The dating world isn’t the same as it was 10 years ago. A combination of video calling accessibility and the pandemic means that online dates are more common than ever. In fact, for safety, some people always have their first dates online.
At the same time, those in a long-distance relationship can also use online dating to keep the spark alive. They can emulate an in-person date on a video call rather than miss each other.
If you’re looking for a fun date idea for an online meet, you have plenty of options. If you’re struggling with ideas, keep reading our guide on online date ideas.
Why Have an Online vs In-Person Date?
Online dates are more flexible and convenient for busy singles or couples doing long-distance. In fact, 29% of married couples now meet online, according to the Knot! It’s a perfect solution if you have a busy schedule or you’re separated by some distance. With more and more relationships beginning online, having a virtual date can feel more natural for some.
You might also feel more safe doing a first meeting over the phone. It allows both you and your date to get to know each other from the comfort of your home. This will likely make you both feel more relaxed and help you get over first-date jitters.
Couples in long-distance relationships will also enjoy regular virtual dates, which can keep the relationship strong. Whether it’s virtual game nights or Zoom dates, virtual dates can help couples feel closer. This is why we created this guide with online date ideas for long-distance connections.
Here are some reasons why you may prefer an online date, even if you are not far away from the other person.
Making Online Dates Feel More Personal
Online dates can feel impersonal – you don’t have the option of touching each other. But you can make it feel more intimate by copying a traditional date.
Try to set up your room with dim lighting. You could even try lighting candles to make you feel more romantic. Share what happened to you during your day or talk about the future as if you were together.
Make an effort to dress up for your date as you would if you were in person. This will help you get into the mood for a date.
If you already know your date in person, try making a shared playlist or making their favorite drink. This will add sentiment to your virtual date night.
Overcoming First-Date Nerves Online
It’s completely normal to feel nervous on your first online date—it brings up the same feelings as a physical date. Start with some small talk. Discuss your hobbies, favorite movies, or recent show recommendations on your favorite streaming platform.
Talking casually can help ease the initial awkwardness and create a far more relaxed vibe. Don’t be afraid to tell jokes and show playfulness – this can help to break the initial ice.
What Are the Benefits of Dating Digitally?
Dating digitally rather than in person offers unique benefits. Virtual dates are more affordable and can be more flexible.
You can plan plenty of fun experiences without leaving the comfort of your home. Playing board games and planning cocktail nights are all possible with a little creativity.
Another benefit of dating virtually is the ability to chat with people from around the world, broadening your dating pool. It’s also perfect for people going long-distance, as couples can keep the spark alive while there are miles between them.
Best First Date Ideas for Online Dating Newbies
If you’re new to virtual dates, you’re better off starting with lighthearted activities to take the pressure off. Below are the best first-date ideas for online dating newbies.
Virtual Game Nights
A great way to relieve tension on a first online date is to host a virtual game night. Trying trivia, Pictionary, or card games can help you laugh together.
Classic games like Two Truths and a Lie or Never Have I Ever can help you get to know them. Digital versions of popular board games can also be a hit.
For a low-effort Zoom date idea, use online platforms that offer multiplayer options so you can work as a team. Games like Among Us or Jackbox can add a fun twist to a first date, helping to prevent awkwardness.
Cooking Sessions
For food lovers, a cooking class or session is a perfect Zoom date idea. Both of you can work to prepare a recipe together but in separate kitchens while video chatting. You can pick an easy dish like pasta to lessen distractions.
Cooking together sparks conversation and helps you work together, even if you’re miles apart. Plus, you’ll have something to chat about when you’re eating.
Movie Nights
A low-pressure first online date could be watching a movie together using a streaming platform that allows for joint watching. Netflix allows you to watch the same movie at the same time using Watch Party.
Try picking a movie that interests both of you. It could be romantic to set the mood or a horror if you’re both into the genre. After you can chat about the film, which relieves any awkwardness
Virtual Tours
For something a bit more interactive, you could take a virtual tour together. There are plenty of online options, like exploring a museum or historical site. Virtual tours let you travel the world together and discuss art and culture.
Fun Online Date Ideas for Extra Laughs
Laughter will help you both connect on a much deeper level. Dating doesn’t have to only be about having deep chats and being romantic. If you want to add humor to your online meeting, here are some fun online date ideas.
Virtual Comedy Shows
Attending a virtual comedy show is a great way to laugh together. Some comedy clubs live stream performances from comedians from all over the world. You and your date can join a virtual show together and chat while you watch.
Watching a gig together will help break the ice for a first date and give you something to talk about.
Virtual Karaoke Nights
For a memorable virtual date idea, why not try karaoke? You can pick a free karaoke app or use YouTube to find tracks. Then, you can sing together or take it in turns. It will bring you both plenty of laughs.
Singing your heart out may feel embarrassing. It might be a better idea for long-distance couples to be comfortable with each other.
Virtual Art Challenges
If you want to let out your inner artist, a virtual art challenge is a great option. Both of you can attempt to draw portraits of each other or work on fun art prompts.
Use drawing apps or pen and paper while you chat on platforms like Zoom. Your final drawings will probably be hilarious and give you something to laugh about.
Online Date Night Ideas To Spark Romance
Creating a romantic atmosphere during virtual dates can seem tricky, but it’s not all that hard. All you need to do is emulate a romantic in-person meeting. Here are some thoughtful and romantic online date night ideas to spark some romance.
Virtual Dinner Date
A virtual dinner date can help maintain your spark. Both of you could cook the same meal. You could also order from the same takeout spot and enjoy your food over a video call.
This shared experience mimics romantic dining out and gives you the chance to bond. Set the mood with candles and soft music to make it a truly romantic and flirty evening.
Vision Boards for Future Plans
If you’re a long-distance couple, why not try creating vision boards for your future plans together? It’s a great way to fantasize about the future and remind each other about what you’re both aiming for.
Gather images of places you want to go or what you want to accomplish as a couple. Share your vision via a Zoom call and see how they compare. It’s a creative way to align your aspirations and come closer together.
Virtual Stargazing
There are plenty of apps that let you explore constellations and planets by pointing your phone to the sky. It doesn’t matter where you are.
You should both choose a clear night and use a stargazing app. You can then gaze at the stars together while on the phone. It’s a more intimate way to connect, even if you’re miles apart.
Online Dating Ideas for Long-Term Relationships
Keeping the spark alive in a long-term relationship can be especially hard if you’ve met on a serious relationship dating app and you are miles from each other. You don’t have the luxury of touching each other or being intimate.
But it is possible to keep the spark alive over the phone. Here are some date ideas for established partners.
Take a Regular Online Class Together
Meeting up for a virtual class every week can give you both something to look forward to. It could be cooking, painting, or even learning a new language. It’s a great way to learn new skills, enjoy each other’s company, and spend quality time together.
When you get to see each other in person, you can practice your new skills together, making you feel closer.
Try a Virtual Book Club
Starting a virtual book club with just the two of you can help you bond as a couple. Choose a book that you both fancy reading and set up regular dates to discuss chapters. It will help you have deeper conversations and help you see each other’s unique points of view.
Plan a Virtual Weekend Getaway
Just because you can’t be together doesn’t mean you can’t go on a getaway virtually! Transform your weekend by planning a virtual trip.
Think about places you’re both excited to visit. Watch travel vlogs and cook local dishes. You could even set up a themed dinner night matching your dream vacation.
Create a Photo Album
If you’ve been together for a while, chances are that you have hundreds of photos together. Turn these memories into an album. Pick out photos together and scrapbook over a video call. You can laugh about your memories and feel better connected.
When you’re missing your partner, you can look through your photo album and reminisce about your memories.
Try a Virtual Fitness Challenge
Trying out a virtual fitness challenge will motivate both of you to stay healthy as a couple. You can set goals together like daily steps or running times. Use fitness apps like My Fitness Pal and add your partner as a friend to see their progress.
Join an Online Game Tournament
If you both love to game, you could organize your own mini-tournament where you compete against each other. Choose a video game you both love and compete or work collaboratively.
Having some friendly competition in your relationship adds a new level of excitement while allowing you to let off steam.
Online Date Ideas for First Dates
First dates can be super nerve-wracking. However, virtual date night ideas make it much easier to focus on your conversation and whether you have a connection. Online date ideas for first dates should be relaxing and pressure-free.
A great first Zoom date idea is to keep it simple with a coffee date. Grab your favorite drink and hop on a video call. That way, you can chat in a relaxing setting where you’re not distracted by the world around you.
If you’re looking to set the mood, you could have a virtual wine night. Both pick your favorite type and describe what you like about it. It gives you something to talk about, and a glass of wine can help to calm the nerves.
If you’re in a relationship, having a wine night and flirty conversation can be seductive and help keep things spicy.
FAQs
What are some popular online date ideas?
Popular virtual date ideas include:
- Movie nights via a streaming platform
- Digital board games
- Making vision boards
- Going on virtual tours together
If you want to add a touch of romance, try a virtual candlelight dinner or wine-tasting night.
How can online dating help long-distance relationships?
Online dating is a lifeline for couples in a long-distance relationship. Hosting these regular virtual dates will help you keep your close connection and build intimacy. This will help prevent you from drifting apart. Unfortunately, this happens to a lot of couples living far away from each other.
How can I get over the awkwardness of an online date?
We get it. First dates can be a bit awkward if you are an introvert. However, online dating can help relieve a lot of the tension that comes with meeting in person.
Start out with a light-hearted activity to prevent any awkwardness. A virtual game night or chatting over a glass of wine can help break the ice. It’s likely that your date is also feeling nervous, so you’re not alone!
Why are online dates better than in-person dates?
Online dates are more flexible than in-person dates, and it’ll help you save on costs. There’s also a lot less logistical stress, and you can chat in the comfort of your home. This will make it much easier for you to relax and enjoy chatting without distractions.
It’s also much easier to end a date if things start to go wrong. It can be awkward to leave if you’re in person. But virtually, all you need to do is hang up!
Find Dates on Doublelist
If you’re looking to meet someone new in your area, DoubleList offers you a great way to find connections. Whether you’re looking for a relationship or casual sex, you can find it on the platform.
All you need to do is write your personal ad expressing what you’re looking for and your location. Then, wait for the messages to roll in! Even if the person is far away, you can use some of the online date ideas in this article to create some sparks!
Don’t let distance or a busy schedule stop you from building a relationship. Sign up for DoubleList now!
