A first date from dating app is always full of doubt and anxiety because the expectation-vs-reality apprehensions are playing on your mind. Even if you’ve been getting along like a house on fire, there is always a worry that the enthusiasm and energy may be hard to match in a real-life setting. If you’ve ever been on a first date after meeting online, you know it can be exciting and nerve-racking in equal measure. If you’ve been talking to someone for a while and are finally going to meet them IRL, fret not, as we are here to help you with these first date online dating tips.

20 Tips To Keep In Mind For The First Face-To-Face Meeting After Online Dating

Meeting a prospective first date from dating apps can be awkward. You no longer have the luxury to think of well-thought-out replies and witty one-liners. This is when you have to strike a real connection with them if you want to take things forward. That’s probably why so many dating apps offer first date tips just to make sure the eventual offline date goes smoothly.

We’ve all heard stories from friends about how their dates appeared to be ‘the one’ while they texted for weeks but turned out to be utter disasters when they eventually met them. However, if you think you’ve established a real connection online, you should be able to connect and relate to each other in person as well. So, we’re here to calm those first-date nerves with a few tips that you should keep in mind for your first face-to-face meeting after talking for a while online.

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1. Pick a place and time you’re both comfortable with

This is an important tip for your first offline meeting after online dating. Settle on a place that you both like can be challenging. But trust us, this has the potential to make or break your first date. Just make sure you pick a public place for your first meeting. Likewise, if you’re wondering, “When should I meet my online date?”, the answer is: whenever you feel comfortable taking things forward, be it after a few days or weeks.

A romantic dinner and drinks go a long way in setting the mood. However, if you feel there’s a more appropriate first date idea for the two of you, go for it! Don’t be afraid to do something out of the box if you think your date will enjoy it. For instance:

• Take them out for a museum date, if you both love history
• Go out on a walking tour of the city
• Meet at a park and have a picnic date under the trees

2. Dress to impress when meeting online date for first time

So, you’re meeting online date for first time. They have probably seen the best of you on the dating app. Needless to say, you’re competing with yourself in good lighting and flattering angles. You obviously need to dress well! Because first impressions (IRL) are very important. There are a few tips you need to keep in mind if you’re wondering how to meet someone in person after dating online:

• Dress in comfortable clothes. Don’t just wear something because it’s trendy
• Don’t overdress when you meet someone new because that makes it look like you’re trying too hard
• All online dating etiquette rulebooks state that you should dress per the setting and occasion. If it’s a café, keep it low-key with warm tones. Likewise, a movie date warrants stylish casuals, whereas a date at a fine-dining restaurant calls for your sleekest outfit ideas for that first date

3. Keep a few conversation starters ready

Do you often find yourself wondering what to say when you’re meeting online date for first time? This can be even more of a problem if you’re shy. Meeting someone offline for the first time can be awkward. This is why, instead of stuttering and stumbling upon your words, it’s best to keep a few icebreaker questions and conversation starters ready. Asking them about their favorite movies, TV shows, travel destinations, etc can be a good way to begin the date. 

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4. Don’t be afraid to compliment them

Who doesn’t like being noticed? Especially, when you meet someone new. Compliments for men might seem like unchartered territory, but ladies, please appreciate your date if he’s already winning your heart. However, be sure that your compliments are appropriate and genuine. Don’t make sexual or cheesy remarks, because that could be an instant deal-breaker for many. This is one of the most useful first date online dating tips.

5. Be punctual

We cannot emphasize this enough! Please be punctual. This is one of the most important on the list of dating rules. Leaving your date waiting for you to show up can be a huge dampener. So, unless there’s a sudden emergency or the traffic is unusually bad, be on time. Even if you are stuck because of a genuine reason beyond your control, make sure you let your date know you are running late. If you’re just late because you didn’t get ready on time, you need to dig a hole and sit in it to reflect. Being late can totally ruin your date by killing the mood. It is also a sign of disrespect.

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6. Greet them appropriately

A very common question on a lot of people’s minds is, “How should I act when I first meet my date?” Should you greet them with a hug when you meet them? What if they don’t like hugs? Lean in for a cheek kiss, maybe? Well, we have found that the most appropriate way to greet your date is by saying “Hi” and leaning in for a brief hug. Remember that you’re not absolute strangers and have shared endless conversations online. Evaluate your comfort level with this person based on those interactions to pick your style of greeting. The key here is to go with the flow and not get awkward.

7. Talk about topics you both enjoy

So, you have been talking to this person online for a while now and you probably share common interests with them. This is how you connected with them in the first place. You have had innumerable discussions on text. Now that you’ve finally met, dive into those topics, as you know that you can both hold conversations on them for a long time. But never control the conversation, because that’s bad dating etiquette. 

8. Ask them what they prefer

This is one of the most important first date online dating tips. If you’re out for dinner, ask them what they would like to order. If they picked the restaurant, make sure you ask for their suggestions on the menu. This is just a thoughtful gesture that will make your date feel valued. Being mindful of their needs is non-negotiable. 

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9. Show genuine interest in them

It is important that you actually listen to what your date is saying. Don’t just hear the words but listen! Here’s what you can do:

• Pick up cues while they talk about something. For instance, if they’re talking about rock and roll music, make a mental note of their preference
• Ask them follow-up questions related to their anecdotes/interests, so they know you’re paying attention
• If you act disinterested, there is no way you’re making it to a second date. And if you want to make it to the wonderful third date, hang on to every word they uttered

10. Focus on your body language 

Our body language says a lot about us. It is important for you to pick up on your date’s body language and also maintain confident and smart body language. Here’s what you can do:

• Lean in to show your interest in them and what they are saying. If you find them leaning in too, it’s a sign of mutual attraction
• Mirroring your date’s body language, speech, gestures, etc. can help show your interest. This is a psychological phenomenon that can if done correctly, be used to build a strong connection with your date
• Don’t be nervous or show signs that you are: don’t shake your legs or fidget with your collar
• Use your hands a lot to express yourself while talking. This shows you’re interested
• Make eye contact while talking

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11. A little humor goes a long way

Everyone likes someone who can make them smile. After all, you should both have a good time. So, make sure you lighten the mood with some wit and humor on your first date after meeting online. But while a dry sense of humor is fine, make sure you don’t make offensive jokes that might backfire. In case you need to, look up some good jokes on the internet. But if you are a natural, then you are probably all set with a few wisecracks up your sleeve.

Related Reading: The Ultimate Funny Online Dating Questions

12. Don’t breach boundaries when you’re meeting a date for the first time

This is vital to the success of your first date online dating. Give your date their space and be mindful of their physical and emotional boundaries. This is how to go about it:

• Don’t get too close to them if they seem uncomfortable
• Don’t talk about topics that make them feel visibly awkward
• Wrapping your arms around their waist or resting your hands on their thighs are strict no-nos

13. Keep the drinking in check

This is something that people don’t talk about. While it is good to have a few drinks to relax, it’s important to not lose control. You’re meeting a stranger after all, and your safety is a priority. So, drink in moderation when meeting someone you met online in real life.

Even if you do trust the other person, it is still not advisable to get too intoxicated on your first face-to-face meeting after dating for a while. Because in case you do this, you might end up saying or doing things you’ll regret later. Moreover, you may give off the wrong impression. After all, no one wants to date an alcoholic. 

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14. Flirt a little on your first date after meeting online

Remember, you’re on a date! We know it’s much harder to flirt in person than it is to flirt online, but you have to give it a shot. If you can tell from your date’s behavior that they are starting to get comfortable, it will help your cause to indulge in some flirty exchanges. Follow these flirting tips for beginners to seem like a charmer (and avoid rookie mistakes). 

15. Inform someone of your whereabouts

One good tip is: let your friends know where you’re going. Since you’re going out with someone you haven’t met before, it’s good to take some precautions on your first date from online dating. Inform a friend or family member of your whereabouts for safety reasons. It’s good to hope for the best, but you should prepare for the worst on a first date after meeting someone online. It’s important to run a check on them before you decide to meet in person. 

Related Reading: 5 Reasons to Research Your Date Online Before You Meet

16. Don’t be too self-conscious

Here is one of the most important first date online dating tips: don’t hold yourself back. Being overly self-conscious will make you seem wound up and uptight. Be your very best self when meeting someone you met online in real life! Signs of confidence are attractive in any part of the world. While it’s important to seem proper and appropriate, you must also remember to have fun. If you’re enjoying yourself, chances are that your date is too. Isn’t that the goal?

17. It’s the 21st century, split the bill!

This is a must in your dating rulebook. If ever there was a tricky subject, this would be it. But if we really think about it, it isn’t tricky at all. So, who should pay the bill? The best solution is to split the bill! If you want to uncomplicate things further and are a stickler for old-school romance and chivalry, you can discuss this with your date beforehand. This will save you both the pain of contemplating who pays the bill.

Here’s another alternative: if you’re doing two activities, you can pay for one and your date can pay for the other. Sweet and simple. This is one of the primary tips for a first date when you’re meeting someone for the first time after texting for a while.

Related Reading: 25 Free Date Ideas for Couple | Cute, Fun, Romantic Dates You Must Try

18. Read the signs and don’t be clingy

Wondering how to meet someone in person after chatting online for a while? Make sure you read things correctly when you’re meeting someone for the first time after texting for a long time. If the date seems to be going smoothly, then you’re sorted. However, if you feel like it’s going downhill and there seems to be no connection between you two, let them go. Sure, bad dates are disappointing, but we must learn to accept them. 

If you try too hard to ‘fix’ things and push for a second date when there’s no connection, you will come off as clingy. This is something you shouldn’t do after you meet in person. In rare cases, if the date is just intolerable, keep an exit strategy handy. If things just don’t seem to be working out, you can always choose to leave. 

This is not a compulsion on a first date from online dating and you’re not committed to this person. Yes, you can fake an emergency, but wouldn’t you rather be honest? The best thing to do is to come clean and tell your date that you don’t feel a connection. They will appreciate your honesty. 

19. Be a little cautious when it comes to physical intimacy 

Here is another tricky one when it comes to rules for the first date from online dating: how far can you take things? When it comes to physical intimacy on a first date, it is important to read the room. Analyze your date’s behavior and body language toward the end of the date. If you feel like you’re already getting cozy and there is mutual consent, then you’re good to go. 

However, if you seem to be on neutral ground, it’s fair to be confused. Should you initiate or give in to hugging or kissing when you’re meeting someone for the first time after texting? It’s fairly normal to hug a date goodbye, but when it comes to kissing and making a move, only lean in if you feel that there’s a moment between you two. Navigate the territory of affection very wisely when you’re meeting an online date for the first time.

Related Reading: Role Of Consent: Can No Mean Something Else?

20. Make plans for a second date

If the online dating gods have blessed you and all goes well on your first date after meeting online, don’t shy away from planning a second one. You have impressed them and the night has ended well. You’re probably willing to spend more time together and so is your date. Go ahead and plan future dates! 

Infographic On 20 Date Ideas For Meeting Someone For The First Time After Texting

In case you need a quick look at the date ideas for meeting someone for the first time after texting that we’ve already mentioned in the article, we have listed them all below. We hope you never feel awkward on your first date after texting.

Final Thoughts

Yes, the world of online dating is full of its own set of wonders and mysteries. It can be scary and inviting at the same time. So once you have done proper background checks using people lookup tools, and are certain you are not falling for a scam, the next step is to prepare well for your first physical date. There is no set number of tips for a first date after meeting online that can guarantee the success of your first date. But it definitely helps to know the do’s and don’ts of a first date. There is no set number of tips for a first date after meeting online that can guarantee the success of your first date. 

But it definitely helps to know the do’s and don’ts of a first date. At the end of the day, it all depends on how you both connect at an individual level and whether sparks fly between you both or not. The best way to let this happen is by being your true self and going with the flow. We hope we have offered answers to all your queries on how to meet someone in person after dating online. We wish you all the best in your dating escapades!

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