40 First Date Questions That Do Not Feel Like an Interview

First dates are awkward because both people are trying to be interesting and relaxed at the same time. The fix is not better small talk; it is better questions. Ones that invite stories, show your personality and create a bit of spark without feeling like an interview.

Rules for good first date questions

• Ask open questions, not yes or no questions.
• Follow up. “Why?” and “What happened next?” are your best friends.
• Share your own answer. It is a swap, not a survey.
• Keep heavy topics (exes, politics, trauma) for later dates.

Easy openers

1. What was the highlight of your week?
2. What is something you are looking forward to right now?
3. What do you do for fun when nobody is watching?
4. What is your favorite spot in this city?
5. What is a hobby you picked up recently?
6. What is the best thing you ate this month?
7. Are you more of a morning or night person?
8. What is your go-to comfort show?
9. What is the last thing that made you laugh really hard?
10. What would your ideal weekend look like?

Get to know them questions

1. What is something people are usually surprised to learn about you?
2. What were you like as a kid?
3. What is the best trip you have ever taken?
4. What is a skill you would love to learn?
5. What is your favorite thing about your job, and your least favorite?
6. Who is the most interesting person you know?
7. What is a small thing that makes your day better?
8. What is a cause or topic you care a lot about?
9. What is your family like?
10. What is a goal you are working on right now?

Fun and slightly flirty

1. What is your most controversial food opinion?
2. What is the worst pickup line you have ever heard?
3. What is your karaoke song?
4. What is the most spontaneous thing you have ever done?
5. Two truths and a lie, go.
6. What is your idea of a perfect date?
7. What is your biggest green flag in someone?
8. What made you swipe right, or say yes to tonight?
9. What is something you are secretly competitive about?
10. Would you rather go on an adventure date or a cozy date next?

Questions to avoid on a first date

• “Why are you still single?” It sounds like an accusation.
• “How much do you make?” Save it for much later.
• Detailed questions about their ex.
• “Do you want kids?” in the first ten minutes.
• Anything that sounds like a checklist.