78 Questions to Keep the Convo Going on a First Date

In the hours leading up to a first date, there's a good chance you might feel a sort of buzzy, nervous energy — a combination of nerves and excitement as you picture how the date will go. You might even be asking yourself, what do I wear? Where should we go? Will they like me? Am I about to meet my soulmate? And a million other things.

Though pre-date rituals are helpful, 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 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 75 questions that make for perfect first-date banter. There are ice breakers, funny questions, and would-you-rather prompts for when you want to keep things light and fun. Or, if you're feeling shy or nervous about making a move, we've gathered some flirty questions as well.

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.

— Additional reporting by Taylor Andrews

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Funny First-Date Questions
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Funny First-Date Questions

  • 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?
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Important First-Date Questions
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Important First-Date Questions

  • 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?
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Ice-Breaker First-Date Questions
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Ice-Breaker First-Date Questions

  • 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?
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Flirty First-Date Questions
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Flirty First-Date Questions

  • 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?
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Serious First-Date Questions
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Serious First-Date Questions

  • 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?
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Would-You-Rather First-Date Questions
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Would-You-Rather First-Date Questions

  • 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 be able to see your future or your significant others?

Dirty Would-You-Rather Questions:

  • Would you rather give a lap dance or get a lap dance?
  • 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?