150 Things Not To Say On A First Date (Examples!)

Things Not To Say On A First Date

What things should you never say on a first date?

Going on a first date can be nerve-wracking. You want to make a good first impression and have an enjoyable time getting to know someone new.

While it’s easy to get caught up in first-encounter nerves, there are some topics, statements, and sayings that should never be mentioned on a first date.

Things not to say on a first date generally fall into a few key categories:

  • Overly personal/sensitive topics
  • Controversial issues
  • Pessimism/negativity
  • Bragging
  • Inappropriate/offensive humor
  • Appearance-related comments
  • Talking excessively about exes
  • Making assumptions
  • Anything too invasive, critical, or intimate

Some statements can unintentionally communicate disinterest, insensitivity, or too much eagerness too soon. It’s wise to stay away from topics that could potentially cause awkwardness or hurt feelings when you’re still getting to know someone.

Here are 150 examples of things not to say on a first date:

Things Not To Say On A First Date
  1. How much money do you make?
  2. What’s your dating history?
  3. Why are you still single?
  4. How did you get that scar?
  5. You look much older/younger than your photos.
  6. I stalked you on Facebook/Instagram.
  7. I just got out of a long relationship.
  8. My ex was crazy!
  9. We’d have the cutest babies together.
  10. I brought condoms just in case.
  11. Wow, you eat a lot for a girl.
  12. You’ll love my mom’s cooking.
  13. I love you.
  14. I hate my job.
  15. All my exes are crazy.
  16. I had a crazy night last night.
  17. I just got fired.
  18. So who did you vote for?
  19. Want to share an Uber later?
  20. I still live at home.
  21. I don’t have a lot of dating experience.
  22. My biological clock is ticking.
  23. I have a coupon for dinner.
  24. Why don’t you drink?
  25. That outfit makes you look fat.
  26. I googled the best first-date questions.
  27. Do you come here often?
  28. I still live in my parent’s basement.
  29. So, are you going to order a salad?
  30. Did you see that [viral meme/video]?
  31. I hate cats. Or dogs. Or any pet they have.
  32. I don’t tip servers.
  33. So what are you?
  34. I got so drunk last weekend.
  35. I don’t think I could date someone who does/doesn’t __.
  36. All my friends are married with kids.
  37. I still live with my ex.
  38. Do you come from money?
  39. You’re just like my [parent/sibling/ex].
  40. So, are we exclusive?
  41. I got waitlisted at my top college.
  42. I don’t ever want kids. Or I want six kids!
  43. You’d get along great with my mom.
  44. I’ve been arrested a few times.
  45. I just got out of rehab.
  46. Who did your nose?
  47. You’re way hotter than your profile pictures.
  48. So what are your flaws?
  49. You’d be prettier if you smiled more.
  50. Do you have any STDs?
  51. You’re a little old for me, but I’ll make an exception.
  52. Why don’t you drink? Are you in AA?
  53. I usually date blondes.
  54. Did I offend you?
  55. So when are you going to start having babies?
  56. How do you feel about prenups?
  57. I don’t see myself getting married until I’m at least 35.
  58. What’s your astrological sign?
  59. What kind of deodorant do you wear?
  60. I wanted to reschedule but couldn’t get a refund on these tickets.
  61. You’re much curvier than I expected.
  62. I swiped right for your dog in your photos.
  63. Are you on any medications?
  64. This place is way out of my budget.
  65. Order whatever you want, I’m loaded.
  66. So who’s going to pay for this?
  67. Ah, I see you ordered the salad!
  68. I almost canceled because you’re vegan.
  69. My parents have a huge trust fund for me.
  70. Where do you see this going long term?
  71. I don’t see myself getting married for a long time.
  72. What kind of engagement ring do you like?
  73. Can I see your credit score?
  74. You’d get along great with my roommate!
  75. I live with my ex, but it’s purely a financial arrangement.
  76. Sorry, I’m just super hungover right now.
  77. I checked you out on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter.
  78. I bet I can drink you under the table.
  79. I was so nervous that I almost canceled twice.
  80. You’re definitely not my usual type.
  81. So, what’s your drama? Everybody has drama.
  82. I’m ready for marriage, kids, the whole thing!
  83. You’re so exotic-looking!
  84. I googled you.
  85. You’ll meet my kids next time.
  86. I don’t know if I’m ready to date again yet.
  87. Who’s hotter: Beyonce or Rihanna?
  88. You’re even shorter than I thought you’d be.
  89. So, are you seeing anyone else right now?
  90. I have two kids from previous relationships.
  91. What do you do for a living?
  92. Let’s skip dinner and grab drinks. It’s cheaper.
  93. You’re really attractive for your age.
  94. I’ve never dated a [their ethnicity] before.
  95. This is the best date I’ve been on in years!
  96. I’ll have whatever you’re having.
  97. So tell me, what are your 3 biggest fears?
  98. I brought my resume in case you wanted to review it.
  99. Do you wax or shave down there?
  100. I don’t normally find [their ethnicity] attractive.
  101. I live in my mom’s basement apartment.
  102. I just got out of prison a few months ago.
  103. So, what would our kids look like?
  104. Can you pay? I’m between jobs right now.
  105. Oops, forgot my wallet! Can you get this?
  106. I don’t believe in leaving tips.
  107. I added you on LinkedIn this morning.
  108. I googled first-date tips before this.
  109. So do you come here often?
  110. You have really nice child-birthing hips.
  111. I just don’t find your body type attractive.
  112. You look so much younger than your age!
  113. I still live with my ex, but it’s just temporary.
  114. So, what prescription medications are you on?
  115. You look like you’ve gained a little weight.
  116. I can’t wait for you to meet my family!
  117. My mom is going to love you!
  118. I don’t really see myself getting married.
  119. Why don’t you want kids someday?
  120. So do you prefer boxers or briefs?
  121. You’re way out of my league.
  122. You’re cute but not really my type.
  123. I stalked your ex on social media.
  124. You’re way more boring than I thought you’d be.
  125. You’re nothing like you seemed over text messaging.
  126. How much do you weigh?
  127. So why are you really still single?
  128. You’re much less attractive in person.
  129. I only date [tall/blonde/fit/etc.] guys.
  130. Did you see how hot our waitress is?
  131. Don’t order dessert – you don’t need it.
  132. You’d be so much prettier if you just lost 10 pounds.
  133. So, can I see your credit score?
  134. You’re moving next month? I don’t do long distance.
  135. Why didn’t you laugh at any of my jokes?
  136. You’re being really quiet tonight.
  137. I usually go for athletic girls.
  138. So are you a cat person or a dog person?
  139. You don’t sweat much for a big girl!
  140. I’m ready to settle down and start a family immediately.
  141. Why are you still talking to your ex?
  142. I don’t think people should date outside their race.
  143. You’d look amazing if you got a nose job.
  144. So, are you a natural blonde or…?
  145. You look really tired.
  146. I googled you and found your arrest records.
  147. You lied about your age online!
  148. Let’s skip this restaurant and grab a quick drive-thru.
  149. I hate vegans.
  150. Want to get in my car so we can talk more privately?

What Are the Funniest Things Not to Say on A First Date?

While most awkward first date statements inspire cringing more than laughter, some comments manage to be so outrageous that you can’t help but laugh at their absurdity.

What are some of the funniest, most outrageous things not to say on an initial romantic encounter?

Here are some funny things not to say on a first date:

  • “Sorry, what was your name again?”
  • “Do you smell something burning, or is that just me?”
  • “Of all the dating app profiles I saw this week, you were in my top half!”
  • “On a scale from 1 to America’s Next Top Model, how good-looking are you?”
  • “Can you pass the bread? I need to soak up the alcohol before standing up.”
  • “Sorry if I’m distracted. The couple behind you is on such a bad date!”
  • “So any lifelong vendettas against an ex I should know about?”
  • “Do these napkins smell strange to you?”
  • “Just a heads up, the cops are still looking for me. I’m joking! Or am I?”
  • “If this goes well, I’ll introduce you to my ferret next time.”
  • “I bet I can throw this breadstick into the waiter’s shirt pocket across the room.”
  • “So on our next date, should I plan to meet your parents or a prison warden first?”

What Are the Creepiest Things Not to Say on A First Date?

Some things said on first dates are so creepy, unsettling, and socially awkward that they go beyond just being impolite or overly forward.

Here are some creepy sayings and comments to never say on a first date:

  • “You look just like my high school crush, it’s fate!”
  • “I got us matching couples necklaces for tonight.”
  • “Your perfume reminds me of my mom’s.”
  • “I hope you don’t mind, I ordered for you since I know what you’ll like.”
  • “I brought my ex/sister/mom with me, hope you don’t mind if they join us!”
  • “We’d have beautiful children based on our genetics.”
  • “I know we just met but I already feel a real connection, you know?”
  • “Your lipstick stain will be a nice souvenir for me to remember our magical evening.”
  • “I made us a couples playlist for every milestone in our relationship.”
  • “I figured out the names of our future kids already.”
  • “I had my psychic predict how our date would go.”
  • “I dreamed about you last night, it was meant to be.”
  • “I just feel like I already know you so well, like we’re soulmates.”
  • “I got us his and hers towels already, see?”

These bizarre and over-attached statements are sure to elicit cringes and signal it’s time to politely end the date early.

What’s the Absolute Worst Thing You Could Say on A First Date?

Even though the examples we’ve provided cover a wide range of awkward, offensive, and overly personal statements to avoid on a first date. Some comments are so astonishingly inappropriate they deserve special condemnation.

What could possibly be construed as the absolute worst things to say on a first date?

Here are some possible contenders for the worst things to say on a first date:

  • I’m married.
  • I’m just here because I lost a bet.
  • You look nothing like your profile pictures – I want to leave.
  • I hate [their ethnicity, religion, political affiliation etc].
  • I only date people under 30.
  • You’re way less attractive than my exes.
  • I forgot my wallet – can you pay?
  • Do you have any STDs I should know about?
  • I used to stalk my ex.
  • I was so bored that I considered leaving 20 minutes ago.
  • You’re not as hot as my last [4, 5, 10] dates.
  • You seem way older than your profile said.
  • I’ve been secretly recording this date.
  • I hate everything about you – you need to change these things.
  • You’re way too [short, tall, fat, skinny, etc] for me.

While hyperbolic, these over-the-top offensive statements demonstrate the types of shocking comments that are almost guaranteed to tank a date immediately.

Final Thoughts

While no one can prepare for every awkward scenario that may unfold on a first date, avoiding touchy issues and overly personal questions is a wise policy.

Focus instead on talking about positive topics that allow you to get to genuinely know someone without causing discomfort or making false assumptions.

A little restraint and consideration can go a long way toward making a great first impression.

With the examples above in mind, you now have a guide to conversations that are best avoided in an initial romantic encounter. Steering clear of these awkward statements can help your next first date get off on the right foot and start building a real connection.