Traditional dating ideas:

Because traditional dating varies as much as people's personalities do, it can be difficult to come up with great date ideas. The following are some date ideas that fit into specific categories. For example, inexpensive dates, romantic dates, first dates, fun dates, etc.

Inexpensive date ideas: First it is important to note that a date doesn't have to cost a fortune in order to be good. There are plenty of fun dates that do not empty your wallet.

Go to the park

Every city has at least one park. Parks are free, and they can be a lot of fun. You enjoyed them as a child, and they can still hold appeal for you. You can enjoy the swings and slides as much as you did when you were a kid. Or, if you want a slightly more sophisticated date to a park, pack a picnic, or go to a park that has ducks to feed, trails to walk, or some sort of show or exhibit. Many times parks will host concerts, movie nights, or traveling exhibits that are free or fairly low cost. You can also take a Frisbee along, or roller blades, and make it a more active date, but still really inexpensive. Of course a park is a more during the day date, not a great evening option unless there are lights or some sort of event in the park at night.

Lunch

Eating out can be very expensive, but the fact is that you can still eat out and do so inexpensively. One of the best ways to do this is to have a lunch date rather than a dinner date. An average restaurant may serve meals at dinner that range from 15-25 dollars a dish. At the same restaurant you can usually get lunch for 8-12. So, go out to lunch. If you want to make the date a little more original then just taking someone out for a meal, try being adventurous with the cuisine. You can try a new type of food such as Indian, Thai, etc. Most cities will have a wide variety of cultural foods to choose from.

Window Shopping

This may sound like a really lame date, but it can be a lot of fun, especially for those low on cash. You get the chance to chit chat and get to know each other better, and if you are a good area for window shopping you can usually see some funky displays, or art exhibits while you are at it. Occasionally just walking the streets of a city can provide plenty of entertainment for the date and be no cost.

Night time dates: Generally because people work, have school, etc. night is the best time to go on dates, and in most areas you can find an active night life to choose from for dates. However, it can be difficult to determine what night activities are best for dates.

Go out to dinner

This is a typical date, but you do not have to make it typical, you can choose a unique restaurant, or consider going to eat at somewhere you normally go to for other things, like a lounge, or a bar. You could even mix dinner up by getting appetizers at one place, entrees at another, and desserts at yet another. Or go somewhere fancy so that you can dress up. Go to a place that plays live music and has a dance floor to make it more than just dinner.

Go to a bar or nightclub

This can be an awkward first date as many times people go to bars or nightclubs to meet members of the opposite sex. However, if you have been dating a while, this can be a fun way to go out on the town and let loose. Get dressed up, dance, karaoke, and enjoy a little indulgence.

Attend a late-night comedy show

Most cities offer a variety of comedy options, especially if it is a weekend. You can attend an improvisation comedy routine, a bit comedy show, a sport themed comedy show, etc. If you can, try and get recommendations as a bad comedian can be a real date ruiner. Sitting in a lounge and awkwardly trying to laugh at bad jokes is never a recipe for a good date.

Romantic date ideas: A romantic date is a great idea for anyone who wants to show someone they are special, or if they just want the chance to connect on a more romantic level. It is important to note that while in movies and television shows people stumble into romantic situations, in general a romantic date needs to be planned. For example, chances are you will not get into a trendy new restaurant in a busy city without restaurants, and telling the host it is a special occasion only works in the movies. So, reserve a secluded table, call ahead to see if the band will play a certain song, etc. whatever your idea of romantic is, you need to plan ahead and organize to make it turn out romantic.

Take dance lessons

This is a really fun date that also has the thoughtful romantic element to it. You get to touch, learn and laugh together. You can sign up for a couples class and follow it up with an intimate dinner.

Go on a harbor cruise, or a carriage ride

You do not have to live by the ocean to have a romantic date, you could hire a horse pulled carriage to take you and your date around a park, to a romantic little restaurant, or anywhere else you want to go. You could rent a boat and go for a twilight harbor cruise. If you want it to be romantic make it out of the norm and thoughtful.

Go to dinner

Dinner has the potential for romance, but you have to plan ahead to make a dinner date a romantic date. Ask the host to plan something special like flowers at the table or an inexpensive bottle of wine at the table. There are a lot of ways to make dinner a romantic dinner.

Group dates: group dates are often a great way to break the ice and get to know someone without the pressure of being forced to always carry conversation.

Sporting events

These are a great date option for groups as you can usually take and laugh and eat, and cheer without making anyone mad. It is a good place for a large group of people to go as there are usually plenty of seats, plus you will be able to find something for people of all interest levels to enjoy.

Concerts:

Again this is a great group date activity as long as the whole group agrees on the type of music. You can attend a concert in the park for a more laid back date, or go to a big stadium for a concert.

Fun dates: Sometimes dating is just a fun way to spend time and get to know one another.

Laser tag

This is active, it is cheap, and it is fun. You can do it with a big group, or you can join a group that is waiting to play and just be with one another.

Rock climbing

This is an active date that can prove to be tons of fun as long as you observe safety precautions.