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A date night with your partner is fun. A group activity with your friends is too. So why not pair them up, to combine the best of both worlds? That’s exactly what a double date is all about: a date for two couples.
A double date is not a double date in the sense of two dates with the same person. It is also not a date with one person that is immediately followed by a date with another. That is not what is meant by a double date. It is a date for two couples or between a couple and two singles who are paired up. We explain what a double date is exactly and give you some tips for double dating.
What is a double date?
If you choose a double date, this always means that you will do something with several people at the same time. A double date consists of two couples who will do something together. It is not necessary that you know each other in advance, but this is usually the case. In most cases, a double date consists of four people who do something together.
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Two couples going on a date together
In the simplest form of a double date, two couples go out together. It is a date between one couple and another couple, often with a friendly purpose and not with a romantic or sexual motive. This means, for example, that you and your partner meet up with a couple of friends to do something fun together .
What you are going to do can vary greatly. But it is usual that you choose something that everyone in the group likes. This is also the main goal of a double date: that everyone has fun. A double date in this form is always friendly and there are no other intentions.
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Two singles, one couple
Another form of a double date is intended to connect two people . In other words: two people go on a first date, but do so together with a couple. In this form, it is often two singles who are both familiar with the couple, but not yet with each other. The double date then not only has a friendly purpose, but also a romantic motive. That motive is the introduction of two singles.
A first date can be very exciting. If you choose to do this together with another couple, who both know each other, then it is a bit less complicated. It increases the comfort and reduces the nerves. You do not have to be the only one to make an effort to keep the conversation lively, because there are three others who can respond to the situation.
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6 tips for double dating
If you choose a double date, always make sure that the main goal is clear: having fun. Even if there are two singles who date a couple, that goal is no different. The most important thing is that you see each other, have a nice contact and can talk to each other.
1. Choose something that everyone can enjoy
A double date doesn’t have to be super exciting, exceptional or flashy. The only thing that matters is that everyone has a good time. If that’s just at someone’s house, while you’re having a nice meal, playing a game or watching television together, that’s fine too.
Are you the one organising the date? Then it can be difficult to come up with something original. When choosing the outing, pay close attention to what you like to do, but also take into account what the other couple likes to do. Are you all sporty? Then there is of course nothing wrong with a sporty activity. The main thing is that you choose something that is suitable for everyone.
2. Discuss it with your partner
A good tip for a double date is to always think carefully in advance whether this is something for you. Always discuss with your partner in advance what he or she thinks of a double date. Not everyone will be equally fond of going out with others and perhaps your partner would rather be alone with you.
Is your partner positive about a double date? Then don’t plan anything without your partner’s knowledge, but always consult first.
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3. Be careful who you go on a double date with
Do you have a lot in common? Then a double date will be a lot easier, because you can choose something to do that everyone likes. Do you have friends that you don’t see that often? Then you can also set a date for the next time. You can also go on a double date as a couple with different friends: that way you can choose something different every time.
4. Choose a suitable location
Once you have decided what you are going to do on the double date, choose a suitable location. Are you going out for dinner on a double date? This can be at a location that you both like to go to, but make sure that there is something tasty on the menu for everyone. And when it comes to distances, that it is not too far for either party to drive.
Do you live a bit far from each other? Then choose a nice restaurant somewhere in the middle so that it is easily accessible for everyone. Meeting at your home and cooking a nice meal or having a gourmet meal or barbecuing is also always fun to do and that way you can have a nice chat.
5. Share the costs (unless you invite someone)
Keep in mind that on a double date, it is best to split the costs. If you invite someone to your home for dinner, this is not an option. However, if you are going to the other person’s house as a couple, bring a nice gift. This could be something for the other couple or something for their children or pets. It doesn’t have to be a big or expensive gift – it’s the gesture that counts.
If you go out to eat together, split the bill. Did one of you eat a little more or is the dish a little more expensive? Don’t make a big deal about it and split the costs. It probably won’t make that much difference. You can also agree in advance who pays and who receives a Tikkie, if you find that more convenient.
6. Provide plenty of topics for discussion
Are you going on a double date with your partner’s friends that you don’t know that well yet? Let them chat together for a while and then join in the conversation. You will quickly understand what interests them and you can then respond to that. A double date is also a great opportunity to get to know other people better and to get acquainted with things that you have not done before.
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13 Double Date Examples and Ideas
Are you looking for something fun to do on your planned double date? It could be something you’ve done before, but liked enough to do again. Or you could choose something that no one has done before. For example, choose one of the following activities:
- Day at the zoo
- City trip
- Museum visit
- Outing to the cinema
- Visiting the theatre
- To go out for dinner
- Dinner at your home
- Movie night at home
- Playing games
- Shopping together
- Cycling or walking together
- Weekend trip
- Day at the spa
These are just a few examples of things you can do with multiple people . But of course there are many things you can do with two couples. The most important thing on a double date is that everyone has a good time, so always choose something that everyone will enjoy.
If you don’t know the other couple that well yet, it might be difficult to come up with something fun. However, a dinner at home is never a bad idea. Ask them in advance what they like and you can probably find something that everyone will enjoy.
Have you known the other couple for years? Then you probably know what they like to do and you can plan your double date around that. And don’t forget: let the other couple arrange something too, because a successful double date comes from both sides.
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