New York Times Article on Dating Trends

Which Would Make the Best First Date?

July 7, 2010

Inviting a date to drinks sends the message that you're boring. Coffee? Your date will probably need some to stay awake with a snooze-fest like you. Today, first dates have themes, according to the New York Times, and as each new trend catches on, creative daters try to come up with a new idea.

In NYC at least, you don't just go to dinner anymore — you dine on something specific. Last March savvy daters grabbed tacos, in April it was all about fondue, and by May, couples got to know each other over oysters. Out of these trends, and some other ones mentioned, which do you think makes the best first date?

Source: Thinkstock

17 Comments

lwimbush 2 years 45 weeks

this is kind of dumb. you're not going to like someone any better just because you're eating tacos.

mix tape 2 years 45 weeks

I put museum, but honestly, I think getting drinks is the perfect get-to-know-a-stranger first date. It can last just one drink or an entire night. Now after he's passed the drinks date I'd go to dinner, third date is the creative one and yeah, we went to a museum. I have a soft spot for tacos though.

Eleuthera 2 years 45 weeks

I don't want to date a man who doesn't know something about wine and art!

GlowingMoon 2 years 45 weeks

Something casual -- perhaps meet for coffee or drinks. Meeting for a meal or a long hang-out (such as a museum visit) is a bit much for me. :)Also, the idea of fondue skeeves me out. I'm unwilling to share communal food with someone on a first date. That's somewhat intimate to me. I do that style of eating (sharing family-style) with immediate family, close friends, and hubbie.I know. I sound awfully picky. :)

GlowingMoon 2 years 45 weeks

Something casual -- perhaps meet for coffee or drinks. Meeting for a meal or a long hang-out (such as a museum visit) is a bit much for me. :) Also, the idea of fondue skeeves me out. I'm unwilling to share communal food with someone on a first date. That's somewhat intimate to me. I do that style of eating (sharing family-style) with immediate family, close friends, and hubbie. I know. I sound awfully picky. :)

gingirl 2 years 45 weeks

It's summer, how bout a baseball game?! Even if you're not that into the sport, it's still a fun way to spend a day.

inlove23 2 years 45 weeks

I voted swing dancing because I like to be active, and it would be great to try something new like that! It would defiantly break the ice, make each other laugh, and a great night to remember! =)

chequettex 2 years 45 weeks

I voted tacos, but now that I think about it, if my first date with my husband had been to get tacos, it's possible there might not have been a second date, ha ha! Why didn't they at least leave "drinks" on the list of choices for those of us that are just that "boring"? If you have to be doing something amazing and new and unique just to show someone that you're an interesting person... well, whatever.

Girl Jen 2 years 45 weeks

Wine tasting? No, not everyone's a wine person.Swing dancing? Not unless both parties are comfortable either swing dancing OR looking like fools while trying.Museum? My second choice, but I'd be too wrapped up in the exhibits to concentrate on the date.Oysters? Make me think of allergies or aphrodisiacs, both topics I'd like to avoid on a first dateTacos? Too messyFondue? Perfect! Can be eaten neatly, and allows both parties to concentrate on each other!The last first date I went on was at a coffee shop, btw, and it worked out wonderfully...until the employees started vacuuming around us. :D <3

Girl Jen 2 years 45 weeks

Wine tasting? No, not everyone's a wine person. Swing dancing? Not unless both parties are comfortable either swing dancing OR looking like fools while trying. Museum? My second choice, but I'd be too wrapped up in the exhibits to concentrate on the date. Oysters? Make me think of allergies or aphrodisiacs, both topics I'd like to avoid on a first date Tacos? Too messy Fondue? Perfect! Can be eaten neatly, and allows both parties to concentrate on each other! The last first date I went on was at a coffee shop, btw, and it worked out wonderfully...until the employees started vacuuming around us. :D <3

RoaringSilence 2 years 45 weeks

Oysters, tacos and fondue are bad foods if you plan to make out! lolI would love to have a wine tasting AT a museum :D

RoaringSilence 2 years 45 weeks

Oysters, tacos and fondue are bad foods if you plan to make out! lol I would love to have a wine tasting AT a museum :D

chloe bella 2 years 45 weeks

I put "fondue" but it was a close call between that and tacos. I think swing dancing could make people feel awkward if they're not coordinated, and some people are allergic to shellfish. I personally would prefer to do something more casual than wine tasting.

Victory 2 years 45 weeks

I met my boyfriend at a wine tasting. Well, I was rather drunk at the end of it but it was a very nice way to start talking with somebody. I've also met very good friends at wine tastings. Looking forward to the next one!

Pistil 2 years 45 weeks

A museum would give you something to talk about, so I like that idea. Swing dancing would definitely break the ice. I guess wine will do that too, I'm just not much of a wine connoisseur.