Date

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1
Choose a location for your date. First, ask her if she wants to choose the setting, in case she already has an idea about what she’d like to do. Plan ahead for where you’ll go. Keep in mind that your preparation shows your interest level. When selecting a location, look for places you’ll have the chance to talk and find out more about each other. You can also arrange multiple places to go on a single date, if desired. ^{[1]
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- Try asking, “Do you have anyplace specific in mind, or would you rather be surprised?”
- For instance, you might choose to go to an aquarium followed by a restaurant that isn’t too casual. Other ideas are ice skating, bringing a picnic lunch to a park, or a city walking tour. Avoid places like the cinema, concerts and clubs, where you’ll have to compete with the noise level and energy. ^{[2]
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- If you’re going out to eat, ask her what type of food she likes first, and don’t wait until the date to pick a restaurant. Choose a place, make reservations, and let your date know whether she should dress formally or casually. Avoid choosing a noisy place like a sports bar, where you won’t be able to hear each other well. ^{[3]
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- Reader Poll: We asked 534 wikiHow readers, and 52% of them agreed that a coffee shop is the best place to have a first date. [Take Poll]
2
Clean your car, if applicable. If you’re going to drive on the date, take some time beforehand to throw away any trash in your car. You may want to vacuum your car out as well, especially if you have pets or it’s been a while since you vacuumed your car’s interior. Wipe down any dusty interior surfaces. ^{[4]
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- Bonus points if you get a car wash, place a well-concealed air freshener in your car, and keep gum and/or mints in your console!
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3
Have topics of conversation in mind. You may not need to use them, but it’s good to have some ideas prepared ahead of time in case you find yourself at a loss for words. Think of questions that are open-ended, so they can start conversation rather than inviting simple “yes” or “no” answers.
- Try asking, “Do you like to travel? Where would you most like to go?” Discussing dream travel destinations makes people feel good and even look more attractive to each other. You could also ask her what here favorite trip is that she’s been on. ^{[5]
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- Some light-hearted topics you can discuss: Does she likes pets? What does she enjoy doing in her free time? Does she consider herself a morning or night person?
- Heavier topics you might bring up: What is she passionate about? Does she enjoy her job? What would be her dream career? Does she have a favorite memory from early childhood? Avoid asking about past relationships, family problems, politics, religion and finances.
4
Consider preparing a small gift. You may want to bring flowers, candy, or something geared more towards what she likes. If you don’t know much about her, you could ask someone who knows her about some of her interests and hobbies. Put thought into it, and you’re certain to impress!
- The gesture is more important than how much you spend on the gift.

Part 2

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Dressing to Impress

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Pick an outfit that is appropriate for where you’re going. It doesn’t need to be too fancy, but making an effort in how you present yourself with your style does make an impact on the girl. You also want to be yourself; don’t dress totally out of character. Consider which clothes you feel good in that present your best self and make you feel attractive and confident. ^{[6]
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Many girls notice style details. Don’t pair a great outfit with unworthy shoes. Pick kicks that are in good condition and go with your outfit as well as what you’re doing on your date. ^{[7]
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3
Be well-groomed. Wear fresh cologne. ^{[8]
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- Don’t use cologne that you’ve had for longer than three years, as the oils can change and begin to smell stale. Avoid wearing both scented soap and cologne, as the smells can clash – stick with one or the other. ^{[10]
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- Apply cologne sparingly to the skin on your chest and neck right after you get out of the shower. Don’t put cologne on your clothes, walk through a cloud of it, or rub it in once applied. ^{[11]
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- Prevent bad breath by brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouthwash, and gargling with a half-teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a small glass of water.
4
Remember your wallet. If you’re driving, you’ll need your driver’s license. Bring cash or a credit card that covers more than you think you’ll need for expenses on the date.
- For instance, people spend an average of $80 on a date, and that number may increase for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or a first date. ^{[12]
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  Research source} If you live in a city where the cost of living is higher, that number can even double.
- Don’t plan to spend more than you can reasonably afford. Plan a budget-friendly date, if necessary, like sight-seeing.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Ensuring the Date Goes Smoothly

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1
Relax. It’s normal to feel a little nervous on a date, but it’s important to be yourself, and your nervous self isn’t necessarily your genuine self. Calm yourself down when you’re nervous. Realize that you’ll have other dates and opportunities to impress a girl, maybe even the same girl. ^{[13]
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- Avoid looking nervous by staying calm and not fidgeting, tapping your foot, or biting your nails. Relax your muscles and think calmly and positively.
2
Compliment your date . Don’t overload her with compliments the whole date, or you might come off as insincere. Instead, express your appreciation with genuine feeling when you first see her, and whenever else it feels natural and truthful.
- Avoid comments about her body or what she’s wearing. When you greet her, try saying, “You look beautiful,” before or after a kiss on the cheek. Or, focus on something about her that’s more specific, like “You have gorgeous eyes.”
- Compliment good features of her personality as you notice them, such as her intellect or sense of humor.
3
Be considerate. Consciously focus on having good manners. Open car doors and building doors for her. Offer her your hand if she’s getting out of the car. Pull out her seat in a restaurant. Offer her your jacket if it’s cold.
- Be polite to others in front of your date as well, such as employees of locations you visit on your date. ^{[14]
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4
Pay attention to her. Smile at her and make frequent eye contact. Be an active listener by nodding and showing that you’re genuinely interested in what she says. Definitely avoid staring at or showing interest in other girls during your date.
- For instance, don’t interrupt when she’s talking. Give her your full attention, as if you’re going to be quizzed on it later. Listening to your date is the best way you can find out what she wants and expects in a relationship.
5
Act smooth when it’s time to pay the bill. Be the one who asks the waiter for the bill if you’re at a restaurant. You want to impress her, so plan to pay for the date and don’t make a show about it – in fact, if you want to earn her respect, pay it discreetly without making any mention of it. Many girls expect their date to pay, and she may be insulted if you suggest that she pays half. ^{[15]
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- Don’t say anything to her about the bill unless she comments on it or offers to contribute to it. If she does, try saying, “Please, allow me.”
- Who pays the bill is a delicate situation. A girl may offer to pay towards the bill, but be annoyed if you take her up on it. However, if your date sincerely insists on paying, don’t refuse to allow her to contribute to the bill, either. Use your best judgment.
6
Say goodbye appropriately. Don’t hesitate, be fidgety, or otherwise make the parting awkward. Tell her that you’d like to see her again, if you would. Pay attention to her body language , eyes and facial expressions . If you believe she’ll be responsive to it, give her a hug and a kiss either on the cheek or the lips. Don’t break apart right away or linger too long.
- Try saying, “This was a great time! I’d love to see you again.”
- For example, if she seems put off when you go in for a hug, don’t try to follow it up with a kiss.
- Don’t give her a sloppy kiss! You don’t want it to be aggressive or leave slobber all over her face. Give her a soft kiss with your lips closed for a few seconds. The more gentle and tender, the better.
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

Pay attention to her reactions to you. As your conversation flows, gauge her comfort with physical touch. Then, follow her lead to build a connection gradually.

Get More Dates with this Expert Series for Men

Dating is hard. We’ve put together this series of expert articles to help you get more dates, go on better dates, and ultimately find your person.

1

Look Attractive (Guys)

2

Flirt with a Girl over Text

3

Ask a Girl Out

4

Impress a Girl on a Date

5

Ask a Girl for a Kiss

6

How Often Should You Text Someone You Just Started Dating?

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Try not to swear. Your date may actually find this to be a turn-off. ^{[16]
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Don’t ask your date what “type” she goes for. Dating is all about finding out what you do and don’t like enjoy in a partner, so avoid making general statements such as “I like blondes,”or “I don’t like girls who don’t watch football.” ^{[17]
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Aim for a balance in conversation: You don’t want to dominate it or be a nonparticipant. If you catch yourself talking about yourself a lot, definitely steer the conversation back to a question about her. ^{[18]
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Warnings

Don't boast about your talents or try overly hard to impress a girl. Be humble and sincere instead.

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Don’t bring up past relationships. Your date may feel like you’re comparing her to other girls, or that you’re not over your ex.

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How to Impress a Girl on a Date

Steps

Getting Ready for Your Date

Dressing to Impress

Ensuring the Date Goes Smoothly

Get More Dates with this Expert Series for Men

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