Dating Types (Dating Stages)
We wanted to make some recommendations on fun dating ideas of where to go and what to do, but first want to set the stage on some major categories, as well as take recommendations and input from the user community.
We believe that the following fits the majority of dates and is the most beneficial to understand where in the process of dating (dating stage) you are in.
The first impression date:
Nowadays many think one should merely meet for coffee, a smoothie or a drink as a more casual way to first merely lay eyes on the actual person and see the potential mate in real life (IRL).
This can be a great way to not waste each other’s time, if it isn’t a match as most have, make or take an initial impression right off the bat. It could be their picture was from 10 years ago or they lied about their height just to get their foot in the door.
It could be a pleasant surprise and they have a better smile, more charisma or winning personality that you didn’t see or get from the limited information previously. Maybe the person will share something that you hadn’t thought of doing or planning to do with your life, an interesting hobby or activity they participate in and it surprised and excited you.
Maybe the reverse of that also true and it was a nightmare, but if it is a meetup with minimal commitment in time and resources, what do you have to lose. Quick and dirty, or hopefully quick and great, and can lead to a longer time and a follow-on session. Many times, one could meet for a drink and if it all goes well, you invite the person on to dinner or a walk in the park.
There is nothing wrong with starting small and quick and just seeing if there is a potential match.
The setup date:
For a date with a known quantity or a highly touted individual from friends or family, meeting for a casual date to an event where there is an activity, like maybe a street fare, is a great way to keep it lighter and casual yet still respectful of the person(s) who set up the match.
If it is really a known quantity from family for instance, and you are both seeking a serious match, dinner always impresses, sans coupons, that is. I have a coupon for free fries to Wendy’s, doesn’t make a good first date impression, unfortunately. An activity or follow-on from dinner can be great as well, again just don’t expect too much for a first date IRL.
The follow-on or second date:
Some could call this the first actual date, since the first was a meetup, but why go a second time if there wasn’t any chemistry anyway, as this just wastes time and resources.
For a second date definitely do something fun, like dancing or an adventure? It doesn’t have to be bungee jumping if you are afraid of heights, just be honest with your date. Communicate what doesn’t work for you helps set some parameters to meet upon.
Maybe you will compromise and settle on something both parties can get behind. If you are dating later in life, why waste each other’s time if there is no sexual chemistry from the first date to even go out again? Find a fun adventure, followed by a nice quiet spot where you can connect like dinner.
For those of you have a relationship or are casually dating a person more than once.
Dating ideas will hopefully bring you some ideas that you are seeking. You could also apply these to the three categories above if you see fit.
A-Z Alphabet Dating
A fun idea we came across while thinking about this post, is what is referred to as the ABCs of Dating or A-Z Alphabet Dating. This can be accomplished with a couple, or as a way to keep yourself motivated while looking to couple. A-Z Alphabet Dating begins with dating ideas that start with the letter A, which could be a food or an activity or both.
For alphabet dating, some people go in order from A to Z, but you could choose to start anywhere in the alphabet or jump around. As an example, beginning with A there are lists out there that include ideas such as: Afternoon Tea, Apple Picking, Archery, Acting Classes, Aerobics, Agate Hunting (whatever that is), Airboat, Airplane or Airport (pre-pandemic there were some great restaurants there), Art Gallery, Astrology or for the B’s: Beach, Brewery Tour, Broadway.
A great list is available at Alphabet Dating Ideas – Creative Date Night Ideas from A-Z (localadventurer.com).
Hope you enjoy this column as we present ideas, both from us and from the readers and contributor to Dating Refinery.
