Online Dating First Date Tips, Ideas, Conversation Topics

So you have matched with someone on a dating app, managed to flirt your way through not so awkwardly spaced exchanges and are ready to ask the person out on a date – congratulations! Dating app first dates are exciting but can also be stressful. How to be a good date is essential to obtaining a second date.

Many folks don’t make it this far due to various reasons (wrong app choice, negative/lazy bios, self-sabotaging photos, unrealistic expectations about whom they can attract or poor communications skills).

Online dating can be brutal for many – endless rejection, no responses, lack of likes and matches as well as the not so uncommon ghosting. Bumble first dates and Hinge first dates can be stressful and challenging.

Online dating requires patience, knowing what you want, thick skin, ability to read people and profiles as well as a bit of luck (liking + swiping at optimal times, selecting the right dating app; hint: not all dating apps are the same, and a bit of luck).

Below are some first date tips for men, advice on when to ask a girl out on Hinge, where to go on a first date, how to be a good date, how to confirm a date without sounding desperate, how long should a first date last, first date conversation tips, tips for a first date after meeting online, first date red flags and who should text first after a first date. Keep reading to figure out answers to the eternal question – where should we go on a date?

Related read: Creepy Men On Dating Apps

Transitioning From Texting To Dates: First Date Tips For Men, Women

For those that have matched with someone they like, the first few messages can be awkward, random, uncertain or dull. Not every comment and response requires a timely witty comeback, sometimes the best approach is being honest and direct with your matches.

Places like San Francisco lack men who are direct, candid and show some vulnerability. Knowing your strengths, matches and competition will pay dividends on dating apps as well as encounters offline.

Transitioning from matches to dates is a tricky road and many people assume the latter is a foregone conclusion when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

You are competing against time and other people (people your match is dating, has matched with or has yet to match with). Being quick but not overly eager to set up a date is a delicate balancing act where no algorithm nor framework is perfect.

The fact that you have matched with someone is a sign that there is mutual interest. Knowing the sincerity and depth of the interest is hard to figure out.

Unless someone gives you a reason not to trust them or take them seriously (negative bios, bathroom selfies, narcissistic photos/bios, short bios and messages, blurry/dark/distant photos) you should give people the benefit of the doubt.

Coming in with a jaded mindset with inability to trust people is not healthy and will lead to problems with dating apps done the road.

Along those lines, you should constantly review people and their profiles and not make any assumptions. Using common sense and not making excuses for others will help keep a healthy outlook on dating.

Related read: Online Dating Green Flags