In the hours leading up to a first date, there's a good chance you might feel a sort of buzzy, nervous energy. This could be because you're thinking about how the date will go, but it could also be because you're trying to come up with some easy first-date questions, too.
Though pre-date rituals like journaling [1] and working out may help calm these anxieties, you might also find that having a handy list of first-date questions can help keep your (and your date's) nerves at bay. Having some questions ready ahead of time is a great fallback when you find yourself stuck in a moment of awkward silence, and it's a great way to help you get to know your date even better.
Whether the small talk [2] is winding down, you've reached a bout of awkward silence, or you're not ready to say goodbye just yet, we've pooled together over 70 questions that make for perfect first-date questions. There are ice breakers, funny questions, and would-you-rather prompts for when you want to keep things light and fun. (But if you want to kick it up a notch, you could also advance to these questions to ask your crush [3] instead.)
For those who want to dig a little deeper and form a more solid connection with their date, here are the best first-date questions for whatever vibe you're going for.
Funny First-Date Questions
Asking your date a funny first-date question is a no brainer. It's a great way to relax and let yourselves lighten up a bit.
- What's your best dad joke?
- What's your cheesiest pickup line, and does it actually work?
- What's your worst first-date story?
- What's the story behind your first kiss?
- What's the most embarrassing thing your younger self did?
- What's the most embarrassing thing you've done on a date?
- What nicknames do your friends and family call you?
- What's the craziest lie you told as a kid?
- If you had to go on a reality dating show, which would it be?
- What show or movie do you quote the most?
- What meme do you refer to the most?
Important First-Date Questions
If you want to skip the small talk and move to some important first-date questions that will actually help you decide whether you want to see this person again, we've got you.
- What's something you're really proud of?
- Who are you closest to in your family?
- What would your best friend say are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
- Why did you decide to move to this city or town?
- Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
- What's a big life goal of yours?
- Where or what makes you happiest?
- What's one of your favorite childhood memories?
- If you had a whole day of nothing planned, how would you spend it?
- What do you love most about your job?
- What do you love most about your friend group?
- What's something you're excited to experience in the future?
Ice-Breaker First-Date Questions
Sometimes, first dates can inevitably feel tense. To help relax, here are some of the best ice-breaker first-date questions to throw out to your date.
- What's the quirkiest thing about your hometown?
- What's your go-to karaoke song?
- What's your best "pinch me" moment?
- If you had to give a TED Talk tomorrow, what would you talk about?
- What show do you put on at night to help lull you to sleep?
- What's your favorite vacation spot?
- What are your pet peeves?
- As a kid, what job did you think you'd have as an adult?
- If you won the lottery tomorrow, how would you spend the money?
- What book is on your nightstand?
- What are your go-to TV show, movie, and book recommendations?
- Are you a morning person or night person?
- Are you a beer person or wine person?
- Do you have anything on your bucket list you've been dying to check off?
- Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Flirty First-Date Questions
If the chemistry is there and you're feeling all the things, asking your date a flirty, first-date question could be the move. Just make sure to read the room before throwing one of these questions, as you don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
- How do you feel about kissing on the first date?
- Do you believe in soulmates?
- What kind of hugger are you?
- Who's your celebrity crush?
- What's the first thing you noticed about me?
- What's the riskiest place you've fooled around with someone?
- How do you feel about PDA?
- Do you think opposites attract?
- What do you find most attractive in somebody?
- What's the craziest sex dream you've ever had?
- So, what are we doing after this?
- When can I see you again?
Serious First-Date Questions
It's always a good idea to have some serious first-date questions lined up to make sure you're actually compatible. Here are some solid options to mix in with your other fun and flirty ones.
- What do you think makes you unique?
- What are you looking for right now?
- What are your relationship deal-breakers?
- What does a relationship look like and mean to you?
- Are you more focused on career or family right now?
- What's a social issue you're passionate about?
- Were you raised in a religious household?
- How has your family and upbringing shaped you into the person you are today?
- Whose opinion do you value the most?
- Who do you go to when you need career, financial, relationship, or life advice?
- How do you view marriage?
- Do you ever think about what kind of parent you'll be?
- What does your dream home look like?
- When do you know you're falling for someone?
Would-You-Rather First-Date Questions
When in doubt, pull out a would-you-rather first-date question. You will 1000 percent learn something interesting about your date this way, at the very least.
- Would you rather go to a nice restaurant or get takeout for an anniversary dinner?
- Would you rather know your partner's complete dating history or be in the dark?
- Would you rather get a good-morning or a goodnight text?
- Would you rather only text or talk on the phone?
- Would you rather go on three mini staycations or a week-long destination vacation?
- Would you rather meet your favorite actor or artist?
- Would you rather go on a date with your most recent ex or the person you lost your virginity to?
- Would your rather date a relative's ex or a friend's ex?
- Would you rather give up sex or your favorite food?
- Would you rather be handcuffed or blindfolded?
- Would you rather have sex in a car or an airplane?
- Would you rather accidentally send a nude photo to your parent or post it to your Instagram Story?
— Additional reporting by Taylor Andrews [5]
Emily Weaver [6] is an entertainment and lifestyle contributor for POPSUGAR. Her writing focuses on celebrity relationships, movie and book news, and product shopping guides. Her bylines include PEOPLE, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, HelloGiggles, Scary Mommy, and more.
Taylor Andrews [7] is a Balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.