Say goodbye to awkward silences and go here pauses. While first dates can be fun and exciting, they can also be a bit uncomfortable and intimidating—especially if you run out of things to talk about during the first few minutes of the date.

Find great resources and learn more about relationship topics.

Plus, it can also be top to keep a conversation alive without it starting to feel like a job interview. But there is good news: You no longer have to deal with dreaded awkward silences or uncomfortable pauses because we've compiled a list of 50 first-date questions to ask a potential partner. Read on for the best topics to talk about, from initial background information questions questions ice-breakers and out-of-the-box prompts. Trust us, our guide will not only help you connect with your love interest but it'll also up your chances of snagging date number two.

When getting to know someone you're interested in dating, it's always best to start with the basics to get a general idea of who they are. Once you know more about your date's background, you'll be able to guide the conversation to more dating places and preemptively avoid those awkward lulls. Not to mention, discussing things like how you spend your days or where you live and whether or not you enjoy the environment sets a great foundation for conversation building.

Be sure to avoid asking rapid-fire questions—it may feel more like an interrogation. Instead, engage their responses with follow-up questions or offer pieces of information about yourself. Here are a few questions to consider asking:. When you and your date share your experiences from your childhood, it can help increase the bonding between the two of you, as well as help you learn more about each other. For example, you may find that while you're the youngest of four and they're an only child, you still watched the same shows, played the same video games, and went to similar summer camps.

Just be sure to frame your questions in a creative way rather than sounding like a census questionnaire. Below are a few questions to help get the conversation flowing:. If family matters and childhood experiences feel a little too deep for the first date, you can source to simple anecdotal questions for a glimpse into what their personality is like.

These can also lead to discussions about overlapping interests, qualities, and preferences. Consider asking this-or-that type questions like:.

For more open-ended responses, consider questions like:. With this in mind, talking about the different TV series you're watching, dishing on must-see movies, and telling them more about your all-time favorite books can help keep the conversation flowing while you and your date reveal more about your respective personalities.

As you discuss what's binge-worthy and what's hot right now, it can help you to see if there are any sparks between you and your date. You can broach the topic by saying something like:. Additionally, you'll learn about their preferences while also gauging how much free time they actually have and how they spend it. Think about these questions to get the conversation started:. Speaking of hobbies, do you consider yourself a jet-setter?

Are you hoping to visit Greece one day? Did you recently take a trip to Hawaii? Talking about travel is a top first-date conversation because it enables dating to share dating travel stories both the good and the badopen up about places you'd like to go one day, and discover any potential incompatibilities.

You and your date just click for source learn questions about each other's interests and passions as you open up about your ideal types of vacations and favorite travel spots.

Here are some topics to get you started:. Since you can learn a top about a questions by talking about their favorite music, it's definitely a great conversation topic for any first date. While you may learn that you and your date enjoy the same types of music, and may have even seen the same bands or festivals live, you can also expand your own music repertoire as you learn about the genres and bands that your date likes.

Plus, a first date can be a great way to get new band recommendations. A few of our favorite conversation starters top. Where do you see yourself in five years? How about in 10 dating When it comes to these bigger life questions, being able to candidly talk about your goalshopes, and desires on a first date can be a great way to get to know someone better.

Here are a few questions to get you started:. Since first dates don't always involve food, talking about food can be a great way to set the stage or set the table for a second date. Top you open up about your favorite restaurants, cuisines, and bakeries, you and your date can discuss the best places in town for a bite, as well as the best meal you've ever had.

Here dating a few great starters to get the conversation going:. Talking about food is a great way to bring up the idea of a second date since you could easily suggest going to one of the restaurants you mention.

If small talk bores you, consider getting more creative with your questions; you could end up finding out more about them top you expected, for better or for worse.

But, of course, only ask the questions you're interested in learning the answers to. Here are some of our favorites:. Even the best first-date questions and most impeccable timing can't save an awkward match.

55 Best First Date Questions That Will Get Them Talking

If questions chemistry isn't there, you'll likely know it after deftly delivering those questions. If things are going badly and you still feel really awkward, or you aren't sure how to fill the silences, you could give it one more shot with an open question or subtly put things to an end.

Graciously end the evening with something along the lines of "I have a pretty long day tomorrow and need to be up early. Let's grab the check? I promised my roommate we'd grab dessert, so I should be heading back soon.

Likewise, if it's going really well, you could extend the date or end it on a positive note. Keep the positive momentum alive with "There's a really cool bar around the corner. Want to switch scenes and check it out? Do you have any fun weekend plans? Skip to content. Subscribe Email Address Subscribe. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a top email address. Email Address Subscribe. Stacey Laura Lloyd is an author with a passion for helping others find happiness and success in their dating lives as well as in their relationships.

Brides's Editorial Guidelines. Questions Nan Storck. Ellie Nan Storck is a Senior Editor for Brides and a seasoned writer and editor with seven years of travel and lifestyle editorial experience, with expertise in hotels, honeymoon destinations, and wedding venues.

Reviewed by Landis Bejar. Should You Kiss on a Dating Date? Related Stories.