Ah, the first date. It can be nerve-wracking, exciting, and everything in between because you are on a constant hunt for signs a first date went well. The anticipation of meeting someone new and the hope of making a romantic connection can be overwhelming. So, how do you know if the date went well? Did they enjoy your company? Do they want to see you again?
In this article, we’re going to explore telltale signs that your first date went extremely well. From the classic signs of love at first sight to the powerful signals of body language and physical chemistry, we’ll cover all the bases.
So whether you’re a seasoned dater or a newbie on the dating scene, we’re here to give you the confidence and assurance you need to know if your first date was a success. Sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the signs of a good first date.
21 Promising Signs A First Date Went Well
There is no guideline for how should a first date feel. Different people can have different experiences, even positive ones. While there is no rulebook you can turn to interpret your experience, there are some signs of a good first date that you can look out for to put your heart and mind at ease:
Related Reading: 100 Best Pickup Lines For Guys
1. You both laughed at the same jokes
Has laughter left you experiencing a high after your date? Well, this is a good sign! If you found yourself laughing at each other’s jokes or discovered that your sense of humor is similar, it’s one of the signs of chemistry on a first date.
Here’s the thing: people are so nervous (yes, both guys and girls) on first dates that cracking jokes just does not come easy. However, if you and your date settled into a comfortable rhythm of sharing wine over laughter (whether from witty banter or lame jokes) it is one of the definite signs a first date went well.
But, if your date’s humor was as dry as the Mojave Desert, it’s probably best to move on to the next one.
2. The conversation flowed naturally
The key here is to remember that a first date is all about trying to make a good impression. You wonder how to start and interesting conversation while also showcasing the strong aspects of your personality. Balancing the two can often stunt the conversation and lead to awkward silences.
However, if there were no awkward silences or you didn’t have to force conversation, a telltale sign that your first date went extremely well. Reddit user Mili seems to second this philosophy. She says, “For me, it’s when I am not counting the seconds until I can escape and realize that it’s been 2 hours as opposed to 30 minutes that I had originally planned to stay on for. Also, not having to think of stupid questions to keep the conversation flowing and not looking at my phone constantly.”
3. Your date was genuinely interested in you
One of the first date signs he likes you or she is interested is when your date shows genuine, unhindered interest in getting to know you. They let you talk about yourself without interrupting mid-sentence and wandering off to a completely unrelated story about their life.
It is also a good sign when they ask you follow-up questions about a story or an incident you narrate. It will be obvious from the body language that she/he is interested because they will maintain eye contact while actively listening to you.
Your date’s genuine interest would be hard to miss. But for those who are new to the dating world, here are some signs to watch out for:
- They look at you constantly while you speak or narrate an incident
- They ask questions to get to know you better
- They aren’t distracted by their phone
- They don’t cut you off mid-sentence
- Their body language is calm
But, if they spent the entire time talking about themselves, you might want to consider auditioning for a new audience.
Related Reading: How To Ask Someone If They Like You Without Embarrassing Yourself – 15 Smart Ways
4. You both had common interests
Isn’t dating just a process to find someone who matches your frequency? Well, a powerful signal of a good first date is when you found that frequency.
So, if you both love the same TV show, book, or sport, it’s one of the first date positive signs. But, if your date’s interests involve deep sea diving and skydiving, and you can’t swim or have a fear of heights, it might be best to admire their hobbies from a safe distance.
5. Your date didn’t use their phone
If your date didn’t spend most of the time scrolling through Instagram or texting their friends, it’s one of the signs a first date went well because they were fully present and interested in you. It is basic first date etiquette which everyone should follow as thumb rule of dating! But, if they took a phone call during dinner, it’s probably best to call it a night (unless, of course, it was an emergency).
“I actually will go to the bathroom to text my friends about twenty minutes into the date just to say if I’m okay or not. Other than that… the phone stays away unless they stop putting effort into the date. If they ruin it in whatever way, me pulling out my phone is how I silently cue there’s no second date because I’m not entertained enough to be finishing this one. It’s a non-verbal “You can stop now. We can leave. This isn’t going anywhere”,” says a Reddit user.
6. Your date had good hygiene
Grooming and personal hygiene are integral parts of good first-date etiquette. It shows that the person made an effort to look presentable (also, cuddle ready if things go well).
If your date was clean and smelled good, it’s not only a great sign that they take care of themselves but also a powerful signal to show that the person was genuinely trying to impress you. Here are some other signs that show that your date is well-groomed:
- They smell good
- They don’t have bad breath
- Their clothes are ironed and they look put together
- Their hair is properly styled
- They don’t have food between their teeth
- Their hands and nails are clean
But, if they smelled like they had been on a hike through the Amazon rainforest without a shower for a week, it’s probably best to excuse yourself to the restroom and never return.
7. Your date paid attention to the detail
What are the telltale signs that your first date went extremely well, you ask? Well, if your date remembered something you said earlier and brought it up later, it’s a great sign that they were paying attention to what you were saying. This shows effort and a keenness to listen.
A Reddit user shares, “I knew she was the one on the first date. My SO is significantly older than I am so I was very wary about going on our first date but it ended up being the best date of my life. First, we drove down to the beach and the bars were unusually dead so we bought a bottle of champagne and headed to the sand instead. On the beach, under the moonlight, we shared the bottle and just talked, we also saw a shooting star. The date was simple and perfect.”
However, if they forgot your name or where you were meeting, it’s probably best to stick a nametag on your shirt and move on.
Related Reading: 55+ Flirty First Date Questions | Jaw-Dropping List of 2023
8. Your date was respectful
Have you ever been on a date with one of those people who use sounds or snaps to call the waiter or those who show up an hour later without an ounce of guilt on their faces?
Well, that is a sign of disrespect. If your date was respectful and kind to you and those around you, it means they are a good person. If they showed chivalry, were not crossing boundaries, or were rude, it is one of the first date positive signs.
But, if they were rude to the waiter or didn’t hold the door open for you, it’s probably best to show them the door.
9. You felt comfortable around them
One of the signs of chemistry on a first date is when you felt comfortable being yourself around your date. We often put up a wall or pretend to be someone else to make the best impression. If you felt that you can snort while laughing or crack the lamest jokes with them, it is a sign for you!
But, if you felt like you had to pretend to be someone you’re not, it’s probably best to take off the mask and be honest.
10. They were mirroring your actions
People tend to imitate the behaviors of those they find appealing. You can sense that your date likes you or may have thought you were attractive if subconsciously mirrored your actions like smiling, reclining in their char, or resting their face on their hand – just the way you are. If you noticed your date doing this, it is one of the signs a first date went well.
11. Your date made eye contact
It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul. No wonder philosophers, poets, and authors have time and again reinforced the importance of eye contact for attraction. Did your date look you in the eyes often? If so, it is one of the signs the first date went well.
Direct eye contact is a sign that someone is interested in you. On the other hand, their lack of attention to you and their eyes wandering in all directions indicate boredom and a lack of interest in what you have to say.
Similarly, if your date is interested in you, you will clear body language signs of attraction such as leaning in to hear you better or making physical contact such as placing a hand on your shoulder.
12. Your date makes plans for a second date
How do you know your date went well? You came home with plans of seeing them again!
“Personally, if I have a first date that goes well, I don’t waste any time planning the next one. Either at the end of the first date or in the day or two after. Assuming the guy doesn’t work a super busy job (e.g., a doctor), you should take his excitement for a second date to be a gauge of his interest. Guys who are interested will offer plans (even if they don’t work out with your schedule). The ones who are noncommittal about such plans are probably trying to send a signal,” says a Reddit user.
In case you aren’t someone who picks up on hints, here are some examples of what your date might say to make plans for a second date:
- Hey, you mentioned your favorite artist. His exhibition is coming to town, I would love to go with you
- This was fun. Maybe we can catch a movie tomorrow?
- I know this lovely place downtown which serves the best coffee. Would you join me for a cup this weekend?
- Man, that pizza was a disappointment. Why don’t you come over for dinner at my place and I will cook you a dinner you won’t forget!
Related Reading: 51 Non-Cliched Second Date Ideas That Will Lead To A Third
13. Your date compliments you
Did they love the way you wore your hair? Or did they mention you smell amazing? Well, paying compliments is a sign that a person is trying to flatter and impress you. It also means that they want you to like them. After all, compliments make everyone happy! If there were a lot of compliments showered during the night (or day), it is one of the signs a first date went well.
14. You have good physical chemistry
Physical chemistry can be a sign that the first date went well in the sense that it suggests there is mutual attraction and interest. When there is strong physical chemistry, it typically means that both individuals feel comfortable and are enjoying each other’s company.
Signs of chemistry on a first date are hard to miss. Dilated pupils, touching each other’s arms, licking lips, etc are subtle body language signs of physical attraction and send a message that the other person is interested in you.
Here are some other signs of physical chemistry on a first date:
- Intense eye contact
- Constant blushing and smiling
- Sense of nervousness
- Searching for excuses to make physical contact
- Feeling comfortable in their presence
15. Your date lasted longer than you expected
You may have imagined the date would last an hour or two when you first agreed to meet this person. Three hours have passed, and you two are still joking and chatting. This is encouraging. When a date goes poorly, one or both parties may try to arrange an early exit. However, if the first date lasted longer than you had anticipated, it was enjoyable for both of you and is one of the signs the first date went well.
16. They showed vulnerability
People, typically, don’t reveal a lot about themselves on a first date. However, it can be a positive sign if your date felt at ease discussing their family and other areas of their personal life. They are interested in moving things along if they were honest with you and shared intimate facts about their life. Here are some signs of vulnerability to watch out for:
- There is no pretentiousness
- Showing their soft side
- Sharing an intimate detail about their life
- Listening to your concerns and troubles
- Showing thoughtfulness toward people and surroundings
“I think honesty and vulnerability are incredibly important, especially on the first date. And if she doesn’t like who you are, or doesn’t accept or judge your vulnerabilities, it’s probably a bullet dodged,” says a Reddit user.
Related Reading: 10 Things That Count As Emotional Attraction And Tips To Recognize It
17. Your date is respectful of your boundaries
If your date respects your boundaries and doesn’t pressure you to do anything you’re not comfortable with, it’s a great sign that they’re a respectful and considerate person. Respect for boundaries can look like not pressing for physically intimate acts like a kiss or a hug if you’re not comfortable with it, not prying about issues you’re not okay talking about and seeking your consent instead of making assumptions.

18. Your date took you home
One of the signs of chemistry on a first date is an instant, magnetic attraction between the two people. It’s possible that the entire night turned into a protracted game of foreplay with cunning touches and gentle kicks. You went to their place (or vice versa) for a nightcap because you didn’t want the evening to finish. It obviously went quite well.
Even though social conventions say you shouldn’t sleep with someone on a first date, you should truly do whatever feels right to you. There is no stigma associated with having slept with someone on a first date if you both gave your consent.
19. They followed you on social media
Social media has become an integral part of the dating scene these days and people are very protective of their profiles and followers so it’s not surprising that one of the signs a first date went well is when they add you on social media.
In all honesty, people won’t bother connecting on social media if a date didn’t go well. Did your date make any attempts to friend or follow you after the date? If so, they are undoubtedly eager to learn more about you.
Related Reading: How The Future Of Relationships And Dating Is Expected To Change In The Next 10 Years
20. You feel happy and energized after the date
Are you feeling high after a date? No, we are not talking about indulging in too much alcohol. We mean the high that comes from within. Social engagements, especially with a stranger, can be mentally exhausting and emotionally demanding. However, if you came back from your date feeling refreshed and happy, it is definitely a sign that your date went really well.
21. You have fallen in love
Love, at first sight, is not a myth. People believe in soulmates, and sometimes, you just feel an inexplicable surge of emotions upon meeting someone new. Did you both fall head over heels in love? Did you come back home only to find them waiting for your call? Have you been texting all night and feeling the butterflies? Well, need we say anything more? It is definitely a sign that your date went exceptionally well!
Key Pointers
- Genuine interest, respect, and attentiveness are some of the signs a first date went well
- You can tell a date is going well when you can talk to them with ease
- You don’t have to fall in love instantly but if there is strong chemistry, it is a positive sign on a first date
- If your date is excited to see you again or has already asked you out on a second date, you know the date went well
And there you have it – 21 promising signs that your first date went well. From the classic signs such as good conversation and laughter to the subtle signals of physical chemistry and shared interests, these indicators can give you the assurance and confidence you need to know if there’s potential for a future relationship.
Of course, not every date will have all of these signs, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to trust your instincts and listen to your gut feeling. If you had a good time and feel a connection, then that’s a great sign that your first date went well.
What Is A Serial Dater? Signs To Look Out For And Tips To Handle
Featured
The 7 Techniques Of Stealth Attraction To Use NOW
What Holding Hands Means To A Guy – 9 Interpretations
25 Fun Long-Distance Relationship Games For Couples To Grow Closer
25 Cute And Sweet Ways To Surprise Your Boyfriend
8 Best Dating Sites For Seniors To Find Love And Companionship
9 Expert Tips To Make A Relationship Last Forever
Who Is A Delta Male? 12 Key Characteristics And How They Affect Relationships
13 Signs He Regrets Hurting You
15 Traits Of A High-Value Woman — Tips On How To Become One
Karmic Relationships – How To Identify And How To Handle It
11 Signs Your Partner Is Not Right For You
Eye Contact Attraction: How Does It Help To Build A Relationship?
15 Things To Know When Dating A Nerd
13 Traits Of A High-Value Man | How To Attract A High-Quality Man
17 Sure-Shot Signs He Is Going To Propose Soon!
10 Signs Your Relationship Is Just A Fling & Nothing More
10 Things That Count As Emotional Attraction And Tips To Recognize It
How To Draw Up A Relationship Contract And Do You Need One?
How To Get Your Crush To Like You – 15 Helpful Tips
175 Long-Distance Relationship Questions To Strengthen Your Bond