Not Just Dinner and a Movie: Creative Dating Ideas

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, dating is on many people's minds. Whether this is your first date with that special someone, or if you're in a long term relationship, planning the "perfect date" is important. Before settling for the ordinary, stop to think about what the underlying goals of dating really are. First, dating is intended to be a way for two people to get to know each other better -- what are their interests, hobbies, and preferences. Second, dating is about establishing compatibility -- do you share any interests? Do you have similar values? Third, dating is about strengthening the relationship between two people. This can be done through developing teamwork skills, trust, and communication. With these goals in mind, choose a non-traditional date idea that lets you get to know the other person on a meaningful level. And remember, dating is supposed to be about having fun, not just finding the perfect mate.

Plan to go on an "adventure."

Choose to do something or go somewhere that neither of you have ever been before. This could be a new restaurant, trying a new type of cuisine, or something much more extreme like skydiving, or river rafting. The whole point is to try something new together. The fact that you are both in an unfamiliar situation puts you on even ground and gives you an equal opportunity to get to know each other. Plus, even if the experience turns out to be a bad one (for example, not every restaurant is really worth trying) you will have a shared experience and something to talk about on your next date.

Go on a scavenger hunt.

The options here are nearly endless. Either write up your own list of things to find, or have someone else do it for you. You can opt to find actual items, or take pictures of things with a digital camera. The fun part about taking pictures is that you can turn it into a fun scrapbook page later, assuming the date goes well and you want to remember it. The location possibilities are also wide open -- you could go to the local mall, or make it an outdoor event and go to a local park, or you could even wander around your own neighborhood.

Play a game.