How to Date Someone: 15 Practical Dating Tips

Imagine feeling butterflies in your stomach every time you see that special someone, or sharing laughter that lights up the room. These moments highlight the joy of dating, but knowing how to date someone you love can make all the difference. 

Whether you’re pondering how to date someone you’ve had a crush on for ages or exploring the idea of connecting with a new friend, navigating the dating landscape can be both thrilling and daunting. 

This guide aims to provide you with essential strategies, from finding the right person to establishing a meaningful connection. By following key dating rules and understanding the stages of dating, you’ll be well-equipped to foster a relationship that could lead to something truly special.

How to find someone to date

Before you familiarize yourself with how to date a girl, you must first find that special someone. Looking for someone to date is harder than you think, especially when you have been single for a long time or even all your life.

Now, let’s focus on finding that special someone and how to ask someone on a date.

• Try online match-making or dating apps

Because we still have strict health protocols, why not try out online dating apps? You can find hundreds of these apps, and you can try some out. Enjoy and make new friends.

• Attend gatherings and parties and make friends

If someone asks you to attend parties or gatherings, go and enjoy. You can meet people and become friends with them.

• Enjoy your time at clubs and bars

Okay, we may not do this as often now, but it is one of the best ways to meet new people.

• Be open to suggestions

When you’re single, chances are, your friends and family would often give you suggestions. Some would even introduce them to you. Allow them to do so.

• Be a volunteer

If you have spare time, why not volunteer at your favorite charities? It’s a great way to help, and who knows, you might find the person you’re looking for while volunteering.

• Play sports

Love sports? This is another chance to mingle, and maybe, you could find someone you like.

If you want to find ‘that‘ person, you must first get yourself out there. Life isn’t a fairytale. You have to work hard and learn how to date if you want to be in a relationship.

5 stages of dating

If we want to know how to date, we also have to focus on the five stages of dating.

This is important because all of us will go through this phase, and knowing what they are can help us understand how dating, or rather how love works.

Stage 1: Romance and attraction

This is where you feel all the butterflies in your stomach. It’s where you can’t sleep because you still want to talk to your special someone even if it’s already 3 a.m.

This stage usually lasts for 2 – 3 months. Everything is full of happiness, thrill, and all the sweet feelings of being in love.

Stage 2: Reality and power scuffle

After a few months, you’ve known your special someone for some time now, and you’ve seen how they are when they’re not in the mood, how they are in their home, and how they are handling their finances.

Those are minor issues, and you’re lucky if that’s all that you can see by this stage.

This is the reason why some relationships don’t last for more than six months. In this stage, you might have had your first fight, you’ve seen your differences, and even all the pet peeves that would leave you walking out that door.

Stage 3: Commitment

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the second stage. This means you’re doing great in your dating relationships. The third stage of dating is all about commitment. This means they are officially in a relationship and would recognize each one for who they are.

Understanding, communication, and respect should rule the relationship if they want to make it to the next stage.

Stage 4: Intimacy

When we say intimacy, we are not just talking about sex. Intimacy can involve emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual. It’s where two people begin to understand each other and really connect.

This is where your love truly blooms far beyond infatuation.

Stage 5: Engagement

This is the stage where the couple ultimately decides to step on to the next level of their relationship. It’s a commitment for marriage, to spend the rest of your lives together – the ultimate goal of any couple.

Who doesn’t want to reach this stage? That’s why we are trying our best to learn how to date and be in a relationship, right?

For us to be able to reach this far, we must first know the best dating advice that we could get.

15 best dating rules and tips

If your special someone agrees to date you, then it’s just normal to seek tips for dating. You want to present the best version of yourself to the person you like, right?

To do this, you need to know what to do on a first date and the golden dating rules.

1. Always be on time

Almost everyone wants to know what to do on a date, but did you know that one of the most important things to remember is to not be late. 

No one appreciates having a date that’s late. It doesn’t matter if it’s just five minutes, late is late, and it’s a big turn-off.

2. Don’t brag

Understandably, we all want to put our best foot forward, but make sure not to overdo it by focusing on yourself and end up bragging about your achievements. It’s a total turn-off.

Maggie Martinez further adds,

Be sure to alternate between them asking questions about you and you asking questions about them!

Remember this; your date didn’t come with you to hear everything about your achievements. There are so many first-date topics out there. Choose one that is light and fun.

3. Listen to your date

You would likely want to know more about each other. Even if you have been friends for a while, you would still want to get to know this person deeper.

While some topics may be uninteresting for you, make sure to still listen to your date. Your date would know if you are not paying attention, and that’s really rude.

4. Stop checking your phone

One of our top tips on how to date is to focus on your date and stop checking your phone.

We are busy people, but please respect your date and your time together. Checking your phone, texting, or checking your social media accounts while dating means you are not interested in the other person.

5. Have a positive attitude

Go on a date without any negativity in your heart or mind. Don’t think that your date might become unsuccessful because that’s the energy that you are inviting.

Enjoy your date and avoid any topics that might insinuate a debate. Be positive, and you’ll see how this attitude can affect your time together.

6. Wear something decent

Please make sure that you are presentable when you are going on a date. It’s one of those rules that is often being forgotten by many. Make a good impression by talking, listening, looking great, being fresh, and presentable.

7. Ask questions

Make your date better by asking the right questions. This will give you the opportunity to know more about your date and keep the conversation going.

For you to do this, you have to listen when your date is talking and then ask follow-up questions. This proves that you are listening and you are interested in your topic.

8. Don’t pretend to be perfect

Nobody is perfect. So, please don’t try to be one. No matter how much you like your date, don’t pretend to be the perfect person.

You don’t have to worry if you make mistakes. Sometimes, your silly actions can actually look cute. Just be yourself, and that will make you attractive.

9. Always make eye contact

Make sure that when you’re having a conversation, you look into the other person’s eyes. If you’re looking away or looking at your phone, it just looks dishonest.

10. Don’t talk about your exes

When we hear a question that triggers memories, sometimes we can get carried away. Don’t let this ruin your date.

If your date asks you about your ex, don’t start telling everything about your past relationships. It kills the mood, and it’s definitely not the topic that you would want to talk about on your first date.

Here, Maggie Martinez makes a point

Talking about exes on the first date might give the impression that you are not over your past relationship.

11. Be honest

Whether it’s about your past, your educational background, work, or even your status in life, don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.

Be proud of yourself and be who you are. Be honest with your answers because if you want someone to like you – then just be yourself.

12. Don’t plan too far ahead

Don’t scare your date by planning a whole month with her.

Maggie Martinez comments,

When you start planning various things upon meeting someone, this can feel overwhelming and presumptuous to the other person.

Take it easy and enjoy your time together. If you click, then there will be many dates to follow.

13. Don’t talk about your bad day

“How’s your day?”

This can give you permission to start talking about how your co-worker is a show-off or how the lunch in the cafe was so bad. Stop! Don’t include this in your first-date topics.

14. Don’t be too cheesy

Cheesy lines are okay – sometimes. Save it when you’re on your 5th date.

Skip those cheesy lines on your first date. One of the things that you should remember when you want to know how to date is to keep everything balanced.

Some cheesy lines can be awkward and can cause dead air.

15. Compliment your date

Who doesn’t appreciate an honest compliment? Don’t hesitate to compliment your date. Keep it short, simple, and honest. This can be done flirtatiously.

Maggie Martinez, LCSW, says

Sometimes successful flirting can involve a simple laugh or two and you can gauge if someone seems interested and wants to continue talking to you.

How to prepare yourself for dating: 5 tips

Preparing yourself for dating is crucial for establishing meaningful connections. Taking time to reflect on your goals and enhance your emotional well-being will not only boost your confidence but also make you a more attractive partner. 

Here are five essential tips to help you get ready for the dating scene:

• Reflect on your goals: Understand what you seek in a relationship—whether it’s casual dating or something more serious.
• Build self-confidence: Focus on your strengths and engage in self-care practices to boost your self-esteem.
• Be open-minded: Approach dating with curiosity and a willingness to explore different types of connections.
• Enhance your social skills: Practice effective communication and active listening to engage better with potential partners.
• Set boundaries: Know your deal-breakers and personal boundaries to maintain healthy dynamics in your dating life.

To learn more about some common first-date mistakes, watch this video:

5 great first date ideas

Now that you have an overall idea of how to date and the rules that make it better, it’s time to throw in some great first-date ideas.

1. Dinner date 

The classic date that everyone loves. Ask your special someone out and spend the night with good food, wine, and hours of getting to know each other.

2. Stroll in a park 

Skip the traditional date and go for a walk in the park. You can hold hands, enjoy the view, and talk about anything that interests you.

3. Volunteer and date

Do you have the same advocacies in life? That’s great! You can volunteer together in animal shelters, get to know each other, and help others all at the same time. What a great way to have your first date, right?

4. Visit a brewery 

Love learning and beer? Well, grab your date and try visiting a local brewery. You’ll get to know the process, types of beers and have fun tasting them too.

5. Have a picnic 

If you have a park nearby, it’s also nice to have a picnic. Wear your comfy clothes and enjoy your day. You can also cook something for your date.

Wrapping up

Ready to embark on the exciting journey of dating? Start by asking yourself, “How can I meet someone to date?” Explore new social settings, engage in hobbies, and consider online platforms to expand your options. 

Once you’ve found someone special, think about how to start dating someone you genuinely like by nurturing a connection based on mutual interests and values. Remember, building a meaningful relationship takes time and effort. 

If you find yourself saying, “I want to date someone,” be proactive in creating opportunities for genuine interactions. Embrace vulnerability and open communication to strengthen your bond. 

Ultimately, enjoy the process, learn from each experience, and stay true to yourself. With these strategies in hand, you’re well-equipped to find love and cultivate a fulfilling relationship. Go out there and let the adventure begin!