Between work, family, and everyday obligations, setting aside time for a date night can easily slip through the cracks. Still, many people in relationships say they wish they had more opportunities to spend quality time together.
A recent survey highlights this gap, showing that a significant portion of Americans would like to go on dates more often than they currently do. The findings also shed light on the most popular date-night activities, along with a few that people are curious to try.
Weekly Dates? Many Say Yes
The survey revealed that 21% of respondents want to go on dates once a week or more, yet only 8% actually do. Another 24% say they’d prefer a few dates per month, but just 17% achieve that. Even those who only want a monthly outing often fall short of their goal.
Among married couples, 26% would like to have weekly dates, but only about half of that number (13%) manage it. For those in relationships but not married, 24% would prefer a weekly date, while just 9% make it happen.
Clearly, balancing busy lives with relationship time isn’t easy—but the desire for more frequent dates is strong.
Classic Date Activities Still Reign
When asked about favorite date activities, traditional choices remain at the top:
- 79% enjoy dinner dates at a restaurant
- 75% like going out for lunch
- 72% enjoy movie nights at home
- 69% have shared a meal at home
- 65% have gone to the movies
- 64% enjoy the park
- 61% like breakfast outings
- 54% have attended a fair or carnival
As for activities people haven’t tried but want to, stargazing topped the list at 40%, followed by comedy shows (31%) and art classes (29%). On the flip side, options like haunted houses, fishing trips, and wine tastings were less appealing for many.
Memorable Moments—Good and Bad
While 4 in 5 people reported having a wonderful date at some point, half also admitted to experiencing a terrible one. Women were more likely than men to say they’d had a bad date.
Other findings include:
- 44% have been on a double date
- 38% have become friends with someone they dated
- 36% have gone on a date with someone they met online
- 35% said they’ve had sex on a first date
Far fewer have tried speed dating (6%), blind dates (29%), or experienced being stood up (25%).
First-Date Etiquette: What Not to Do
The survey also explored behaviors that people consider unacceptable on a first date. At the top of the list:
- Being rude to staff (88%)
- Criticizing food choices (87%)
- Constantly checking your phone (87%)
- Pressuring someone to drink (84%)
- Showing up late without notice (84%)
Money talk isn’t favored either—75% think it’s inappropriate to ask about income, while over half disapprove of mentioning your own earnings.
Other sensitive topics include ex-relationships, sexual matters, and marriage or children. For these, responses were more mixed, showing that comfort levels vary.
The Takeaway: Be Kind and Engaged
The overall lesson is simple: people value kindness, attentiveness, and genuine interest on dates. Whether planning a cozy dinner or something more adventurous, being present and considerate goes a long way.
So if you’re in a relationship, consider this a reminder to carve out time for a special outing. And if you’re single, the results offer plenty of fresh ideas beyond the standard “let’s grab a drink.”
Methodology
The survey was conducted online with a sample of over 2,000 U.S. adults. Respondents were selected to reflect demographic diversity across age, gender, race, education, and region. The results carry a margin of error of about 3%.
