How to Be Romantic on Your First Date

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

First dates are a lot of things—fun, nerve-wracking, exciting—but most of all, they should be romantic! This is your chance to spark chemistry with the other person to see if you're a natural fit. A little romance definitely improves your chances of a second date so check out our tips for setting the mood.

1

Pick a romantic location.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This might be somewhere very beautiful or historic, or it might just be somewhere important to your date. For instance, if they're into wine, a vineyard would be a romantic choice. If they're more outdoorsy, you could suggest a beautiful arboretum or rose garden. Try to choose a place that feels intimate and unique to them. This is way more romantic than dinner and a movie! [1]
    • If they're into the arts, you might suggest going to a museum or an art gallery.
    • Try to avoid doing a coffee date at a cafe since it won't feel as natural. [2]
    2. Advertisement
2

Do an activity where you can be close.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This might mean taking a salsa class, going for a swim at the beach, or hitting the amusement park together. [3] Do activities that keep you active and talking with each other as opposed to sitting and watching something. This way, you'll have more opportunities to spark a meaningful connection. [4]
    • Take a pass on sitting through a long concert or show since this doesn't give you a chance to interact much with your date.
3

Prioritize conversation.

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you're on a first date, you're trying to get a sense of the person—what they're into, what their personality is like, whether or not they're funny. Stick with light topics like what bands they like, what their favorite food is, and where they'd love to travel to. Showing deep interest in the other person is definitely more romantic than tuning out to a movie, so make sure you listen closely to their responses. [5]
    • Don't feel like you have to talk about heavy stuff. Save discussions about politics, religion, and relationships for later.
    • Think of it this way, were you a fun way to kill some time, or did you watch the sunrise because you spent all night talking?
    2. Advertisement
4

Put your phone away.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This may not seem like a romantic gesture, but it's a huge deal for most people. Think about how often you check your phone without even thinking about it. Make a point of turning off your phone so you don't look at it at all. Instead, give your date your full focus. They'll probably feel more of a connection this way. [6]
    • Can't turn off your phone? Set your phone to silent mode and make a point of not checking it repeatedly.
5

Flirt to spark a little chemistry.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Say something cute and romantic like, "I am sorry as this can sound awkward, but I get very nervous around pretty girls." Whatever you say, be genuine! Here are a few more lines you can use: [7]
    • "That suit looks amazing on you."
    • "I think everyone here is jealous of me. I'm with the most handsome/beautiful person in the room."
    • "You probably hear this a lot, but you have a gorgeous smile."
    2. Advertisement
6

Dedicate a song to them.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you're in a bar or restaurant that's got live music or a DJ, pick a romantic tune that you think your date would like and dedicate it to them. For something a little more lighthearted, but just as romantic, offer to sing a romantic song if you're at a karaoke bar. Your date may be surprised, flattered, or amused, but above all, they'll probably be charmed at your effort. [8]
    • Who knows? This could even become your song if it looks like the relationship might work out.
7

Display open body language.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Keep your arms open and loose instead of crossing them, which can look defensive. You want your body language to make your date relaxed and comfortable. [9]
    • A lot of people also find it easier to sit side by side instead of across from one another when they're talking. This seems more intimate since you're physically closer to each other.
    2. Advertisement
8

Show some physical affection.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You might rub their shoulder, hold hands, or just touch their arm. Little touches like these make a connection that can make you two feel more comfortable around each other. [10] [11]
    • Don't wait until the end of the date to do this. It can be awkward for both of you if there hasn't been any physical contact before one of you leans in for a goodnight kiss.
    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.


9

Find a romantic spot for a first kiss.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you're really hitting it off with the other person and they've initiated physical touches, they may be feeling romantic, too. Although you shouldn't feel pressured to kiss on the first date, it might just seem natural. Maybe you're both leaning in toward each other in front of a beautiful sunset or the other person pulls you closer as you go to say goodnight. If you're both comfortable with the idea of kissing, then great! [12]
    • Don't feel bad or force it if your date doesn't want to kiss. They may not feel a similar connection or they might just want to get to know you a little better first.
    2. Advertisement
10

Be yourself.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You don't want to trick the other person. Instead, be super open and honest about who you are. [13] Being your true, authentic self is romantic! Take a moment to remind yourself that the person wants to go out on a date with you so be yourself. [14]
    • To make yourself feel more relaxed about the date, dress comfortably, act confident, and have a good time.

How Can You Make a Good First Impression On a Date?


Join the Discussion...

What are some good first date ideas?
WikiAxolotlRunner633
WikiAxolotlRunner633
Working up the nerves to ask the person that I like out on a date, but I have no ideas for what we should do together. I'm open to trying just about anything, but I want to make sure that we both have a good time and can hopefully have a second date afterwards. Any recommendations you all have?
wikiHow Editorial Team
Here are some fun first date ideas for you:
  • Go for a walk in the park: it's low-key and a great opportunity to chat
  • Grab a coffee or drink: it's chill, and it's easy to call it after one drink if there's no spark or get another round if you're enjoying yourselves
  • Go mini-golfing: this classic date is fun and active so it's a win-win
  • Go to a comedy show: nothing brings people together like laughter
  • Have a picnic: just pack a few sandwiches, bubbly waters, some dessert, a blanket, and voila—you've got a romantic and cozy date
  • Visit the farmer's market: there's so much to explore and taste, plus, you can get your grocery shopping done—it's practical and fun at the same time
  • Go to trivia night: see how well you work as a team while enjoying a cup of coffee or a drink
  • Check out an art gallery reception: they're usually free and often have snacks and wine (also free!)
    • Mark Rosenfeld
    Dating & Relationship Coach
    I always say the best dates are always free and involve some sort of movement. I think that dinner and a movie are very stagnant dates because it feels like an interview or you can't even have a conversation to begin with. I'm a huge fan of walking and exploring new places. You could go to the mall with a coffee or find a cute neighborhood that you've always wanted to check out. I personally love going to local universities because they're beautiful and it's great for people-watching.
    See all 6 Replies and
    Read Discussion

    Expert Q&A

    Ask a Question
    200 characters left
    Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
    Submit
        Advertisement

        Video

        Tips

        Submit a Tip
        All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
        Name
        Please provide your name and last initial
        Submit
        Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

        You Might Also Like

        170+ Deep, Heartfelt & Passionate Love Messages to Send Your Guy
        How to
        Make Your Girlfriend Want to Have Sex With You
        45 Sweet Paragraphs That’ll Make Your Girlfriend Cry
        How to
        Turn a Girl On
        150+ Romantic & Funny Questions to Make Your Boyfriend Laugh
        How to
        Prepare for Your First Time for Guys
        28 Funny Jokes to Tell Your Girlfriend
        How to
        Tell if Your Boyfriend Is Gay
        How to
        Kiss Your Boyfriend to Make Him Crazy
        How to
        Tell if Someone Has a Dating Profile
        How to
        Turn On Your Girlfriend
        How to
        Find Out if a Guy Secretly Likes You
        50+ Conversation, Board, and Video Games to Play with Your Girlfriend
        Signs a Woman is Sexually Attracted to You
        Advertisement

        References

        1. ↑ https://truelovewords.com/first-date-ideas-that-can-be-really-romantic/
        2. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
        3. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
        4. ↑ https://truelovewords.com/first-date-ideas-that-can-be-really-romantic/
        5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fighting-fear/201404/the-ideal-first-date
        6. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/romantic-gestures-guys-actually-love-according-guy/
        7. ↑ https://bestlifeonline.com/sexiest-things-to-say-on-a-first-date/
        8. ↑ https://www.elitedaily.com/p/5-romantic-things-to-do-on-a-first-date-if-youre-a-real-sucker-for-love-7506082
        9. ↑ https://www.bustle.com/p/11-little-ways-to-increase-your-chemistry-on-a-first-date-according-to-expert-48236
        1. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
        2. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/romantic-gestures-guys-actually-love-according-guy/
        3. ↑ https://www.elitedaily.com/p/5-romantic-things-to-do-on-a-first-date-if-youre-a-real-sucker-for-love-7506082
        4. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 11 March 2021.
        5. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/16-ways-to-have-an-incredible-first-date

        About This Article

        In other languages
        Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 97,530 times.

        Did this article help you?

        Advertisement