50 Clear Signs a First Date Went Really Well

You can usually tell when a first date goes really badly. It’s awkward, uncomfortable, quiet—there’s no spark and no chemistry.  But how can you tell if a date went really well? You might have had fun, but maybe that’s because you really liked them or had too much to drink. Did they feel the same?

Introduction to First Date Dynamics

Whether you’re dating a single man or a single woman; whether you’re old or young, experienced or naive, there are some things that never change when it comes to first dates.

First Date Jitters

Everyone gets a little anxious on a first date. It’s normal for both of you to be anxious, and you shouldn’t assume that their awkwardness was a sign the date went poorly. By the same token, don’t assume that you ruined things just because you were anxious. If they liked you and were genuinely interested, they would have seen past all of those anxious quirks.

The Importance of a Good First Impression

Although anxiety is normal, it’s important that you make a good first impression, as that will stay with them throughout the date and set the tone for everything that follows. Dress well, make sure you smell nice, introduce them politely, and smile! We have many more dating tips for men and women if you need more advice.

Top 50 Signs Your First Date Was a Success

If you’re stressing about whether your anxiety ruined the date or decoding some after-date texts, here are some ways to know whether the date was a success or not.

Effortless Communication

Conversation came easy and there was rarely a silent or dull moment. Both of you were interested in what the other had to say.

Mutual Respect and Consideration

You considered their needs and they considered yours. There were clear signs of respect, such as not constantly checking their phone and giving them the time and opportunity to speak.

Shared Laughter and Joy

Being able to laugh and joke with the other person is always a great sign.

Positive Body Language Indicators

If they were open—leaning forward, touching your arm. It likely means they were interested.

The Feeling of Time Flying By

Time flies when you’re having fun, as they say.

Discovering Shared Values and Interests

There were many moments when you connected, sharing similar likes and passions.

The Eager “When Can We Meet Again?”

They were quick to ask when you could do it again. The more they asked this question or mentioned a “next time”, the better.

A Memorable Farewell

A kiss. A hug. Even just a big, warm smile and a happy “goodnight”.

The Prompt Post-Date Message

If they messaged you shortly afterward to thank you and say that they were looking forward to the next date, they are genuinely interested in a relationship.

That Inexplicable Warm Feeling Inside

You don’t know how they felt, of course, but if you felt warm and fuzzy inside, it suggests there was some chemistry.

Ideal Venue and Atmosphere

Sometimes, it all comes down to the venue you choose. If it was chaotic, noisy, and uncomfortable, and you stayed throughout, they might not have had a good time. If the venue was great and the entertainment was great, they may have thought the same about you.

Compliments That Felt Right

Compliments aren’t always a sign they liked you, but they usually are if the compliments make sense and aren’t said in reply to another compliment.

Easy Topic Transitions

You transitioned between topics with ease.

Moments of Genuine Vulnerability

You allowed yourself to be vulnerable and they did the same. You didn’t need to take great pains to express yourself in this manner, as you felt completely natural in their company.

You Got Lost in Each Other’s Eyes

You found yourself getting lost in each other’s eyes, a good sign that you’ll be staring into those eyes much more in the future.

Introductions to Friends

They discussed introducing you to the important people in their lives, including their best friends and family. They kept bringing them up in conversation and making it clear that they couldn’t wait for you to meet them.

Distraction-Free Quality Time

They were there for you, not to spend time on their phone or chat up the server. They were interested in your conversation, your smile, and your eyes.

Natural and Comfortable Physical Contact

There was contact and it didn’t feel forced, such as a gentle touch of the arm following a silly joke and a laugh. It might feel like a minor thing, but it’s something that shows they are interested and not averse to getting close to you.

Excited Future Planning

They already have a batch of dates planned. If they’re thinking ahead already, it means they want to repeat this date again and again. This is the greatest of all great signs!

The Irrepressible Smile Phenomenon

A smile will tell you a lot about how someone really feels about you.

Desire to Prolong the Date

Did they insist on just one more drink or one more hour? It’s a massive green flag. Did they want to keep the conversation going because they were having such a good time? Obviously, this is a good indicator of a great first date.

Genuine Inquisitiveness

Everyone can prepare a list of first-date questions, but not everyone can fake genuine interest in the answers.

The Overall Positive Energy Experience

Were their energy levels high? Some people are more subdued, so this doesn’t always tell you what you need to know, but if they remain happy and positive throughout, it’s a very good sign.

Snapshots Together

People want to snap pictures of good memories—did you create any of those good memories? Did they whip out their phone and insist on a picture together?

Recalling the Little Things

They remembered the little things you had told them. They were paying attention and were genuinely interested in what you told them.

Playful and Friendly Teasing

There was some light banter—a little teasing is a good way to connect.

Relaxed and Stress-Free Interaction

It was enjoyable, relaxing, and without stress. You didn’t feel like you needed to reach for your phone, they left their phone untouched, and at times it felt like you were the only two people in the world.

No Hurry to Part Ways

They didn’t want the night to end.

Social Media Engagement Post-Date

They either posted about the night or contacted you on social media. If they whip out their phone as soon as the date ends and brag about the night or contact you again, it means you had a good first date.

The Enjoyable “Walk and Talk”

They wanted you to walk them home or to their car, squeezing a few more minutes out of the date.

Embracing Shared Principles

If you share similar beliefs and principles, it’s a very good sign.

Aligning on What Truly Matters

You might not have agreed on everything, but you agreed on the things that matter the most to you.

Unforgettable Parting Moments

Bad dates rarely end with passionate kisses.

Inside Jokes

Do you already have inside jokes that you’re sharing over text? That’s never a bad sign.

Leaving Inspired and Excited

If you feel so strongly about them and had such a great night, it’s unlikely that they were passive, uncaring, and switched off all night.

You Flirted

This should be an obvious one, but in the anxiety of a first-date autopsy, it might be overlooked.

Personal Story Exchange

You shared stories you wouldn’t share with just anyone.

The Art of Active Listening

Did they actually listen to you and did you repay the favour? It indicates a genuine interest, which is something we only do with people we find interesting.

Sparkling Eyes Don’t Lie

It’s all in their eyes. Those eyes can tell you if they are really interested in you or if they have glazed over and are thinking about their latest Netflix obsession.

Agreement on Critical Issues

If certain topical events were brought up and you strongly disagreed on them, it’s not a good sign. It’s okay to have a thing that you disagree on, especially if the subject is tackled in good humour, but it’s a bad sign if you were constantly butting heads.

Feeling Like Long Lost Friends

A good partner should feel like a close friend, so if you were as comfortable with them as you are with your best friend, or you feel like they could be a great friend if they weren’t a partner, it means there could be something big between you.

Synchronised Enthusiasm

You both got enthusiastic about the same things at the same time—you were in sync!

The Flutter of “Butterflies”

You can feel those butterflies in your stomach as soon as that person enters your thoughts.

Sharing Dreams and Encouragement

They opened up about their dreams and encouraged yours.

The Energy Boost from a Good Date

You felt alive and positive, and you think they did too.

The Sincere Expression of Gratitude

They are genuinely thankful.

“Can’t Wait to Tell Friends” Excitement

They are so eager to tell their friends about you. “Sarah will find that hilarious when I tell her. I think she’d like you”.

Finding a New Level of Comfort and Safety

You were more comfortable than you thought you could be on a first date.

Signs of Trust Building Up

You can feel a strong trust developing between you.

Acceptance of One’s Quirks

They already accept your odd little quirks and are even amused by them!

How to Follow Up After a Great First Date

You’ve read the above, you’ve reflected on the date, and now you’re convinced that everything went to plan. It was a good first date. No, it was a great first date. Now what?

• The Role of Communication Post-Date: Whether it’s gay dating, lesbian dating, or straight dating, and whether you’re doing it as a novice or a veteran, one of the most important aspects of the first date is what comes after. You want to show appreciation and respect, and you want to hook up again, but you don’t want to seem too eager or pushy. So, thank them first, share an in-joke or meaningful observation later, and then ask for a second date when the moment seems right.
• Setting Up the Second Date: Give them time to respond to your requests and don’t keep pushing for an answer. They might be busy in the coming days and weeks. They might not be feeling 100% themselves. If they are interested, they will reply; if not, there’s no point chasing it.
• Navigating Mixed Messages: If you’re getting mixed signals, try not to read too much into it. It could simply be tiredness or stress on their part. More often than not, such issues occur when the person trying to lead the situation misreads it entirely. So, it might help to get a friend to read your message exchange and offer some helpful input. Your friend is not exactly a neutral party, but they can distance themselves more than you and may therefore see/sense something you have missed.

Summary: Key Takeaways from A Successful First Date

Ultimately, the goal of a first date is to:

Those few hours that you spend together can tell you a lot, but the conversation that comes afterwards will tell you even more.

Key points