“Dating is where you pretend you’re someone you’re not to impress someone you don’t know.”
Welcome to the wonderful – and confusing – world of dating…
In this guide, I want to introduce some useful phrases and terms that you can use when you go on a date.
This is my essential guide on how to talk about dating in English!
Each section introduces a different stage of the dating process. And after each section, I have included a role play activity so you can try the new phrases in a real-life context.
I hope it helps!
If you have any trouble or questions, drop me a line.
But for now…
Let’s dive right in!
Vocabulary for Dating in English
Dating can be a challenging experience in any language. But if you are dating in English — your second, or third, language — it can be much more so.
But no need to worry…
I am here to help you build up all the language skills you need to embark on the exciting world of love and romance in English.
In this section, I have broken down the essential vocabulary you will need into four main categories;
- Introduction Phrases
- Asking Someone Out
- Describing Relationships
- Discussing Romantic Feelings
In each category, I have included many examples and clear explanations to boost your confidence when using these terms in real-life situations.
So let’s get started!
Introduction Phrases
Before diving into the world of dating, you need to know how to introduce yourself and strike up a conversation.
Here are some essential phrases to get you started:
Hello, I’m [Your Name].
This is a simple yet effective way to begin a conversation.
What’s your name?
Use this to ask for the other person’s name.
Nice to meet you.
A polite way to express your pleasure in meeting someone new.
How are you?
A friendly way to inquire about the other person’s well-being.
Where are you from?
A great icebreaker to learn more about your date’s background.
Asking Someone Out
Asking someone out means to ask the person you are interested in to escort you on a romantic date.
Asking someone out is a crucial step in dating.
Here are some phrases to help you do just that:
Would you like to go out sometime?
A straightforward way to express your interest.
I’d love to take you to dinner.
I’d like to take you to see a movie.
A more specific invitation.
Do you want to grab a coffee sometime?
Perfect for a casual date proposal. (Often this is the best first date — you can get to know someone in a casual environment. Plus, it is a shorter time than eating dinner together or watching a movie.)
Let’s do something fun together.
Suggests an enjoyable outing without specifying the activity.
Check out these other guides and lesson plans on love and dating!
Describing Relationships
Once you’ve started dating, you’ll need words and phrases to talk about the relationship.
When people have been dating for some time — maybe several weeks — they often want to know the status of the relationship. How serious or relaxed the relationship might be.
Here are some key terms:
We’re just friends.
Indicates a platonic relationship. Platonic means that there are no real romantic feelings here. More like a normal friend.
(This is not a serious dating relationship. Very casual.)
We’re dating.
Expresses that you’re in a romantic relationship.
We’re in a committed relationship.
Committed means you are dedicated to this one person.
Shows that you’re exclusive and serious about each other.
We’re taking it slow.
This implies that you’re not rushing into things.
Discussing Romantic Feelings
Communication is key in any relationship, especially when it comes to expressing your emotions.
Here are some phrases to help you navigate this delicate terrain:
I really like you.
A straightforward way to convey your feelings.
You mean a lot to me.
Expresses deep affection. A deeper connection than above.
I’m falling for you.
This is short for I am falling in love with you. Falling in love is more serious than just liking someone.
This phrase suggests you are developing strong romantic feelings for the other person.
I love you.
The ultimate declaration of love.
You say this, and there is no other phrase higher than this to express romantic feelings for the other person!
Now let’s try to use all of these phrases in a real-life context.
Go to the next section and you can find a role play activity to do with your friends or classmates!
Role Play Scenario: Asking Someone Out
This is a role play for you to practice all the phrases above.
You need to get into pairs for this role play.
Characters
Student A: John
Student B: Emily
Scenario
John and Emily are attending the same English language class, and they’ve been getting to know each other over the past few weeks.
John has developed an interest in Emily and wants to ask her out on a date.
They meet before the class starts.
Role play script
John: (smiles) Hello, Emily. How are you today?
Emily: (smiles back) Hi, John. I’m doing well, thank you. How about you?
John: I’m good, thanks. (takes a deep breath) Emily, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.
Emily: (curious) Oh? What is it?
John: Well, I really enjoy our conversations, and I was wondering if you’d like to go out sometime? Maybe for a coffee or something fun?
Emily: (blushing a bit) Oh, John, that sounds really nice. I’d love to!
John: (excited) Great! How about we grab coffee this weekend?
Emily: (smiles) That sounds perfect, John.
John: (relieved) Wonderful! I’m looking forward to it.
Emily: Me too, John.
Classroom Activity Instructions
Get into pairs with one student playing the part of John and the other playing Emily.
In your pairs, take some time to practice the role play scenario. Make sure you use all the phrases from the vocabulary section before.
When you are ready, show your role play to the class. Every pair should take a turn showing their role play in front of all the other students and the teacher.
When a pair finishes their role play, you should provide some feedback and say what you thought of their performance.
Be polite and use lots of positive criticism! You are there to support and help each other!
You could also try switching roles!
Now you are in the position of the other person. This will help you fully understand all the vocabulary.
Remember — you should practice this role play in a supportive and safe environment. This will help you improve your English and gain more confidence in your ability to speak English.
In the next section, we are going to look at ways to express interest and attraction to the person you wish to date.
Go to the next part, and let’s take a look!
Expressing Interest and Attraction
So you have set the first hot date. You are all ready to meet this one person you are interested in.
But you need to show that you are interested in them. To show that you are attracted to them.
You have to be careful when doing this…
Let’s take a look at the things you can say — and do — to show interest.
Compliments and Flattery
Compliments are a fantastic way to show interest and make your date feel special.
Here are some phrases to help you give sincere compliments:
Complimenting Someone’s Looks
You look really nice today.
You have a beautiful smile.
You look lovely tonight.
You look very elegant this evening.
I love your outfit.
You have very beautiful eyes.
I think the above compliments on physical appearance may be safe to say in most situations.
But you must be careful about what kind of physical compliments you say to the other person.
You cannot say anything too personal or about particular parts of their body.
Not until you know this person very well!
Complimenting Their Skills
Your photography is really impressive. Such beautiful pictures.
I love the way you play guitar. It sounds really cool.
You dance really well. So elegant!
I loved the short story you wrote. It was beautiful.
People love to hear compliments about their skills or talents.
It is not a compliment directed at their physical appearance and so these compliments are safe to give in most situations.
Complimenting Their Personality
You have a great sense of humour!
Every time you laugh, it makes me want to laugh too!
People like to be complimented on their sense of humour and their ability to laugh at life.
What you said the other day really made me think…
If the other person said something profound or intelligent, you can definitely compliment them on this.
You have a very charming personality.
You have a very quick wit. Maybe you are smart too?
It is usually safe to make these kinds of compliments about the other person’s personality.
That was a very kind thing you did last week.
Maybe the other person performed an act of kindness. If you make a positive comment about this, it is usually well received.
Remember, the key to effective compliments is sincerity. Make sure your compliments are genuine and specific to the person you’re dating.
You should not say things that are blatantly not true!
Conversational Tips for Showing Attraction
Effective communication is key to expressing attraction.
Here are some conversational tips to help you show you are interested in the other person:
Active Listening
Show genuine interest in what your date is saying by listening actively. Ask follow-up questions to demonstrate your engagement.
I’m really interested in what you just said about your travels. Can you tell me more about your favourite destination?
I can see you’re passionate about your work. What do you enjoy most about it?
That’s fascinating! How did you get into that hobby?
Share Personal Stories
Open up and share stories from your life to build a deeper connection.
Here are some ways to help you share or tell stories with the other person.
Speaking of adventures, one of the craziest things that happened to me was when I…
I remember a funny incident from my childhood when…
You know, I once had a similar experience, and it taught me…
Use Humour
Light-hearted humour can create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere on a date.
(Be very careful what kind of funny comments or jokes you say in this context though!)
I have to admit, my cooking skills are questionable at best. I once tried making a gourmet dinner and ended up ordering pizza!
Hey, I heard this joke. You want to hear?
Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field!
I used to play piano by ear, but now I use my hands.
(Sorry! My jokes are terrible…)
Give Sincere Compliments
As mentioned earlier, offering genuine compliments can make your date feel appreciated.
I have to say; you have a great sense of style. Your outfit looks fantastic.
You’re really talented at fixing computers. I’m genuinely impressed.
I appreciate your positive attitude; it’s refreshing to be around someone so upbeat.
Remember to be yourself. Authenticity is attractive, and pretending to be someone you’re not is unlikely to lead to a meaningful connection.
If you see any dating advice online, they nearly always say Be Yourself.
This is the best and safest thing to do when having a date with someone!
Next, I want to show you a role play exercise we can use to practice all the above phrases in a real-life context.
Role Play Exercise: Expressing Interest and Attraction
In this role play exercise, I want you to try to practice expressing interest and attraction using the phrases and vocabulary provided in the previous section.
This exercise will help you develop your conversational skills when you are on a hot date!
Scenario
You are on a first date with a person you are interested in.
Your goal is to show genuine interest and attraction while engaging in a meaningful conversation.
Remember to be yourself and use the compliments and conversational tips from the previous section!
Instructions
Pair up with a partner for the role play exercise.
Choose who will be “Person A” and who will be “Person B” for the exercise.
Take turns being Person A and Person B in different rounds.
Follow the scenario and use the provided phrases and vocabulary to express interest and attraction.
Round 1: Compliments and Flattery
Person A: Begin the conversation by giving a sincere compliment about Person B’s appearance.
Person B: Respond to the compliment and give a compliment about something related to Person A’s skills or talents.
Example:
Person A: “You look really nice today.”
Person B: “Thank you! I love your outfit. It suits you perfectly.”
Try using some of the other phrases you learned.
Round 2: Complimenting Personality and Skills
Person A: Compliment Person B on their sense of humour or another aspect of their personality.
Person B: Compliment Person A on their conversational skills or something related to their personality.
Example:
Person A: “You have a great sense of humour!”
Person B: “Thank you! I appreciate your ability to keep the conversation interesting.”
Try to use the other phrases that we looked at.
Use these in short dialogues with your partner.
Round 3: Active Listening and Sharing Personal Stories
Person A: Show active listening by asking follow-up questions about something Person B mentioned.
Person B: Share a personal story related to the topic and ask a follow-up question.
Example:
Person A: “I’m really interested in what you just said about your travels. Can you tell me more about your favourite destination?”
Person B: “Sure! One of my favourite trips was to Italy. Have you ever been there?”
Don’t forget all the other phrases we looked at.
Use all of them in your role play if you can!
Round 4: Using Humour
Person A: Share a light-hearted joke or funny story.
Person B: Respond with humour or share a funny experience of your own.
Example:
Person A: “Hey, I heard this joke. You want to hear? Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!”
Person B: “Ha-ha, that’s a good one! Speaking of awards, I once won a pie-eating contest, but I won’t challenge you to one.”
Round 5: Sincere Compliments
Person A: Give a sincere compliment to Person B.
Person B: Respond with appreciation and give a compliment to Person A.
Example:
Person A: “I have to say, you have a great sense of style. Your outfit looks fantastic.”
Person B: “Thank you! I really admire your positive attitude; it’s refreshing.”
Switch Roles: After completing all five rounds, switch roles, with Person B becoming Person A, and vice versa. Repeat the exercise with the new roles.
This role play exercise will help you practice expressing interest and attraction in a fun and interactive way while using the phrases and conversational tips we learned in the section before.
Encourage each other to be genuine and authentic in your interactions, as authenticity is key to building meaningful connections.
Be yourself! Be true to yourself!
In the next section, we’ll explore how to discuss your date experiences and express your feelings effectively, ensuring that your dating journey is enjoyable and fulfilling.
Stay tuned for more dating insights!
Planning and Going on a Date
Planning and going on a date can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when you’re doing it in English!
In this section, I want to provide you with the essential vocabulary and conversational tips to successfully navigate this stage of dating in English.
We will cover phrases for making plans, setting up a date, asking common questions and responses related to date planning, and offering guidance on navigating cultural differences in dating etiquette.
Phrases for Making Plans
Before you can go on a date, you need to make plans. Here are some phrases to help you initiate this process:
Would you like to go out with me this weekend?
I was wondering if you’d be interested in catching a movie with me.
How about we grab a cup of coffee sometime?
Are you free on Tuesday?
These phrases are polite and straightforward, making it easy to propose a date without any pressure.
Setting Up a Date
Once you’ve established the initial interest, it’s time to set up the date.
Here’s how to do it:
Great! How about we meet at Sunshine Cafe at six o’clock?
I can pick you up at your place if that’s convenient for you.
How about we have dinner at Luigi’s on Saturday? Does that work for you?
Would you prefer a daytime or evening date?
Clear and specific planning ensures both you and your date know the details, making it easier to coordinate your schedules.
Common Questions and Responses Related to Date Planning
During the planning phase, you may encounter various questions and responses.
Here are some common ones:
Person A: “What time works best for you?”
Person B: “I’m free after 6 p.m.”
Person A: “Where would you like to go for dinner?”
Person B: “How about that new Italian restaurant downtown?”
Person A: “Is there anything you’re allergic to or don’t eat?”
Person B: “I’m a vegetarian, so I prefer vegetarian options.”
Person A: “Should we make a reservation?”
Person B: “Yes, that’s a good idea. It can get busy on weekends.”
These questions and responses help you coordinate the details of your date smoothly.
Navigating Cultural Differences in Dating Etiquette
Dating customs and etiquette can vary significantly between cultures.
It’s essential to be aware of and respectful of these differences when dating in English.
Here are some tips:
Research
Take the time to learn about common dating customs in the culture you’re dating within. This can prevent misunderstandings.
Communicate
If you’re unsure about certain cultural norms, don’t hesitate to ask your date. They’ll likely appreciate your curiosity and willingness to understand their perspective.
Be Flexible
Be open to adapting your approach based on your date’s cultural preferences. Flexibility and open-mindedness can go a long way in building a successful connection.
By navigating cultural differences with sensitivity and respect, you can create a more enjoyable and inclusive dating experience for both you and your date.
With these phrases, tips, and cultural insights, you’re well-equipped to plan and go on your date.
Now we can try all of these phrases in a role play. Go to the next section and you can practice with your friends or classmates!
Role Play Exercise: Planning and Going on a Date
Objective
The objective of this role play exercise is to help you practice using the phrases and tips provided for planning and going on a date in English.
This exercise will simulate a conversation between two people planning a date.
Scenario
Two friends, Alex and Taylor, are interested in going on a date.
They want to plan a casual coffee date. Alex will initiate the conversation and use the phrases and questions provided, while Taylor will respond using appropriate responses.
Instructions
Divide the class into pairs, with one student playing the role of Alex and the other playing the role of Taylor.
Provide each pair with a printed copy of the phrases and tips for reference.
Ask each pair to perform the role play, switching roles after the first round.
You should try to use the phrases and engage in a realistic conversation.
Role Play Script
Alex: (Initiating the conversation) Hi Taylor, I was wondering if you’d be interested in catching a movie with me this weekend?
Taylor: (Responding) Oh, that sounds great, Alex! But how about we grab a cup of coffee sometime instead? I’m not sure about my weekend plans.
Alex: (Continuing) Sure, coffee sounds nice! Are you free on Tuesday?
Taylor: (Responding) Tuesday works for me. What time were you thinking?
Alex: (Setting up a date) How about we meet at Sunshine Cafe at six o’clock?
Taylor: (Responding) That works for me. And I can pick you up at your place if that’s convenient for you.
Alex: (Confirming) That sounds perfect. See you on Tuesday at six!
Taylor: (Initiating the conversation) Hi Alex, how about we have dinner at Luigi’s on Saturday? Does that work for you?
Alex: (Responding) That sounds lovely, Taylor. What time were you thinking for dinner?
Taylor: (Setting up a date) Let’s aim for 7 PM. Is that okay with you?
Alex: (Responding) 7 PM works for me. Is there anything you’re allergic to or don’t eat?
Taylor: (Clarifying dietary preferences) I’m vegetarian, so I prefer vegetarian options.
Alex: (Planning details) Got it, vegetarian it is. Should we make a reservation?
Taylor: (Suggesting) Yes, that’s a good idea. It can get busy on weekends. Let’s make a reservation.
After you have used the role play script above, you could try using a dialogue or conversation without a script. Just use your own words and the phrases that we practised in the previous section.
Go to the next section, and I will show you how to talk about your dating experiences.
These are ways for you to ask your date if they enjoyed the date – or not!
Talking About Date Experiences
Engaging in meaningful conversations about your date experiences is a crucial part of building a connection with your potential partner.
In this section, we’ll explore how to discuss your date experiences in English, covering what to ask your date, how to share your own experiences, providing feedback and expressing feelings.
What to Ask Your Date
Asking questions about your date’s experience shows that you’re genuinely interested.
Here are some questions to get the conversation flowing:
How did you like the restaurant we went to?
What did you think of the movie the other night?
Did you enjoy the day out in the park last week?
I hope you liked the time we spent on the beach last weekend…
Did you enjoy yourself?
Did you have fun?
Would you be interested in going out again?
Would you like to do it again sometime?
These questions invite your date to share their thoughts and feelings about the date.
How to Share Your Own Experiences
When it’s your turn to talk about the date, be honest and open.
Here’s how:
I had a great time tonight.
I really loved having dinner with you.
I’d love to see you again.
Thank you for a wonderful evening.
Now we can try a couple of conversation exercises and a role play to practice the above phrases.
Sample Conversations and Practice Exercises
Let’s dive into some sample conversations and role play exercises to put these ideas into practice.
Sample Conversation 1: Discussing the Date
Person A: “How did you like the movie we watched?”
Person B: “I really enjoyed it! The plot was captivating, and it was great spending time with you.”
Sample Conversation 2: Providing Feedback and Expressing Interest in Future Dates
Person A: “I appreciate your honesty about your interests.”
Person B: “Thank you for understanding. I’m looking forward to our next date.”
Role-Play Exercise: Sharing Experiences
Practice sharing your thoughts and feelings about a recent date experience with a partner. Be sure to use “I” statements and express both positive and constructive feedback.
These sample conversations and role-play exercises can help you become more comfortable discussing your date experiences and expressing your feelings in English.
Effective communication is key to building a connection and ensuring that your dating journey is enjoyable and fulfilling.
Conclusion
Well, that just about wraps things up…
What did you think?
I hope each section above gave you some new vocabulary to try out. And that the role plays were helpful too.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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