First dates are tricky enough without bad ideas making them worse. Yet somehow, these questionable activities keep popping up as “fun” date plans. If you’ve ever endured a first date that made you wish you’d just stayed home with pizza, this list is for you. Let’s break down the top five worst first date ideas that people really need to stop suggesting.
#1: The Movie Date
Ah, the classic movie date. Sitting in silence for two hours while awkwardly debating whether to share the popcorn? Romantic. The only “connection” happening here is the one you make with your soda cup. Spoiler alert: You’ll leave knowing more about the plot than your date.
#2: The Group Hangout
“I thought it’d be fun to bring my friends along!” No. No, it wouldn’t. Instead of getting to know your date, you’re now navigating the social dynamics of their friend group while wondering if it’s too late to fake an emergency. Group dates are just parties in disguise—and not the fun kind.
#3: The Fancy Restaurant
Sure, it sounds impressive, but who wants to spend the entire date stressing about which fork to use or pronouncing “charcuterie board” correctly? Plus, nothing says romance like splitting the check on a meal that costs more than your monthly Netflix subscription.
#4: The Surprise Activity
“It’s a surprise!” they say, grinning like they’ve planned the date of the century. Fast forward to you awkwardly zip-lining through a forest or trying to escape a locked room while pretending you’re not mildly terrified. Surprises are great—just not on the first date.
#5: The Gym Date
“Want to work out together?” Absolutely not. Sweating, grunting, and trying not to drop a dumbbell on your foot is not a bonding experience. The gym is for self-improvement, not for impressing someone with your half-hearted push-ups. Save it for date five—or never.
Honorable Mentions
– The Long Hike: Great idea if you want to sweat through your shirt and run out of things to say after 15 minutes.
– The Karaoke Night: Nothing says “let’s get to know each other” like butchering a Bon Jovi classic in front of strangers.
– The Errand Run: “Hey, want to come with me to Target?” While tempting, it’s not exactly first-date material.
How to Avoid the Awkwardness
Keep it simple. Coffee, casual drinks, or a low-pressure activity like mini-golf are your best bets. The goal is to talk, laugh, and see if there’s chemistry—not to see if you can survive zip-lining together.
Conclusion
First dates don’t have to be elaborate or Instagram-worthy to be fun. In fact, the simpler, the better. So, the next time someone suggests a surprise trapeze lesson for date one, run. Fast. And maybe suggest a cozy café instead—you’ll thank yourself later.