First dates can be tricky. You’re trying to make a great impression, show off your best self, and not accidentally spill spaghetti all over your lap. And while there are a ton of places and activities that might sound fun or easy, some are a little too… memorable in all the wrong ways. ELLE editors have weighed in with a list of places you might want to avoid if you’re looking to start off on the right foot. So, without further ado, here are five spots you might want to keep off your first-date roster.
1. THE MOVIES: THIS DOESN’T GO WELL.. (IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW)
Sure, watching The Notebook together might sound like the perfect cozy date—but in reality, it’s a terrible first-date choice. Why? Well, a movie is essentially a two-hour-long silence with a person you barely know. You can’t talk, you can’t get to know each other, and worst of all, you’re stuck in a dark room, possibly with popcorn kernels stuck in your teeth. A movie date might be better suited for date five or six—when you already know whether you’re getting along or not. On a first date, conversation is key, and the cinema isn’t exactly the best place to share your witty anecdotes or discover if you share a love for obscure hobbies. Besides, this option is more likely the key to skipping the first phases of dating.. oops.
2. CAR RIDES: THE GUY IS A BRAGGER
Taking a car ride on a first date sounds harmless enough, but it can quickly become a tense, awkward situation. First off, being in a car for an extended period of time means being trapped in a confined space with minimal conversation opportunities. Also, there’s always the potential for awkwardness if you’re both the type who doesn’t love small talk. And let’s not forget the road rage factor. Do you really want to find out if your date turns into a human GPS with a temper after missing an exit? Stick to meeting at the destination and keep the ride to a minimum, at least until you’ve already formed some rapport.
3. THE GUY’S HOME: TOO SOON, TOO PERSONAL..
This one doesn’t go well either. Inviting someone over to your home on a first date is the exact opposite of setting a casual, comfortable tone. While it might seem like a cozy idea, it runs the risk of feeling like you’re skipping straight to the “let’s get serious” part without even establishing a baseline connection. Plus, the pressure is on—will you like the way they fold towels? What’s up with the random collection of action figures on the shelf? Also, the oh-so-delicate moment of them trying to offer you something to drink may be more awkward than anything else. Save the home date for later when you actually know if you can stand each other’s company for more than an hour.
4. FAST FOOD CHAINS: YOU’RE NOT IN GRADE 5
Okay, we get it—sometimes you’re craving a burger and fries, and it seems like an easy, no-frills option. But there’s a certain vibe about fast food joints that doesn’t scream “romantic chemistry.” First dates are about making a good impression, and let’s be honest—chowing down on a McFlurry in a neon-lit, plastic-seat environment might make you feel more like you’re on a lunch break at a school cafeteria than sharing a fun, memorable experience with someone new. Save the greasy burger-and-fries fix for a second or third date when you’re already comfortable enough to enjoy it without feeling like you’ve regressed to your middle school lunch period.
5. NIGHTCLUBS: LOW-PROFILE
A nightclub seems like an obvious “fun” choice for a date, right? There’s music, dancing, and you can easily lose yourself in the energy of the night. But here’s the thing: clubs are chaotic, loud, and, let’s face it, probably not the best atmosphere for a first date. You might end up shouting over the music (which, by the way, isn’t great for getting to know someone), or worse—end up not talking at all because, let’s be real, you probably won’t be able to hear anything. Plus, the whole “getting-to-know-you” vibe gets lost in a haze of neon lights and overpriced cocktails. Nightclubs are more about showing off your dance moves (or lack thereof) than having a meaningful conversation. You want to get to know someone, not just battle it out on the dance floor for their attention.
SO, WHAT’S LEFT? WHERE TO GO ON A FIRST DATE?
Look, first dates don’t have to be an elaborate affair. It’s really about finding somewhere you can have a natural conversation without feeling like you’re being judged for eating too much carbs or revealing you have a strange fascination with ducks. Stick to more relaxed, low-key environments like coffee shops, casual dining spots, or outdoor walks. After all, the goal is to build a connection, not just survive the date. If you can chat comfortably, laugh, and discover common ground, you’re already halfway to winning the dating game.
So next time you’re planning a first date, take a cue from the experts and leave the drive-thru, movie theaters, and dimly lit nightclubs in the past. Your future self—and your date—will thank you.
