DATING

Fun and Creative Third Date Ideas to Win Over a Match

Shayma Popova
3 min readFeb 14, 2024
Couple on a third date
Why not give these third date ideas a shot? | Photo by Nicholas Barbaros on Unsplash

People often say that the third time’s the charm. When it comes to dating, getting a third date is a bit of a milestone. It may not be a game-changer, but it’s a sign that you are heading in the right direction.

Has your match said “yes” to a third date? If so, congratulations! Getting to this point is no easy feat, so you deserve a pat on the back for that.

With that said, what makes third dates a big deal? What are some great third date ideas to try out? How should you act once you get to that moment?

Why Do Third Dates Matter?

First dates are all about making good impressions. Second dates see both parties sharing more about each other, relieving some of the uncertainty. Third dates indicate an interest in going deeper. Both parties feel more comfortable with each other because they’re not complete strangers anymore.

You may wonder why some make a big deal out of third dates. Here’s an explanation that may provide some clarity: many of us follow rule-of-threes. It works like a baseball game: if the batter (in this case, you) commits three strikes, they’re out.

Third dates are significant, but don’t get complacent. Yes, they signify a blooming pattern. After all, you’re dedicating time and energy to possibly seeing them regularly.

However, you shouldn’t make it a bigger deal than it already is. People view third dates differently, so don’t automatically assume you and your match are on the same page.

You and your match should know each other’s dating goals as you reach this juncture. Are you both playing for keeps or simply dating around for fun? It won’t do if both of you run on different timelines.

Great Ideas for a Third Date

Since you’ve already reached this point, you may want to exert more effort than usual. Forget the typical dinner dates and movie nights! Communication and compatibility are the two birds you want to hit with one stone here.

Add a little personality to your third date by giving these ideas a go:

#1: Play a sport/game together

A little healthy competition doesn’t hurt anyone. Unleash your inner athlete through a small friendly game. It could be a one-on-one basketball or soccer match or any sport/game that you and your date enjoy.

If you aren’t the active type, a board game should do the trick. A chess match may turn out to be the most exciting one you’ve played. If you’re a gamer, let your date into your world by playing your favorite video game together.

#2: Learn something new together

Is there a skill you’ve been itching to learn? Make your date feel more personal by trying something new together. Not only will you acquire a new skill, but you’ll also learn more about each other.

#3: Get in touch with Mother Nature

Swap the concrete jungle for a little greenery. You don’t have to hike up a mountain’s summit to achieve this. Even your neighborhood parks should suffice. This gives you a refreshing way to bond, and offers a different perspective of your neck of the woods.

#4: Show your date your favorite place

Build up intimacy by taking your date to your beloved spot. It could be anywhere, from a random rooftop to a specific corner of your neighborhood. This shows them a side of you that others don’t see.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Third date ideas don’t need to be fancy. What matters is that they help build your growing connection. Show your appreciation for your date’s interest by putting in a little more effort on your third date. These dating ideas should allow you to enjoy each other’s company, have fun, and get to know the other person better. Good luck!

--

--

Shayma Popova
Shayma Popova

Written by Shayma Popova

I write truths about dating and relationships as a Content Manager for https://odessawomen.com/

No responses yet