Top Third Date Ideas They’ll Likely Love
If you’ve gone on two dates with someone and are interested in a third, that alone can be a major win in the dating world. You’ve found someone you’re excited about! Congratulations.
With the plethora of dating apps available, there may be a temptation to see what else is out there instead of committing. Unfortunately, this can put a lot more pressure on the first date because many individuals might be willing to move on if the first impression wasn’t great. However, if you and your date hit it off on the first couple of dates, there’s a good chance they are interested in seeing you again and getting to know you better.
Now that you’re approaching the third date, you’ll likely want to live up to that good impression and keep them interested and make the third date really special with your date. The first few dates between any couple can even set the tone for the remainder of your relationship. If you’re wondering what to do for your third date, here are some cute date ideas that can help you continue to build a rapport and maybe even get a fourth date.
Third date ideas
Take a cooking class
If you've run out of dinner date ideas, a cooking class for you and your partner can be a good alternative for a date. This could be one of the romantic date ideas to consider. Choosing a cooking class can be different from the classic dinner-and-a-movie date and may show a willingness to try something new. While cooking, you might have time to learn about your dynamic when working together, and you might also have ample time to chat and learn more about one another in a fun, low-pressure setting. If there are no cooking classes in your area, you can always opt to do a cooking night at home together. If there is something you are really good at making, you can teach your date how to cook it, or they could do the same for you.
Plan a picnic
Having a picnic in nature can be a great way to have quality one-on-one time without the many distractions you may find in a restaurant. If you’re comfortable in the kitchen, creating something homemade can show your date that you’ve put the time and care into organizing the picnic.
If you’re not exactly a master chef, that’s okay too. You can easily pick up some food from a restaurant or grab pre-made snacks from the supermarket and organize them into a nice little basket. Even though the cooking may not be yours, you can make up for it in the presentation and the location you choose. As you enjoy your meal together while taking in some sun, the beach, or another beautiful view, you can both enjoy one another’s company and learn more about each other. If you’d like to ensure things stay fun and there are no lulls, bring along a board game or a deck of cards.
Visit a museum
Visiting a museum can be another great third date idea that can give you an opportunity to learn about one another in a low-pressure setting while also learning new things. Since you’ll be surrounded by things to look at, read about, and experience as you walk through the exhibits, if there are ever any dips in the conversation, you can focus on the displays without the silence feeling uncomfortable. And the exhibits can be great topics of conversation.
A museum can be a great date option for when the weather isn’t favorable for outdoor activities. Before selecting a museum, it may be helpful to spend some time finding out about your date’s interests. If they like art, taking them to an art museum can earn you some extra points. If you’re not certain of their preferences, a planetarium may be a great choice as stars can be incredibly romantic.
Go to the zoo or aquarium
If your date is an animal lover, a trip to the zoo or an aquarium can be another great third date choice. The zoo can be a wonderful way to spend a beautiful day exploring and learning about animals. Depending on how big the zoo is, this experience can be an all-day activity, giving you both a lot of time together. If there’s a petting zoo, you can bond as you feed and pet the animals.
Alternatively, a trip to the aquarium may be a great date idea. For the indoor portions, there’s automatic mood lighting from the aquarium, which can make the experience seem more intimate and romantic. You can connect with this person while exploring the many species of fish and marine animals together.
Go hiking
Physical activity can be a great way to strengthen your bond and do something fun together. If your date is an active person, you can have a great time going for a hike together. It may be helpful to check out a local state park that offers up hiking trails with nice views. You may also want to pack some snacks or maybe a light lunch. When you get to the end of your trail, you can take in the view, sit down, and relax together, giving you a chance to talk and get to know each other better. Just remember to ask your date before leaving if they like to do things outdoors, because some people may find this uncomfortable if it’s not quite their speed.
Need help coming up with creative date ideas?
If you’ve recently begun dating someone new, it may seem difficult to come up with fresh ideas after a couple of dates. Depending on what both of your interests are, there are endless possibilities when it comes to fun date ideas.
However, dating in today’s modern world may be overwhelming for some. If you’re experiencing any challenges within your dating life or relationship, it may be beneficial to seek support from a licensed therapist. Regain is an online therapy platform specializing in relationship counseling that can match you with a licensed therapist who best suits your needs. A licensed therapist can provide you with tools and guidance to improve your love life or address any difficulties you may be facing. According to surveys, 95% of couples in online couples therapy say that the process has been helpful. Also, note that online therapy is typically more affordable than traditional therapy models.
Read real reviews below from people who have experienced similar challenges in their life and been able to overcome them with the help of a Regain therapist.
Counselor reviews
“My girlfriend and I have been working with Alison for about four months now and with her help and guidance we have strengthened our relationship ten fold. Her communication style is amazing and she really strives to make the best of our time with one another. If you’re looking for a counselor you can put your faith in with the whole experience, she’s the one to go to.”
“With Cassandra’s help, we’ve been able to bring our relationship to a new, healthier, and much happier level, working through painful situations, growing as individuals and as a couple, and with tools to stay on this path. She’s very responsive, and it has been great to have her facilitate our messaging through the app all week. I highly recommend Cassandra. She’s skilled, supportive, and down-to-earth. We feel totally comfortable with her.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the “three date rule”?
When it comes to dating, there are many “rules” that some individuals say are important to follow. However, every relationship is different, and there are really no set rules when it comes to dating. Some people may believe that it’s best to go on three dates before becoming physically intimate with your partner for the first time, hence the “three date rule.”
However, this “rule” is not really a rule at all, and it is perfectly acceptable to be sexually intimate before this, or to wait longer.
Everyone has a different standard for when and how they like to be physically intimate with others, so there are really no wrong ways to do this.
When you choose to become physically intimate is completely dependent on you as a couple and what each of you is comfortable with.
Where should I go on a third date?
The third date can be a great time to bond and get to know each other. If you want to potentially take your relationship to the next level, a great date night may be able to help. Here are some date night ideas for the perfect romantic date.
- Something adventurous. An adventurous date may be a great idea for those people who like to be active or try new things. This could be a climbing gym session, a dance class, sky diving, a hike through the mountains, or playing a sport or a competitive game together to get the blood pumping.
- Something creative. For individuals who enjoy art or like to get their creative juices flowing, a painting, pottery, or cooking class—or even a museum visit—can be great ways to enjoy a hands-on experience and learn something new together.
- Something intimate. Creating an intimate date with just the two of you can be the perfect way to establish intimacy and really get to know each other better. For example, you could opt for a picnic in a secluded park, a dinner at home, or a road trip to someplace neither of you has been.
- Something classic. If you’re still feeling things out or want a traditional third date idea, there are many fun traditional date options you can choose from, like going bowling, dinner and a movie, or getting some drinks from a local bar.
Listen to what they say about their interests, likes, and dislikes and plan a date idea around that. The most romantic date is often one where you connect and have a great time, and by showing that you were listening, you can really impress your date.
Is a third date serious?
Depending on your first two dates, date number three could be a sign that things are going well between you two and that you have the potential to become more serious. If you both feel a strong connection, you may want to assess what is going on and define the relationship after the third date. However, this may not be the case for every couple. For others, the third date could simply be a sign that you like each other enough to go out again and get to know one another a little better. A relationship may become serious when both you and your partner decide that you would like it to go further.
Is it okay to kiss on the third date?
It is completely up to you whether you want to kiss on the third date. If you would like to do so, it is perfectly okay to kiss—as long as your date consents.
What does a third date mean to a guy?
If you’ve gone on a third date with someone, things are likely going well. However, this completely depends on you, your date, and your particular dynamic. Every relationship is different. Some people are interested in pursuing a more serious relationship while others may only be interested in a casual relationship. A third date can be a great time to plan a more intimate night and ask your partner some questions about what they’re looking for in a relationship. A third date—and subsequent dates—can allow you to make sure you’re on the same page about how you feel about each other and the relationship as a whole.
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