February 14th is upon us! What are singles doing for Valentine’s Day this year? We surveyed over 650 CMBers around the world to determine the latest dating trends and stats around the holiday synonymous with love, and here’s what we found…
Want to know the secrets to a successful first date? More importantly, want to land a second date? While love may be unpredictable, first impressions can make or break a connection. We decided to see if happy couples did something noticeably different than singles when it comes to first dates. Take a look at these 9 findings you need to know before your next date…
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB is a dating app designed with women in mind. Founded by 3 sisters in 2012 in NYC, CMB aims to deliver a fun, safe, and quality dating experience that results in meaningful relationships.
Iliza Shlesinger, winner of season 6 of Last Comic Standing is, in my opinion, the most hilarious woman on the planet. She is blunt, she can be crass, but she is almost always on point. I’ve shown her full length comedy special to several people over the past year that it’s been on Netflix, and I have yet to find a single person, male or female, who doesn’t find her absolutely hysterical. Here’s a snippet of one of her shows at The Laugh Factory that might make you think twice when you’re planning your next date.
Here’s another suggestion: Take your date to one of her shows, or just snuggle up with your date and watch her special “Warpaint” on Netflix. (Bringing a bottle of the best red wine or two probably wouldn’t hurt either.)
If you liked this post, check out 27 Tips From Jenna Marbles To Help You Suck Less At Dating.
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB is a free dating service that helps members make meaningful connections. It’s designed for busy singles who want to find something real with little or no effort.
Halloween is THE perfect time to take your date out. Especially to haunted houses. The kind that have ridiculous, bloody humans. And monsters that jump out at you. Why? Because of one simple reason: people cling together for dear life when they’re scared! And yes, it may be a “cheap” trick but hey, you can’t say it doesn’t work! It’s a guaranteed hug-fest when it comes to haunted houses! Here are 11.5 date-worthy places across the U.S to take your plus-one this Hallows Eve!
1. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (HUDSON SQUARE)
COST: $30 + Handling Fee, $35 CASH At the Door (There’s also a student discount available!)
DATE WORTHY: There are not one, not three, but SIX Chambers of Horror (The Crypt, Thunderdome, The Wake, Mayhem!, Maggot Invasion, Hannibal’s Hell) in Blood Manor which means you get to scare your date 6 times the amount. Hopefully, she’s still with you by the end of Chamber Six.
2. SAN LEANDRO, CALIFORNIA 
COST: $25 for General Admission (2 haunted houses & concerts!), $35 for Fast Pass
DATE WORTHY: Featured on KRON4 & ABC, this is a ScreamPark packed with Haunted Houses, concerts, food & drinks! Sounds like a promising Halloween event to take your date, don’t you think?
2.5. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
COST: SOLD OUT!
DATE WORTHY: This is the half of the haunted house- the 0.5 of the 11 total haunted houses mentioned here. Why? Because it is COMPLETELY sold out. And why am I mentioning this? Because it’s the first of it’s kind: a BDSM- inspired haunted house located in the Mission District in the World’s LARGEST Porn Castle (What?! Yes, I know this is SO San Francisco) and it is awesome.
3. LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (On an actual ship, what?! That’s awesome!)
COST: $20 for Happy Hour (To get a little tipsy before you get the bejeezus scared out of you) General Admission: $24
DATE WORTHY: This ship is full of freaks, weirdos, and to top it all off- a ringmaster is your host for the night!
4. AURORA, ILLINOIS
COST: $18 General Admission, $25 Combination Ticket (Basement of the Dead, Shattered 3D) *Cash Only at the Door! Shattered 3D is more of a show/story about an evil clown who smashes things!
DATE WORTHY: The main attraction: a mutilated father and son duo who seem to be stealing employees from an old laundry factory. No big deal. Just your average sliced, burned, cut up people living under an abandoned building.
5. WASHINGTON, DC
COST: $30 General Admission, $45 Speed Pass
DATE WORTHY: All you need to know: a ton of missing children and a 50,000 sq ft. horror house. Enjoy!
6. ABINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
COST: $23 for ALL attractions, $3 OFF coupon availble online (HOORAY!)
DATE WORTHY: What’s cool is that they change around their monsters EVERY night! So, theoretically if you took your date here every day of the week, you’d see something different every time!
Side Note: even if you think standing outside of the haunted mansion is safe, it’s not. There are roamers all around. Dun Dunn Dunn!
7. DORAL, FLORIDA
COST: $25 for regular days, $35 concert days ($2 OFF coupon online)
DATE WORTHY: With 30+ haunted rooms, park rides, and music, your date is sure to have a screamin’ good time at the amusement park! And be warned, since it is an amusement park…clowns will be present!
8. NORCROSS, GEORGIA
COST: $22 Weekdays, $25 Fridays, Saturdays $28 for Season of the Witch & Spliced.
DATE WORTHY: This year the theme is Season of the Witch! There is an additional haunted house name Spliced for an additional cost.
Fun Fact: The Walking Dead cast visited this Haunted House!
9. GLENN MILLS, PENNSYLVANIA
COST: $20 for the Hayride, $15 for Bates Motel, $15 for Cornmaze $40 for All Three Attraction.
DATE WORTHY: Ah, the infamous Bates Motel…so, it looks like you and your date have some options here: an effortless hayride, a traditional haunted house, or get lost in a cornmaze. The options are up to you and how scared YOU’RE going to be!
10. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
COST: $20 General Admission, $30 VIP
DATE WORTHY: Just an FYI, this is a REAL morgue (super creepy!). Be prepared for bloody floors, funeral preparations, and seeing crematorium chambers.
11. HOUSTON, TEXAS
COST: $25 Online, $29 at Door $29 Online Fast Pass, $37 At Door
DATE WORTHY: There are a total of 5 attractions for Scream World and it covers every. single. fear from slaughter houses to clowns to zombies, to maniacs. This one is terrifying because it’s a cohesive walk through that is both indoors and outdoors!
Happy Halloween Dating! And remember: Fear Brings People Together!
If you liked this post, please check out our other Halloween Post: The Secret Dating Profiles of the Sanderson Sisters!
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB is a free dating service that helps members make meaningful connections. It’s designed for busy singles who want to find something real with little or no effort.
The art of the first date is a fragile endeavor, and few people embark upon it with success.
First impressions matter, and there are a million factors that can make-or-break an initial meet up. If you’re looking to solidify a connection, it’s important to pick an environment and activity that will allow both of you to be yourselves—relaxed and at ease.
I’ll be honest: I hate the typical meal-or-coffee thing. It’s too much pressure. I feel stressed to be consistently witty and charming, and to balance an equal measure of talking about myself with asking questions. Can you tell I’m an over-thinker? That leads to awkwardness, which leads to more over-thinking, which leads to more nerves. And on, and on, and on. It’s a vicious cycle.
Not to mention, if you’ve been cruising the dating scene for a while, there’s a good chance you’re hurting for cash. When you’re looking to make a good impression, it can be daunting to plan a date on a budget.
Don’t you worry, though, Grasshopper. Here are five great options for a creative and fun experience that won’t burn a hole through your wallet.
Ok, maybe it seems like I’m reneging on my “no-meals” rule. I promise, I’m not. Breakfast is the exception.
I like breakfast dates for several reasons. For one, it’s fun. Who doesn’t love breakfast? It’s early, so you’re probably awake and refreshed—rather than bogged down from a day full of work and meetings. If possible, choose a place with a nice outdoor patio. Fresh air is calming, and you can always fall back on people-watching when conversation lulls.
Plus, breakfast is a pretty accommodating meal for people with dietary restrictions. Most breakfast spots have great options for vegetarians and those sensitive to gluten. And to top it off, breakfast is generally more budget-friendly than other meals.
Word to the wise: Only choose a breakfast date if you’re both morning people. I’ve heard disaster stories of anti-morning folks attempting this. Needless to say, it was a flop. If your bodies natural rhythms aren’t going to cooperate, avoid this at all costs.
Take to the interwebs and do a quick Yelp search for a local improv show in your town. If you do your research, you should be able to find something free, or less than a general admission movie ticket.
I can personally vouch for this date. I went to a show with a guy I had almost no chemistry with, and the performer were—ahem—not the world’s best talent. Regardless, we had a blast. It took the pressure off of us and allowed us to connect through laughter (because improv is still enjoyable when the performers blow it!)
Word to the wise: Most shows have some sort of appropriateness rating available. Try to avoid anything over PG-13. Those kinds of jokes can be too much for a first date.
One thing I dislike about the typical meal date is being glued to my seat. When I am nervous, I am fidgety.
The nice thing about heading to a local farmers market is the ability to stay moving, which releases all those jitters. There is a ton to see and explore, and endless possibilities for conversation starters. It’s also a great opportunity to try new things together, and many farmers markets have some kind of music or live entertainment. Boom.
Plus, who doesn’t like supporting their local community?
Word to the wise: This is an especially great first date if you already attend your farmers market regularly and know a few vendors. Having established friendships and knowing who has the best produce in your neighborhood will seem super charming.
Now, before you assume this is tacky—let me explain. Movie dates can be uncomfortable, because you’re sitting next to a stranger in silence for at least two hours. That’s fine if the movie turns out to be good. But if the movie blows, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Instead, pick out a show together at the local dollar theater. Try to pick something that looks particularly awful, that’s also been out for quite some time. You want the theater as empty as possible.
Then, during the film, you both have freedom to talk. You can crack jokes and criticize the acting all you want. The lighthearted experience is a great means to feel comfortable around each other, and build an actual bond.
Word to the wise: This might not be the best option for two introverts, or for those folks who very passionately hold an anti-talking-in-movies policy.
It’s time for a treasure hunt! What could be better for a first date than a little bit of teamwork and adventure?
If you’re unfamiliar with geocaching, let me explain: Geocaching in a real-life treasure hunt. Around the world, there are millions (yes, millions!) of active geocache locations. Participants mark the coordinates of hidden treasure using a GPS device, and everyone who visits a cache has the opportunity to take something and leave something behind. (To be fair, be prepared to leave something that is of equal/greater value to that which you take.)
If you have a smartphone, there are plenty of great geocaching apps available for download. These will help you pick an adventure, navigate to your destination, and give you clues to help you figure out where the treasure is hiding.
The best part? Every cache has a logbook for you and your date to sign—leaving a legacy of your first date. (Imagine coming back a year later and re-signing!)
Word to the wise: Warn your date to wear comfortable clothes and good shoes. These adventures can lead you to unexpected places. Be prepared.
(For more information, visit the official Geocaching website.)
Did you enjoy this post? Why not check out another post by Erika, on setting expectations in a new relationship, or visiting her blog at The Trees Will Clap. (And don’t forget to share it on Facebook!)
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB is a free dating service that helps members make meaningful connections. It’s designed for busy singles who want to find something real with little or no effort.
The season finale of Penny Dreadful was just last night. As I lament over the end of Season 1, and look forward to season 2, I can’t help but to think about how some of the romantic elements in the show can apply to dating in real life.
So Penny Dreadful isn’t really romantic, with all the violence and horror, but there are a lot of titillating scenes and romantic subplots that can teach us a thing or two about spicing up our love lives.
1) Walks in arboretums can be quite flirtatious.
2) Surprise your date with a really good date.
Brona had never been to the theater before, so just look at how elated she is when Ethan surprises her by taking her one night! Bonus: he buys her an orange.
3) Play music to set the mood when you’re together.
4) Sexy Boudoir photoshoots can really spice things up.
5) Sincere compliments are ALWAYS appreciated.
6) Have intriguing conversations over dinner.
Bonus points if it’s candlelit and classy, too.
7) Asking for consent is always appreciated.
If a spoiled, manipulative, and immortal brat like Dorian can ask for consent, so can everyone else.
8) But above all, be there for each other as confidantes and trusted loved ones.
Do you enjoy our TV-inspired dating posts? If so, perhaps you’ll want to read 13 Game of Thrones Reactions to Online Dating.
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB is a free dating service that helps members make meaningful connections. It’s designed for busy singles who want to find something real with little or no effort.
On the west coast, there’s the classic rivalry of NorCal versus SoCal. So, how does dating stack up between the two great cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles?
SF: You were introduced at a house party. Or online, through one of the many dating apps everyone seems to be on.
LA: At the Equinox while snapping a #gymselfie or as you were both picking up your puppies from doggy daycare.
SF: Overpriced coffee at an artisanal, organic coffee shop in the Mission.
LA: Overpriced cocktails at a trendy restaurant in Venice.
SF: At 6:15pm, wearing a North Face jacket and sneakers. He was 15 minutes late because his shuttle bus was attacked by protestors.
LA: 30 minutes late because of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 405.
SF: Wearing jeans and a t-shirt, carrying a yoga mat.
LA: Wearing a skin-tight Herve Leger dress and heels, yoga mat optional.
SF: “I’m just killing it at my start-up. I hella want to retire by 35, especially if my investments in Bitcoin go well. Do you want another craft beer?”
LA: “I’m working on a screenplay, but I’ve been busy with my improv group and personal trainer. Is this dish gluten-free?”
SF: “I just got my Google glass and love them. Can’t wait to go wine tasting in Napa this weekend.”
LA: “I have a yoga retreat in Palm Springs next weekend where we’re doing a group juice cleanse.”
SF: You compete to see who can get an Uber or Lyft on their phone quicker. You split fare on the app.
LA: You make sure to check out what kind of car he/she drives. Then you drive away in opposite directions.
SF: Walking around the farmers market, picking up locally grown strawberries. Or dinner eating organic kale and quinoa salad at The Plant.
LA: Pretend to be outdoorsy for a day. Put on a pair of $100 lululemons and “hike” Runyon Canyon.
SF: Snapchat. Any evidence of your flirty exchanges will self-destruct in 10 seconds.
LA: Instagram. Everyone wants more followers. #nofilter
SF: Greater than 50%. People always need a +1 to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge with.
LA: Depends on how far you live from each other. If he/she lives across the city, it’s basically long-distance.
–
Did you enjoy this post? Then make sure to check out Dating on Coffee Meets Bagel vs. Tinder.
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): Every day at noon, we introduce you to one single with whom you share mutual friends. You have 24 hours to LIKE or PASS your match (aka “Bagels”). Mutual LIKE leads to direct connection via text message on a private phone line.
Need date ideas for a rainy day? Don’t let April showers get you down!
Check out these 5 date ideas that’ll have you singing in the rain:
1. Explore an indoor market
You won’t miss the great outdoors as you wander the maze of food vendors and local shops. Sample exotic foods, grab a cold one, and enjoy people-watching.
We love getting lost in these notable marketplaces:
Boston – Faneuil Hall Marketplace
New York – Chelsea Market
Philadelphia – Reading Terminal Market
San Francisco – Ferry Building Marketplace
Seattle – Pike Place Market
2. Head to the classroom
Whether you’re interested in knitting hats for cats or at-home beer brewing, there’s a class for that. Impress your date with your newfound skills and maybe pick up a new hobby to enjoy together!
Time Out has a great listing of classes by city.
3. Get cooking
Get in touch with your inner top chef. After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If you don’t know where to start, use All Recipe’s “Cooking for Two” collection for the perfect meal.
And, don’t forget to pop open a bottle of vino to compliment your culinary creation.
4. Play games
A little friendly competition will get your adrenaline pumping and guarantee a playful day indoors. For the bold, Cards Against Humanity can be a great way to get a peek into your date’s sense of humor. Stick to the classics like Apples to Apples, Scrabble, or these board games to keep it G-rated.
Keep it flirty and don’t be afraid to invent your own rules! Twister, anyone?
5. Tour a local brewery or winery
Find a local waterhole that offers a behind-the-scenes tour. After imbibing on free samples, head to lunch or grab food at the bar to keep the date going. Can’t find a tour nearby? Stock up on drinks and snacks for a boozy indoor picnic.
Did you love this post? Check out our Dating Timeline for Men and Dating Timeline for Women to keep your relationship on track!
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): Every day at noon, we introduce you to one single with whom you share mutual friends. You have 24 hours to LIKE or PASS your match (aka “Bagels”). Mutual LIKE leads to direct connection via text message on a private phone line.
Christmas season is coming and what better way to spend it then with your bagel? Here are some of the best first date ideas (and second date!) for the holiday season.
Ice-skating under the Christmas stars is probably one of the most cliche, yet beautifully picturesque dates that you need to do. Spend the night holding hands and doing loops around the rink to “Jingle Bell Rock”.
Snuggle up under the blankets with a mug of peppermint hot chocolate and tune in for a marathon of your favorite holiday movies. We recommend classics like Elf, Gremlins, and Miracle on 34th Street.
Get in the Christmas spirit and stop by your local theater or church to watch performances of classics like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or “The Christmas Carol”.
Experience the wondrous sights and sounds of Christmas by attending a performance of Handel’s Messiah or the Nutcracker Suite by your local symphony or ballet.
For all the hipsters out there, what better way to spend time with your date then hunting for hidden treasures at the local thrift store? Plus, you’ll have an easy outfit to wear to that ugly sweater party your friend’s throwing.
Hop in your car and spend the night driving around neighborhoods well-known for their extravagant holiday decorations. Nothing beats good conversation and admiring the gorgeous Christmas lights.
Come prepared with your favorite candies and show off your creative side through this edible, Christmas treat. Buy a pre-made kit, or if the two of you are ambitious, you can build your own house from scratch.
Give back by volunteering at a local toy drive. This Christmas season give the greatest gift of joy and put a smile on a child’s face.
Instead of building snowmen, making snow angels, and participating in typical snowball fights, try something a bit more adventurous! Get ready for a thrill when you take your date tobogganing down the snow-covered hills at the local park.
Embrace the outdoors and head out to a Christmas tree farm to choose and cut down your own tree. Check out this site for nearby farms in your state.
Take a stroll downtown to admire the gorgeous decorations and window displays of your favorite shops and luxury brands. Macy’s in particular is known for their festive decorations and giant Christmas trees.
What would Christmas be without all the festive food? Treat your date to a romantic dinner at one of the best restaurants in town or better yet, cook up a holiday-inspired feast in the comforts of your kitchen. Make sure to indulge in some prime rib, Christmas ham, and pecan pie.
Looking for more non-holiday-related fun? Don’t forget to check out our article on another creative date idea!
Looking for a creative date idea to impress your date? Check out PaintNite – a brand new painting adventure that takes art, wine, and dating to a Van Gogh level. Set in local bistros and bars in major cities throughout the U.S., PaintNite sets the stage for you and your bagel to enjoy a drink while discovering your artistic talents.
Let your inhibitions fade as you sip cocktails, brush strokes of paint across your canvas, and enjoy a spirited evening of fun. Taking yourself too seriously is left at the door as you playfully release your inner artiste. Professional artists select a painting for the evening and carefully guide you through the steps of creating your own beautiful tableau. All supplies – paints, brushes, canvas, and a smock – are provided.
PaintNite events occur often and the venues, paintings, and artists change frequently. All the details can be conveniently found on their website and tickets can be purchased online as well. Choose a painting that inspires you and bring your bagel along for this great first date idea. With a paintbrush in one hand and a cocktail in the other, you are primed for success.
Pro tip: Read up on the three pairs of complementary colors. It’ll take about two minutes tops and you’ll be sure to secretly impress your date.
