Ten Questions to Ask On a First Date
You got a date – how exciting! To ease the nerves, avoid awkwardness, and enjoy yourself it is better to arrive mentally prepared with some dating questions that will allow you to learn more about the other person. We have provided a few “starter” questions to ask on a first date that have the potential to fuel genuine heart-to-hearts. Try to avoid areas that may be sensitive to your date; if you are unsure, you can probe with a question: “do you mind me asking…”
Here is our list of the 10 best “starter” questions to ask on a first date:
- What lovely (or “ridiculous” if it’s raining) weather we are having today. What is your favorite season?
- I like this place (if you are in the bar or restaurant), but I’m curious what type of food/cuisine do you like to eat on a regular basis?
- Tell me about where you grew up. What was a childhood dream of yours?
- What is your favorite hobby and/or activity?
- Do you like to travel? What have been your favorite travel destinations?
- What movie have you watched recently that you really enjoyed? (If you are into reading, then you can ask the same question about a book.)
- Do you have any pets at home?
- What relationship goals are you looking to build? What do you feel is the most important to you in a relationship?
- What do you find most attractive in other people?
- What makes you laugh the most?
Below, 
we go in-depth as to why these questions for a first date Significant 1 recommends.
What lovely (in case of rain – ridiculous) weather we are having today. What is your favorite season?
Talking about the weather is a great way to break the ice; it is very subtle but can also warm up the atmosphere.
I like this place (if you are in the bar or restaurant), but I am curious what type of food/cuisine do you like to eat on a regular basis?
This topic is also relatively innocent but still provides you with some helpful information about your date. Also, be mindful of any allergies your date has (you can do so by asking them) in order to avoid any unwanted emergencies. Likewise, we suggest not ordering hard-to-digest meals as it could potentially take your focus away from your date. Lastly, try to substitute hard liquor with light alcohol or cocktails, they can help relax and ease the nerves.
Tell me about where you grew up. What was a childhood dream of yours?
This one will give you an impression of your partner’s childhood, family, and siblings. It could help you to understand their family values, and if you share any similarities. Most people learn how to handle relationships from their parents, which could be a tremendous clue about how they will handle your relationship. Asking about childhood dreams shows whether the person achieved what he/she dreamed of or if they completely changed their life’s direction.
What is your favorite hobby and/or activity?
This question can help you to determine whether you share some common interests and hobbies with your date. It may help you to understand their daily schedule, how busy they are and if/ how often they have some free time. Perhaps on the next date, you could offer to do one of their favorite activities (i.e. hiking in the forest, swimming in the lake, sightseeing in the art galleries etc.). The answer demonstrates whether your date is a social and active person or if they prefer something quiet and cozy.
Do you like to travel? What have been your favorite travel destinations?
This one produces great conversation and ample “get to know you” responses. Who does not love to share their travel stories? People love to recall memories about the places they visited and how much fun they had. Asking this type of question on a first date will give you a chance to find out what kind of vacation they prefer.
What movie have you watched recently that you really enjoyed? If you are into reading, then you can ask the same question about a book.
Most people are usually happy to open up about their favorite movie genres or favorite actors. Additionally, you are able to discover similarities or find something unique about your date. For example, someone analytical would love thrillers or criminal-based stories, someone who is easygoing may prefer comedies.
Do you have pets at home?
This question goes beyond being a dog or a cat person. For instance, if one of you does not like pets or is deathly allergic while the other has three of them, it could be a problem. Alternatively, if the person you are going to meet up with has a super exotic pet, then it may be a sign that they are adventurous.
What relationship goals would you like to build? What do you feel is the most important to you in the relationship?
This is the most crucial question. It would be good to ask it close to the end of the date, when you both have been able to become more comfortable with one another. Before asking, it is better to understand your own relationship goals.
You can also share your priorities, and see if they align with those of your date.
What do you find most attractive in other people?
Listen to the answer carefully since it will tell you exactly what your partner is looking for in a relationship. Likewise, it might give you a glimpse into what type of love language(s) are innate to this person, meaning how they like to give and receive affection.
What makes you laugh the most?
At the end of the evening, exchanging hilarious moments helps you receive a complete understanding of the person. In addition, laughter is normally a great way to bond with others.
A good sense of humor always ranks high but if you want to tell jokes, we recommend having a feel for the other person’s sensitivities and/or going with some material that is a safe go-to.
You don’t need to memorize those questions or ask them in certain specific order – let it flow naturally. But those best ten questions to ask on a first date will help you to find out so much more about your date.
After all, have fun and enjoy the company of your companion. They are there because they too want to get to know YOU. Therefore, just be yourself– that is the best way to gauge whether this person is someone you would like to spend more of your time with in the future.