Find Your Perfect Date
Beyond the dinner and a movie. Discover unique, inclusive dating ideas and tips for every connection.
Explore Ideas NowDating for Everyone
Welcome to WhatsTheDate, your new home for navigating the vibrant, exciting, and sometimes complex world of modern dating. Our mission is to be more than just a list of ideas; we are a resource built on the foundation of inclusivity, respect, and fun. We believe that everyone deserves to find connection and happiness. That's why we create content for people of all genders, identities, and sexualities, including dedicated support for those navigating their coming-out journey. Here, you'll find everything you need to feel confident, inspired, and ready for whatever comes next.
Inclusivity at Heart
Our ideas and tips are for he, she, they, and everyone in between. We celebrate all forms of love and connection.
Beyond the Basics
We go deeper than generic advice, offering creative solutions and thoughtful guidance for real-life dating scenarios.
A Positive Space
This is a safe and supportive community focused on building confidence and fostering healthy relationships.
Actionable Dating Tips
A little advice can go a long way.
First Date Confidence
The key to a great first date is confidence. Be yourself! Ask open-ended questions to show you're interested... and remember to listen more than you talk.
Crafting the Perfect Profile
Your online dating profile is your personal ad. Use clear, recent photos and write a bio that shows off your personality, not just a list of hobbies.
Break the Ice
A line for every style.
"Are you a carbon sample? Because I want to date you."
"I was wondering if you had an extra heart. Mine was just stolen."
"Do you believe in love at first sight—or should I walk by again?"
Dating Ideas
Filter ideas to find the perfect one for you.
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Pickup Lines
Use with caution... and a smile!
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Dating Tips
Guidance for your dating journey.
First Date Confidence
The key to a great first date is confidence. Be yourself! Ask open-ended questions to show you're interested in getting to know them. Talk about your passions, but also be a great listener. Remember, it's just a conversation, so relax and have fun.
Green Flags in a Relationship ✅
Look for the good stuff! Green flags include: they listen actively, respect your boundaries, are kind to others, communicate their feelings clearly, support your goals, and make you feel safe and respected. These are the foundations of a healthy connection.
Crafting the Perfect Online Dating Profile
Your profile is your first impression. Use clear, recent photos that show your face and your interests. For your bio, be specific and positive. Instead of saying "I like movies," say "I love re-watching 90s sci-fi movies on a rainy day." It's more engaging and gives people something to talk about.
Your Profile Picture Checklist
Use a recent, clear photo of just you as your first picture. Include a full-body shot. Showcase your hobbies and personality through photos (e.g., you hiking, painting, with a pet). Avoid too many group shots, sunglasses, or filters. Smile!
The Art of the First Message
Avoid generic openers like "hey" or "hi." Reference something specific from their profile to show you've read it. Ask an open-ended question to make it easy for them to reply. Keep it light and positive. For example: "I see you went to Italy! I'm so jealous. What was your favorite city?"
Managing Dating App Burnout
Feeling exhausted by swiping? It's normal. Take breaks when you need them. It's okay to delete the apps for a week or a month. Focus on other hobbies and social activities. When you return, you'll feel refreshed. Quality over quantity—limit your daily app time to avoid fatigue.
Navigating 'Coming Out' in Dating
Your safety and comfort are paramount. You decide when and how to share your identity. A good starting point can be a public, neutral place for a first date. Test the waters by talking about LGBTQ+ topics or friends to gauge their reaction. Trust your intuition. Your story is yours to share when you feel ready and safe.
Communication is Key
In any relationship, new or established, clear and honest communication builds a strong foundation. Don't be afraid to express your feelings, boundaries, and expectations. Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect and understanding.
Digital Dating Safety
When meeting someone from an app, always tell a friend where you're going and who you're meeting. Meet in a public place for the first few dates. Don't share overly personal information like your home address until you've built a level of trust. Consider a video call before meeting in person.
Handling Rejection Gracefully
Rejection is a normal part of dating and it doesn't define your worth. If someone isn't interested, it's not a reflection on you, but rather an issue of compatibility. Be polite, wish them well, and move on. The right person will appreciate you for who you are. Don't ghost—a simple "It was nice meeting you, but I don't think we're a match" is kind and clear.
How to Politely Decline a Second Date
It can be awkward, but clarity is kind. A simple, honest text is usually best. Say something like: "Thank you so much for the date, I had a nice time. However, I didn't feel a romantic connection. I wish you all the best!" You don't need to give a long explanation.
Great Conversation Starters
Tired of "how was your day?" Try these: "What's something you're excited about recently?", "What's the best or worst advice you've ever received?", "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?", "What's a small thing that always makes you happy?".
Recognizing Red Flags 🚩
Pay attention to how they treat service staff. Other red flags include: being evasive about their past, not respecting your boundaries, trying to rush the relationship, and love-bombing (overwhelming you with affection very early on). Trust your gut feeling.
The Second Date: What Now?
If the first date went well, suggest a second one within a few days. Try a different type of activity to see another side of their personality. For example, if you had a quiet coffee date, try something more active like bowling or a walk in the park. It's a chance to build on the initial connection.
The Importance of Shared Values
Initial chemistry is exciting, but long-term compatibility often comes down to shared values. Do you both want similar things in life? Do you agree on big topics like family, career, and how to treat people? These deeper conversations are crucial as you get to know someone.
Budget-Friendly Dating
Dating doesn't have to be expensive. Great dates can be free or low-cost: a walk in the park, visiting a free museum, watching the sunset, a home-cooked meal, or finding a local 'pay-what-you-can' event. The focus should be on the connection, not the cost.
Understanding and Setting Boundaries
Boundaries are essential for your well-being. They can be physical (e.g., "I'm not ready for that yet"), emotional (e.g., "I'm not comfortable discussing my past relationships"), or about your time (e.g., "I can't text while I'm at work"). State them clearly and kindly. A good partner will respect them.
Consent is Continuous and Crucial
Consent is an enthusiastic, ongoing 'yes'. It's not the absence of a 'no'. It needs to be given freely for every step of physical intimacy and can be revoked at any time. Check in with your partner: "Are you comfortable with this?" or "Do you like this?". Clear communication is sexy and essential.
Integrating a Partner with Friends
Wait until you've established some consistency before introducing a new partner to your core friend group. Start with a low-pressure group hangout, like a BBQ or casual drinks, rather than an intense one-on-one dinner. Give your friends a brief, positive heads-up beforehand, but let your partner make their own impression.
Supporting a Partner Who is Coming Out
If your partner comes out to you, listen without judgment. Thank them for trusting you with this vulnerable part of themselves. Ask them how you can best support them. Respect their privacy—don't out them to others. Your role is to be a safe, affirming presence.
How to Break Up Respectfully
If you need to end things, do it with kindness and clarity. If you've been on more than a couple of dates, an in-person conversation is best. Be honest but not cruel. Use "I" statements (e.g., "I don't feel we're compatible") instead of blaming them. Avoid clichés and give them space to process.
Dating as a Parent
Be upfront about having kids, but you don't need to make it your entire personality. Wait until you're sure about someone before introducing them to your children; their emotional safety is the priority. Carve out dedicated time for dating, but also protect your family time fiercely.
Dating After a Long-Term Relationship
Take time to heal and rediscover yourself first. When you're ready, be clear with yourself and others about what you're looking for (casual, serious, etc.). It's okay to take things slow. Dating is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on having fun and making new connections.
Intro to Ethical Non-Monogamy
Ethical non-monogamy (ENM) and polyamory are relationship styles involving open and honest connections with multiple partners. If this is something you or a partner are interested in, communication is paramount. Key principles are consent, honesty, and respect among all parties. Resources like "The Ethical Slut" are a great place to start learning.
About WhatsTheDate
Our mission is to make dating more fun, inclusive, and authentic.
Navigating the Modern Dating Maze
Let's be real: dating today is a whole new world. With over 366 million people using dating apps globally, finding a connection has never been more accessible. Yet, it's also never been more complex. Many of us feel a sense of "dating burnout"—in fact, studies show that nearly 75% of app users feel frustrated with the process. You're not alone if you've ever felt overwhelmed by endless swiping, confusing "situationships", or the pressure to present a perfect online persona.
The Challenges We All Face
The digital age brings unique hurdles. We deal with "ghosting," where conversations suddenly vanish, and the "paradox of choice," where too many options make it hard to commit. For our LGBTQ+ community, these challenges can be even greater. While over half of LGBTQ+ adults use dating apps—nearly double the rate of their straight counterparts—they also report higher instances of harassment. It's clear that while technology connects us, it doesn't always know how to help us build healthy, happy relationships.
Why We're Here to Help
This is where WhatsTheDate comes in. We saw the need for a different kind of resource—one that cuts through the noise and offers genuine, actionable guidance. We're not another dating app. We are your supportive friend, your creative guide, and your trusted source for advice that actually works. We believe that a great date is about more than just a place; it's about creating a memorable experience where a real connection can spark. By providing creative ideas and practical tips, we help you build the confidence to put your best self forward, both online and off.
Our Commitment to You
Our core mission is to make dating more fun, inclusive, and authentic. We're committed to creating a space where everyone feels seen and supported. This means providing ideas that work for any budget, tips that address real-world anxieties, and content that celebrates all identities and relationship styles. Whether you're navigating a first date, figuring out how to express your identity, or looking for ways to deepen a long-term connection, we're here for you. We're constantly growing and learning, just like in any relationship, and we hope you find something here that inspires your next great date. ❤️