A first date can be scary, especially if you’re nervous about saying the right thing. You’ll want to choose a flattering outfit and make sure your hair looks good, and you’ll also want to ask the best questions. While dating can be daunting, you don’t have to worry about awkward silences when you know what to ask.

When you’re on a first date, the best questions avoid invasiveness. You shouldn’t discuss politics or controversial issues that could hinder the date. However, there are plenty of other questions to ask and conversations to have.

A first date sometimes seems like an interview, and remember that the other person probably feels the same. Knowing how to engage with them will help you relax and keep the conversation flowing. Plus, it shows your new partner how you respond to others and carry yourself.

The Fifty Best Questions to Ask on a First Date (without being overly invasive)

The best questions to ask your date promote deep conversation that keeps flowing. It helps you get to know the other person without being too intrusive. Not only will you get to know them without things getting awkward, but they’ll also see what kind of person you are.

first date questions

The Best Questions Are Open-Ended

Open-ended questions are the perfect way to stimulate a conversation. Asking open-ended questions on a date allows for deeper communication, helping you get to know one another better. It’ll also help you relax as the conversation continually flows.

Avoid Controversial Topics

You’ll eventually have to have these discussions, but save the controversial topics for a later date. On your first time out together, you don’t want to get into an argument or make anyone uncomfortable. If you wait to discuss things that could cause a debate, you’ll be more comfortable and able to focus on the conversation.

Listen to What Your Date Says

Good conversation requires listening to the other person, so don’t zone out. It’s easy to get caught up thinking about what you’ll say when it’s your turn to speak, but it causes you to miss what the other person says. Being present in the conversation will help it flow naturally and keep things interesting.

Don’t Follow a Script

Your date might not respond to your questions as you thought they would. But that’s okay. So go with the flow and avoid making the conversation generic. Ask follow-up questions based on what your date says, not what you had pre-planned.

The Best Questions Will Probe for Deeper Thoughts

While you should avoid controversial topics, deep questions are the way to go. You can ask basic questions, too, but make sure to go a little deeper. Discussing the essential things in their life helps determine who their potential partner truly is.

Talk About What’s Important to Them

Getting to know someone requires finding out what they do with their free time. The best questions help you learn about their passions, priorities, hobbies, and relationships. These things help define a person and give insight into who they are. Plus, when you get someone talking about the things that mean the most, they’re more likely to keep going.

Be Yourself

Dating is all about figuring out whether you might like to see someone again. If you don’t stay true to yourself on the date, the other person will not know who you truly are. In addition, you don’t want to inadvertently base a new relationship on lies or half-truths.

Not being yourself can lead to an unhealthy relationship. Be open and honest, allowing your date to get to know the real you. Plus, it lessens the pressure and makes both of you more comfortable.

Pay Attention to Your Body Language

The things you don’t say can convey a message just as much as your words can. So pay attention to your body language, maintain eye contact and stay engaged in activities.

You’ll also want to smile, laugh, nod, and respond appropriately throughout the conversation. Keeping your arms relaxed and palms open can convey a comforting feeling, too. That’s because this posture promotes a light, fun atmosphere. As a result, you will help your date relax.

Other Helpful First Date Tips

first date questions

Remember That They Are Probably Nervous, Too

A first date is nerve-wracking. Thus, your date might not perfectly articulate their answers to your questions. Their brain might be all over the place, and nerves can get the best of them. Please pay more attention to the chemistry between the two of you because their answers might not always be the best on a first date.

You Can Have Dealbreakers

Having dealbreakers in a relationship is okay, so don’t ignore them, hoping for the best. Knowing what you can’t look past can help you find the right person for you. You’ll set yourself up for a dysfunctional relationship if you neglect your dealbreakers.

Please don’t go into a relationship thinking you can change someone because it’s not beneficial for either of you. So stick to your boundaries and stand by the things you believe in. Everyone has different qualities, and everyone has limits.

Make Sure to Have Fun

Having fun is essential on a first date if you want a chance at a second one. Your date will want to know that they can have fun with you. Besides that, it helps make things more relaxed. You’ll have more meaningful conversations and get to know one another better if you’re both having a good time.

Fifty Best Questions to Ask on a First Date (Dig Deep Without Being Invasive)

  1. What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened in your life?
  2. Do you like animals?
  3. What makes you feel alive?
  4. Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
  5. Can you tell me about your favorite day from the past?
  6. Is there a song you listen to when you want to feel happy?
  7. What is the best gift you’ve ever received, and what makes it unique?
  8. Do you prefer to go out or stay at home?
  9. Is there anything you’re excited about coming up in your life?
  10. What is the best or worst job you’ve ever had?
  11. Do you plan things out or procrastinate?
  12. What’s your favorite time of day and why?
  13. How do you express your creativity?
  14. What’s the first thing you’d buy if you won the lottery?
  15. If you could become famous, would you do it?
  16. What are your feelings on fate?
  17. Do you have any unrealistic fears?
  18. What were you like in high school?
  19. Do you have any regrets in life?
  20. What do you think of when you envision your future?
  21. If you could only eat one food forever, what would you pick?
  22. What was your dream job when you were growing up?
  23. How do you react when someone is rude to you?
  24. What or who are you most grateful for?
  25. Do you have siblings?
  26. What song could you listen to every day?
  27. Is there anything you wish you were better at?
  28. What is your favorite joke?
  29. Are you close to your family?
  30. What do you enjoy doing when you’re alone?
  31. Which era do you think you were meant to live in?
  32. What are your top priorities in life?
  33. How do you spend your time off work?
  34. What are your bad habits?
  35. Are you like either of your parents?
  36. What is your dream job?
  37. Who do you admire most in the world and why?
  38. If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
  39. What is your favorite word?
  40. Is there something you don’t like but everyone else does?
  41. What is the worst advice you’ve ever received?
  42. How do you think you can make a difference in the world?
  43. If you could only watch one movie forever, what would it be?
  44. What have you always dreamed of doing, and what held you back?
  45. Is there an age you’d go back and relive if you could?
  46. What do you think the world will be like in fifteen years?
  47. Do you enjoy adventure and spontaneity?
  48. What is the most exciting thing about you?
  49. Do you enjoy reading?
  50. What are some of the songs on your current playlist?

first date questions

Final Thoughts on Best Questions to Ask on a First Date (Dig Deep Without Being Invasive)

So the best questions to ask on a first date are ones that make you feel closer to your potential new partner. They should help reveal wishes, memories, thoughts, and other things that allow you to know someone. Of course, you must answer honestly if your date asks you questions, too, as they’re trying to get to know the real you.

You’ll quickly know if you’re compatible when you ask the best questions on a first date. You might even know by the end of the date if you want to see them again. So feel free to use this list of best questions to help you get through your first date with a new person.