Dating has never been simple, and COVID-19 definitely did not send us a “how-to” manual.
Even as vaccines, updated boosters, and better treatments have made everyday life safer,
many people still want to balance romance with risk reductionespecially if they live
with high-risk family members or have health conditions themselves. The good news?
You can absolutely have a fun, flirty, and successful first date during COVID-19;
you just need a bit more planning, a dose of honesty, and maybe an extra pump of hand sanitizer.
Below are 31 practical tips to help you plan a first date that is safe, comfortable,
and actually enjoyable. We’ll cover everything from choosing a COVID-smart date idea
to navigating awkward “so what’s your booster status?” conversations, and how to follow up
like a pro afterward.
1. Start With Safety: Health Comes Before Chemistry
1. Check local guidelines and community risk
Before planning any in-person date, look at local COVID-19 trends and public health
guidance in your area. If cases or hospitalizations are rising, it might be a better time
for a virtual date or outdoor meet-up. Staying informed helps you make decisions that
feel responsible, not paranoid.
2. Stay up to date on vaccines and boosters
Vaccines and updated boosters remain one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of
severe illness from COVID-19. Being vaccinated doesn’t mean you throw caution out the window,
but it does add an important layer of protectionespecially for people who are immunocompromised
or live with higher-risk loved ones. Plus, being proactive about your health is surprisingly attractive.
3. Test when it makes sense
If you’re planning an in-person dateespecially indoors or in a busy areaconsider taking
a rapid test beforehand, and encourage your date to do the same. You don’t need to make it
a dramatic announcement; a simple, “Hey, I’ll take a rapid test before we meet, want to do
the same?” frame shows you’re thoughtful and considerate.
4. Be honest about symptoms and exposure
If you feel sick, have new symptoms, or know you’ve been exposed, reschedule.
Yes, it’s disappointing. No, you won’t ruin the connection. In fact, most people
will respect you more for putting health first. You can always swap to a video date
and prove that you’re still interested even if your sinuses are staging a protest.
5. Talk about comfort levels in advance
A quick “COVID boundaries” chat before the date can prevent awkward moments later.
Ask questions like, “Are you comfortable indoors, or would you prefer outdoors?”
“Are you okay with public transportation, or would you rather meet somewhere easy to drive to?”
Treat it like deciding what movie to watchno judgment, just preferences.
2. Choose the Right Type of First Date
Not every first date has to involve a restaurant, a crowded bar, or that one tiny cocktail lounge
where the tables are practically touching. During COVID-19, you have more options than ever:
virtual, hybrid, and safe in-person experiences that still feel romantic.
6. Start with a low-pressure video date
A video call is the new “coffee date.” It’s low effort, low risk, and low drama if the chemistry
just isn’t there. You can keep it short30 to 45 minutesand use it as a vibe check before committing
to an in-person meetup. Plus, if things get awkward, you can always pretend your Wi-Fi dropped. (Kidding… mostly.)
7. Try shared virtual activities
A virtual date doesn’t have to be just sitting and staring at each other’s faces.
You can:
- Order takeout from the same restaurant and eat “together” on video.
- Watch a movie at the same time and react in real time.
- Play a co-op game, trivia, or an online escape room.
- Cook the same recipe side by side while video chatting.
These activities give your first date structure and make conversation flow more naturally.
8. Choose outdoor meet-ups when possible
If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that outdoor air is our friend. First dates at a park,
botanical garden, outdoor café, or on a walking trail allow you to connect while lowering
the risk of transmission. Fresh air, sunshine, and the chance to casually point at a dog and say,
“That’s my favorite one”what’s not to love?
9. Plan mask-friendly activities
If one or both of you prefers to wear a mask, choose activities where masks feel natural
rather than awkward. Think: walking, visiting an outdoor market, or grabbing coffee to-go
and strolling around the neighborhood. This way, you can focus on the person, not on whether
your mask makes you sound like you’re whispering into a pillow.
10. Keep the first in-person date short and simple
During COVID-19, long, elaborate first dates can feel draining and complicated.
Aim for something that can naturally last an hour or two. If you both have a great time,
you can always extend itor plan a second date right away. Short and sweet is safer and leaves
room for anticipation.
3. COVID-Smart Logistics for In-Person Dates
11. Pick outdoor or well-ventilated locations
If you do meet indoors, choose a place with good ventilation, spaced seating, and clear health policies.
Outdoor seating is even better when the weather allows. Side-by-side seating on a bench or at a park
feels cozy without being cramped.
12. Avoid crowds and peak times
Try to schedule your date during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. A late-afternoon coffee or early dinner
often feels more relaxed and gives you time to get home at a reasonable hour. It also makes it easier to
keep some distance without shouting over ten different conversations.
13. Have a mask plan (and a backup)
Even if masking isn’t required everywhere anymore, you may still decide to use one in certain situationslike
going through a crowded subway station or standing in line indoors. Carry an extra clean mask in case yours
gets damp, or your date forgets theirs. Sharing a mask is not a love language.
14. Mind your distance without being robotic
You don’t need to pull out a tape measure, but being mindful of personal space is still a kind gesture.
Especially early in the date, stand or sit at a comfortable distance and read their body language.
If things go well and both of you feel safe, you can gradually move closer.
15. Think through transportation
How you get to the date matters too. If you’re taking public transportation, consider masking in crowded
indoor areas and sanitizing your hands afterward. If you drive, decide in advance whether you’re comfortable
giving your date a ride or whether you’ll each meet there separately. There’s no right answeronly what feels
safe and respectful for both of you.
16. Carry sanitizer like it’s your third wheel
Hand sanitizer is still your best friend in situations where you’re touching door handles, menus, payment terminals,
or shared surfaces. Use it casuallyno need to make it a big production. A quick “I’m just going to sanitize real quick”
is completely normal in 2025.
4. Emotional Intelligence: Make Connection the Focus
17. Acknowledge the weirdnessbut don’t dwell on it
COVID has changed almost everything about how we socialize, and it’s okay to admit that it feels strange.
A quick joke like, “Remember when dating didn’t require risk assessment charts?” can break the ice.
Just don’t let the entire date become a COVID complaint sessionit’s hard to feel sparks over case graphs.
18. Ask questions that go beyond the pandemic
It’s easy to slip into small talk about remote work, masks, and vaccines, but deeper connection comes from
understanding each other’s values and personalities. Ask what they are passionate about, what they’re working toward,
or what they’ve always wanted to try. Those questions invite more meaningful conversation than “So how many tests have you taken?”
19. Share how the pandemic changed you
COVID-19 reshaped people’s priorities, careers, and relationships. Sharing what you’ve learned or how your
perspective has shifted can make the conversation more vulnerable and genuine. Maybe you realized you value
family time more, or you discovered a love for hiking or cooking. This helps your date see who you are nownot just who you were in 2019.
20. Practice active listeningespecially on video
With masks, background noise, or Wi-Fi glitches, good listening takes extra effort. Make eye contact,
nod, and respond thoughtfully to what they say. Put your phone out of reach so you’re not tempted to check
notifications every time there’s a lull. Presence is one of the most attractive traits on any first date.
21. Be clear about what you’re looking for
The pandemic has pushed many people to clarify what they wantcasual dating, a serious relationship, or something
in between. You don’t need a full PowerPoint slide deck, but being honest about your intentions can prevent
misunderstandings later. A simple, “I’m ultimately looking for a relationship, but I like taking things slowly,”
gives your date useful context.
22. Respect boundaries without taking them personally
Your date might prefer outdoor-only meetups, mask use in certain situations, or waiting longer before physical contact.
These preferences are not a referendum on you. They’re about their health, comfort, or the people they go home to.
Showing respect for those boundaries is not only kindit’s incredibly attractive.
5. Online Profiles and Pre-Date Prep
23. Share COVID comfort levels in your profile or chats
Many dating apps now make it easier to share your COVID-related preferencesthings like whether you’re vaccinated,
comfortable with in-person dates, or prefer video first. Being upfront saves time and helps you match with people
whose risk tolerance is similar to yours.
24. Use recent photos that reflect reality
If your last profile picture was taken three hairstyles agoor before you discovered sweatpants as a lifestyleupdate it.
Use current photos that reflect how you actually look now, masks and all. Authentic photos set realistic expectations
and help your date feel that they’re meeting the real you, not your pre-pandemic avatar.
25. Choose apps with strong safety and video features
Many popular dating apps have rolled out built-in video calling and safety tools since the start of the pandemic.
These features help you verify that the person you’re talking to matches their profile and give you a safe space
to interact before meeting up in person. Using reputable apps also reduces the risk of scams and fake profiles.
26. Do a quick vibe check before meeting
A short phone or video call before your first date can reveal a lotcommunication style, sense of humor,
and whether the conversation flows. It also gives you a chance to confirm shared expectations around COVID safety.
Think of it as a pre-date trailer: if you like the preview, you’ll probably enjoy the full movie.
27. Have a gentle, respectful exit strategy
Whether the date is virtual or in person, it’s helpful to decide in advance how long you’ll stay.
You can say, “I have about an hour, but I’m really looking forward to meeting you.” If you’re not feeling
the connection, you can wrap up at that time. If you are, “accidentally” staying longer will say it all.
6. After the Date: Follow-Up and Health Check
28. Debrief with yourself honestly
After the date, check in with yourself: Did you feel comfortable? Did you enjoy their company?
Did you feel heard and respected, including around COVID boundaries? Dating during a pandemic can be emotionally
and mentally tiring, so taking a moment to reflect will help you make better decisions going forward.
29. Communicate clearly if you want a second date
If you had a good time, say so! A simple text like, “I had a great time todaywould love to do this again,”
keeps the momentum going. You can also propose a specific second-date idea: another outdoor walk, a cooking date
over video, or trying a new café.
30. Have a plan if symptoms show up after the date
If you develop symptoms or test positive shortly after a date, be honest and let them know.
It can feel awkward, but giving them a heads-up allows them to test, monitor their health,
and protect anyone they live with. This kind of honesty builds trust, even if your romantic story
doesn’t go beyond a few dates.
31. Be kind to yourself if it doesn’t work out
Dating can be emotionally messy even in the best of times. Add a global pandemic, and you’ve got
an advanced-level challenge. If a date doesn’t go well, or you don’t feel a connection, try not to
take it as a personal failure. Each experience teaches you more about what you want and what feels
safe and satisfying for you.
Real-World Experiences: What First Dates During COVID-19 Taught Us
People who dated through the height of COVID-19 often say the experience changed their entire approach to relationships.
Instead of jumping straight into physical chemistry, they learned to pay attention to communication, values, and empathy.
That mindset is still incredibly useful today.
Many singles discovered the power of the “pre-date video call.” Before COVID, hopping on FaceTime with a stranger
might have felt intense. During the pandemic, it became normaland for a lot of people, a non-negotiable. They realized
that a 20-minute call could save them from a two-hour date that felt like a job interview. Those who kept the habit
report feeling less burned out and more hopeful, because they invest their in-person energy in people who already feel promising.
Outdoor dates also reshaped expectations. Instead of meeting in loud bars, couples took long walks, sat in parks,
or grabbed to-go drinks and explored new neighborhoods together. These dates often felt more relaxed and authentic.
When you’re not shouting over music or checking how you look in low lighting, you can actually listen and connect.
Many people say their favorite early-pandemic dates were embarrassingly simple: watching the sunset, feeding ducks at a pond,
or rating dogs on a walking trail like their own personal Olympics.
There were also tough lessons. Some people realized quickly that they weren’t on the same page as their dates about COVID safety.
One person might have been very cautious, caring for elderly relatives at home, while the other saw COVID as “over”
and didn’t want to discuss precautions at all. Those mismatches led to difficult conversationsbut they also revealed
important differences in respect, empathy, and flexibility. For many, it became clear that how someone handles health boundaries
says a lot about how they’ll handle other serious issues in a relationship.
Another big shift was how people talked about mental health. COVID-19 put stress, anxiety, loneliness, and grief right
on the surface. First dates that used to be all about “your favorite food” started including honest conversations about burnout,
isolation, and how people coped. That openness made it easier to share vulnerabilitiesand made it clearer when someone wasn’t ready
to be emotionally present.
Perhaps the most meaningful takeaway is that successful first dates during COVID-19 rarely depended on fancy plans.
They worked because both people were:
- Clear about their boundaries and expectations.
- Respectful of each other’s comfort levels.
- Willing to adapt the plan if circumstances changed.
- Focused on connection rather than perfection.
Those are timeless dating skills. Whether you’re planning a fully virtual date, a carefully spaced-out picnic,
or a cozy indoor dinner in a well-ventilated restaurant, the spirit is the same: two people showing up with honesty,
kindness, and a genuine desire to get to know each other.
Final Thoughts
Having a successful first date during COVID-19 is absolutely possibleand even surprisingly meaningful.
When you choose COVID-smart date ideas, communicate clearly, and respect each other’s boundaries,
you create a safer space for chemistry to grow. You don’t need a grand gesture or an elaborate plan;
you just need thoughtfulness, flexibility, and a willingness to be real.
Whether your first date leads to a second, a long-term relationship, or just a good story, remember:
taking care of your health and your heart at the same time is a win. COVID-19 may have changed the rules of dating,
but it also gave us a chance to slow down, be intentional, and focus on what truly mattersconnection that feels safe,
respectful, and genuinely you.
