We surveyed over 500 people on first date norms. Here are the questions we’ll answer:

1. Who should pay for the first date?
2. What’s the preferred activity for a first date?
3. What level of physical contact is appropriate on a first date?
4. How late is acceptable for someone to arrive on a first date?
5. Is it appropriate to discuss ex-partners on a first date?
6. When should you follow up after a first date?
7. Do people believe in ‘love at first sight’?

Key Takeaways:

• Many people (36%) expect the man to pay. Men especially believe this.
• Coffee (35%) and dinner at a restaurant (28%) were most preferred first date activities 
  • Younger people prefer coffee; older people prefer dinner at a restaurant
• For physical contact, it depends on how the date goes but a hug at minimum is generally appropriate
• Many people (35%) think being up to 10 minutes late is fine
• 34% think it’s appropriate discuss exes 
  • Younger people think it’s more appropriate; older people think it’s not appropriate
• Many people (41%) think you should follow up the next day after the date
• Most people (65%) believe in ‘love at first sight’