PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Relationships
Dating
How Long Should You Wait for a Second Date? Time Between Dates & When to Ask for the Second Date Explore this Article Sections 1 How Long to Wait Between First & Second Dates 2 When to Ask for the Second Date 3 How can I ask someone on a second date? 4 What happens if I wait too long to ask? 5 Is the second date really that important? + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections VideoWATCH NOW Related Articles References Co-authored by Louie Felix and Jessica Gibson
Last Updated: February 18, 2026 References
ARTICLE VIDEO X
This article was co-authored by Louie Felix and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Louie Felix is a Dating Coach and Matchmaker, and the founder and CEO of Matchmaking VIP, a company which provides concierge-level matchmaking services to clients around the world. He is also the COO of Agape Matchmaking based in New York City. With almost 16 years of professional matchmaking and dating coaching experience, Louie has served as CEO for the United States' two largest matchmaking companies serving over 50,000 clients. He has been featured as an expert matchmaker for shows on E! Entertainment Television, WeTV and the CW. He was also recently acknowledged as a top 5 worldwide matchmaker by both the International Dating Conference and the Matchmakers Alliance. Louie was also selected as one of America's top 10 Relationship Experts for the Great Love Debate National Tour. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 120,286 times.
The first date is over and you're asking yourself, "Now what?" You might feel like you're in a strange limbo between dates, but the good news is you're not alone. Everyone tries to gauge the perfect time between dates, but there's truly no hard and fast rule about how long to wait. Read through these nuanced suggestions to figure out what works for you—you'll be confident and prepared for that second date!
Steps
Section 1 of 5:
How Long to Wait Between First & Second Dates
Go on the second date within a few days to a week after the first date. You want to build on the momentum of the first date, so text or call them to set up the next date. For instance, if you went out on a Tuesday night, you could make plans for the upcoming weekend.[1]XResearch source
If you went out on a weekend, you might plan on meeting up during the middle of the next week or make plans for the following weekend.
It's totally fine to send them a text after your first date is over if you really think you're a match. After all, you shouldn't hide the fact that you're really into the person.
Reader Poll: We asked 1714 wikiHow readers, and 53% of them agreed: the best time to ask for a second date is within a few days to a week after the first date. [Take Poll]
Advertisement Section 2 of 5:
When to Ask for the Second Date
1 Act quickly if the first date went great—you don't have to follow the 3-day rule. If you two really hit it off, the sooner you ask, the better![2]X Expert Source Louie FelixDating Coach & MatchmakerExpert Interview It's important to signal that you're interested because they're probably wondering how you thought the first date went.[3]XResearch source
There are no set rules, so if you want to wait a day before you call or text them, fine. You could even give it a few days, but the longer you wait, the less interested you'll seem.[4]X Expert Source Louie FelixDating Coach & MatchmakerExpert Interview
Have your own rules for how long to wait to ask your crush out on another date? Share it at our "How long should I wait before the next date?" forum.
2 Give it a few more days if you want extra time to think. Waiting tells the other person that you're not sure about a relationship. After the first date, this is perfectly acceptable. The second date should be a continuation of getting to know each other. You can wait to ask or just wait to hear from the other person.[5]XResearch source
If you're waiting a few days, you might assume that their lives have gotten busy or maybe you've gotten sidetracked by your own projects and lost track of time. A little space between your first and second dates shouldn't be a big deal.
3 Consider if you want to go out if it's been a few weeks. A long break of time can signal disinterest, so decide if you want to wait. You might realize that you two didn't really hit it off and you'd rather accept someone else's offer of a date.[6]X Expert Source Louie FelixDating Coach & MatchmakerExpert Interview If it's been a week or two and you're still interested, it's fine to reach out to the other person, but they may not be as keen on a second date if it's taken so long to connect.
Sometimes, there are perfectly good reasons why someone doesn't call or text after a first date—maybe there was a family emergency or they were dealing with an injury. By reaching out, you at least give them the chance to explain.
You might realize that you're no longer interested in waiting and that's totally fine! If you haven't heard anything in a week or two, you probably want to move on.
Advertisement Section 3 of 5:
How can I ask someone on a second date?
1 Text or call them with a specific plan in mind. If you know you want to see them again and you're ready to ask them out, think of a good date idea or two and see which one they prefer. If you make actual plans, you're more likely to go on the date than if you call and vaguely suggest that you hang out some time.[7]XResearch source
For example, instead of saying, "I had fun the other night. We should do that again sometime," say, "The other night was fun. What do you say we go out this weekend and hit the arcade?"
Although you can text them to ask for a second date, calling them really signals your interest better.
2 Work around each other's schedules. A lot of misunderstanding comes from communication in the early days of dating. Make it clear when you're free for a second date, so you don't leave the other person wondering about whether or not you're interested.
For instance, if you went out for dinner one weeknight, you might not be free until the following weekend.
Ask the other what their schedule looks like for the next few days or week when you're discussing a second date. You might say, "How does your weekend look?" or, "Are you free to get dinner together sometime this week?"
Advertisement Section 4 of 5:
What happens if I wait too long to ask?
You'll risk losing the momentum of the first date. A good first date can leave you feeling energized, curious, and interested in the other person. You want your second date to build on those exciting feelings, so if you wait too long to ask or the other person takes a long time to ask you out, things might feel flat between you.[8]XResearch source
It's not the end of the world if some of the spark has gone out—it just means that you'll have to reconnect with them on the second date. Plan on being able to talk one-on-one with them, so you can rekindle interest.
Section 5 of 5:
Is the second date really that important?
The second date gives you a better opportunity to get to know each other. It's also a second chance if you feel like the first date didn't go off as well as it should have. Maybe you were both too nervous or perhaps you got off on the wrong foot. A second date can be a fresh start and you might find that it's easier to talk to each other since you've already had the nerve-wracking first date.[9]XResearch source
Advertisement
Join the Discussion...
How long should I wait before the next date? WikiToadDiver848 I went on a date with this really awesome girl and I’m super into her. Things went really well and the vibes were immaculate. We even kissed before calling it a night and made references to setting up a second date. It’s been 24 hours since our date and I’d like to reach out about setting the next one up, but I don’t want to come off as desperate or creepy or needy. What’s an appropriate time to wait between dates before you reach out? I really want this to go well. Read More April Davis Matchmaker There's really no set timeline for asking for a second date. I generally tell my clients that if they felt sparks fly on the first date, it's completely fine to text them the day after to ask to them on a second date. Just remember to show your interest without pressuring her! Let her know you had a great time and felt a connection and would love to see here again. Then, ask if she's available next weekend. Best of luck! Read More Mercury_in_gatorade 24 hours after a date went well is already a long time to wait! I think it's sweet when a guy texts me right after a date to make sure I got home safe and let me know that he had a great time. If you wait too long, the other person might actually get the wrong idea and think that you're not interested in them! Don't be afraid to communicate openly and listen to your intuition. Read More See all 7 Replies and Read Discussion
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question 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
How to Know When and How Often to Text After a First DateHow Long Do Guys Wait to Text After the First Date? How to Follow Up After a Fun DateDiscussionHow long should I wait before the next date?How toAct After the First DateHow Long Should You Wait to Ask for a Third Date?How toTell Your Date You Want to See Them AgainHow to Ask for a Second Date over Text (12 Examples)Who Should Initiate the Third Date?How Often Should I Text Her? Common Mistakes to AvoidHow toText a Girl for a Second DateHow toFlirt After the First DateHow toText a Guy After the First DateHow toHandle a Second DateHow toPlay It Cool After the First Date Advertisement
Co-authored by: Louie Felix Dating Coach & Matchmaker This article was co-authored by Louie Felix and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Louie Felix is a Dating Coach and Matchmaker, and the founder and CEO of Matchmaking VIP, a company which provides concierge-level matchmaking services to clients around the world. He is also the COO of Agape Matchmaking based in New York City. With almost 16 years of professional matchmaking and dating coaching experience, Louie has served as CEO for the United States' two largest matchmaking companies serving over 50,000 clients. He has been featured as an expert matchmaker for shows on E! Entertainment Television, WeTV and the CW. He was also recently acknowledged as a top 5 worldwide matchmaker by both the International Dating Conference and the Matchmakers Alliance. Louie was also selected as one of America's top 10 Relationship Experts for the Great Love Debate National Tour. This article has been viewed 120,286 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4Updated: February 18, 2026 Views: 120,286 Categories: Dating In other languages Italian Portuguese Vietnamese Dutch Spanish Japanese German Indonesian French
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 120,286 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Louie Felix Dating Coach & Matchmaker Co-authors: 4Updated: February 18, 2026 Views: 120,286100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Quizzes & Games
Should I Text Him or Not QuizTake QuizDating SimulatorPlayWhich Dating App Should I Use QuizTake QuizShould You Ask Her Out?AnalyzeWill I Ever Find Love QuizTake QuizWill I Get Together With My Crush QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How to Know When and How Often to Text After a First DateHow Long Do Guys Wait to Text After the First Date? How to Follow Up After a Fun DateDiscussionHow long should I wait before the next date?How toAct After the First Date
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?How toTell That Your Crush Likes You Back100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-EsteemCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat Emojis Mean Sex?
Watch Articles
How toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)How toSave Money as a KidHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window TreatmentsHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint
Trending Articles
Why Can't I Sleep QuizHow toBe PrettyThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedHow to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?
Quizzes & Games
When Will I Get a Boyfriend QuizTake QuizWhy Am I Single QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizWhat Are the Chances Your Love Will Last?Take QuizShould I Tell My Crush I Like Them QuizTake QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Relationships
Dating
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
WikiToadDiver848 I went on a date with this really awesome girl and I’m super into her. Things went really well and the vibes were immaculate. We even kissed before calling it a night and made references to setting up a second date. It’s been 24 hours since our date and I’d like to reach out about setting the next one up, but I don’t want to come off as desperate or creepy or needy. What’s an appropriate time to wait between dates before you reach out? I really want this to go well. Read More 
April Davis Matchmaker There's really no set timeline for asking for a second date. I generally tell my clients that if they felt sparks fly on the first date, it's completely fine to text them the day after to ask to them on a second date. Just remember to show your interest without pressuring her! Let her know you had a great time and felt a connection and would love to see here again. Then, ask if she's available next weekend. Best of luck! Read More 
Mercury_in_gatorade 24 hours after a date went well is already a long time to wait! I think it's sweet when a guy texts me right after a date to make sure I got home safe and let me know that he had a great time. If you wait too long, the other person might actually get the wrong idea and think that you're not interested in them! Don't be afraid to communicate openly and listen to your intuition. Read More See all 7 Replies and Read Discussion 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Louie Felix Dating Coach & Matchmaker This article was co-authored by Louie Felix and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Louie Felix is a Dating Coach and Matchmaker, and the founder and CEO of Matchmaking VIP, a company which provides concierge-level matchmaking services to clients around the world. He is also the COO of Agape Matchmaking based in New York City. With almost 16 years of professional matchmaking and dating coaching experience, Louie has served as CEO for the United States' two largest matchmaking companies serving over 50,000 clients. He has been featured as an expert matchmaker for shows on E! Entertainment Television, WeTV and the CW. He was also recently acknowledged as a top 5 worldwide matchmaker by both the International Dating Conference and the Matchmakers Alliance. Louie was also selected as one of America's top 10 Relationship Experts for the Great Love Debate National Tour. This article has been viewed 120,286 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4 Updated: February 18, 2026 Views: 120,286 Categories: Dating In other languages Italian Portuguese Vietnamese Dutch Spanish Japanese German Indonesian French 
Take Quiz
Play
Take Quiz
Analyze
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
521 
Go on the second date within a few days to a week after the first date. You want to build on the momentum of the first date, so text or call them to set up the next date. For instance, if you went out on a Tuesday night, you could make plans for the upcoming weekend.[1] 
1 Act quickly if the first date went great—you don't have to follow the 3-day rule. If you two really hit it off, the sooner you ask, the better![2] It's important to signal that you're interested because they're probably wondering how you thought the first date went.[3] 
2 Give it a few more days if you want extra time to think. Waiting tells the other person that you're not sure about a relationship. After the first date, this is perfectly acceptable. The second date should be a continuation of getting to know each other. You can wait to ask or just wait to hear from the other person.[5] 
3 Consider if you want to go out if it's been a few weeks. A long break of time can signal disinterest, so decide if you want to wait. You might realize that you two didn't really hit it off and you'd rather accept someone else's offer of a date.[6] If it's been a week or two and you're still interested, it's fine to reach out to the other person, but they may not be as keen on a second date if it's taken so long to connect. 
1 Text or call them with a specific plan in mind. If you know you want to see them again and you're ready to ask them out, think of a good date idea or two and see which one they prefer. If you make actual plans, you're more likely to go on the date than if you call and vaguely suggest that you hang out some time.[7] 
2 Work around each other's schedules. A lot of misunderstanding comes from communication in the early days of dating. Make it clear when you're free for a second date, so you don't leave the other person wondering about whether or not you're interested. 
You'll risk losing the momentum of the first date. A good first date can leave you feeling energized, curious, and interested in the other person. You want your second date to build on those exciting feelings, so if you wait too long to ask or the other person takes a long time to ask you out, things might feel flat between you.[8] 
The second date gives you a better opportunity to get to know each other. It's also a second chance if you feel like the first date didn't go off as well as it should have. Maybe you were both too nervous or perhaps you got off on the wrong foot. A second date can be a fresh start and you might find that it's easier to talk to each other since you've already had the nerve-wracking first date.[9] Advertisement 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.