24 Signs a First Date Went Well (And What To Do Next)
Key Takeaways: First Impressions: Smile or hug = big green flag. Chemistry is Key: If they copy your movements, look you in the eye, or laugh easily = green flag Engagement Matters: Follow-up questions and 'future mentions' are huge green flags. The Goodbye: A lingering goodbye or specific plans for meeting again are top-tier signs. Post-Date: If they text you first or respond enthusiastically, you're in.
You went on your first date, and you just got home. You're replaying every moment in your head. If you liked your date, you start to wonder.
Did they like me? Was that awkward silence too awkward? What did that hug mean?
Decoding a first date can feel like navigating a city for the first time without a map.
But here's the secret: People almost always give away how they feel - you need to know what to look for.
If you're searching for signs a first date went well, you're in the right place. We've compiled the ultimate list of 21 signs to help you stop guessing and start celebrating.
By the end of the post, you will know what to look for on your next date.
First Date Signs When You Meet ( The First 10 Seconds )
When you meet someone for a first date, you know within seconds if there could be something. Of course, things can always change, but in most cases, you have to follow the signs. Here is what to look for right away.
The Duchenne Smile
Good Sign: Their whole face lights up, and the corners of their eyes crinkle (crow's feet). The smile is impossible to fake, indicating genuine interest.
Red Flag: A quick, mouth-only smile that disappears as fast as it arrived suggests disinterest or discomfort.
The Automatic Hug ( Optional )
Good Sign: They go in for a hug or a cheek kiss immediately without hesitating. It shows warmth and openness.
Don't worry, and don't freak out if they don't hug or cheek-kiss on the first date.
Body Language On The First Date
Actions tell you way more than words, especially when you are sitting right in front of them.
The "Lean In"
Good Sign: They lean their body toward you while you talk. The lean-in sign means they are interested and want to be closer.
Red Flag: They lean back in their chair, cross their arms, or turn their body away from you.
Eye Contact
Good Sign: They look you in the eye, and it feels comfortable, not weird or scary.
Red Flag: They keep looking around the room like they are bored or looking for someone else
They Mirror Your Movements
Good Sign: If you take a sip of water, they do too. If you rest your chin on your hand, they copy you. This sign is called "mirroring," and it means you two are clicking.
Red Flag: They act stiff or seem to be on a totally different wavelength than you.
Lots of Smiling
Good Sign: They can't stop smiling. Even when no one is saying anything, they look happy to be there.
Red Flag: They give a tight, polite smile that doesn't reach their eyes. It looks fake.
They Remove Barriers ( Optional )
Good Sign: They move the menu, candle, or salt shaker out of the way so they can see you clearly.
Red Flag: They keep things on the table right in between you, almost like building a little wall.
How You Talk to Each Other During The First Date
You met, observed their body language, and now you need to understand how your chat went and how easy it was to talk with them.
Quiet Moments Feel Okay
Good Sign: When you both stop talking, you don't feel the need to say something immediately. You can just look at the partner and be quiet for a few seconds.
Red Flag: The silence feels awkward.
They Ask Questions
Good Sign: You talk about your dog, and they ask, "What kind is it?" or "What's its name?" They actually want to hear more details.
Red Flag: You tell a story, and they say "Cool" or immediately switch the topic to talk about themselves. This could also be a red flag about how they are as a person.
Talking about the "Next Time"
Good Sign: They drop hints like, "We should go to that sushi place next time." Why is this a good sign? They are already planning to see you again.
Red Flag: They act like this date is a one-time thing and don't mention the future at all. They check their watches or ask how long you'll be doing what you're doing.
Laughing at Your Silly Jokes
Good Sign: You said a cheesy joke. Did they laugh? If yes, that's a green flag. When someone likes you, they think you are funnier than you really are.
Talking About Real Stuff
Good Sign: You start talking about your dreams, your childhood, or things that matter. You move past boring topics like the weather.
Red Flag: The whole conversation stays stuck on boring stuff like work or rain.
No Phones
Good Sign: They hide their phone in a pocket or bag. They are giving you their full attention.
Red Flag: Their phone is face-up on the table, and they look at it every time it buzzes.
End of Night Signs a First Date Went Well
The way you say goodbye tells you everything you need to know.
Losing Track of Time
Good Sign: Dinner turned into a walk, or you just kept talking. Neither of you wanted to go home because you were having fun.
Red Flag: They left exactly when they said they would, or even earlier.
The Long Goodbye
Good Sign: You are both standing outside, just chatting. It feels like they don't want to walk away yet.
Red Flag: A quick "Nice meeting you!" and they rush off to their car or ride.
Getting Closer
Good Sign: They touch your arm, give you a long hug, or maybe even go in for a kiss.
Red Flag: They give you a stiff handshake or an awkward "side hug" with just one arm.
Making Sure You're Safe
Good Sign: They wait until your ride arrives or walk you to your car. They want to make sure you are safe.
Red Flag: They say, "My ride is here. Bye!" and leave you standing there alone.
Post-Date Signs a First Date Went Well
The time right after the date can feel scary. You may be staring at your phone, waiting, but this is where you will find the clearest signs that a first date went well.
The "Did You Get Home?" Text
Good Sign: They text you within an hour or two to ask, "Did you make it home safe?" This is the number one sign they care about you.
Red Flag: You don't hear a single word from them for more than 24 hours.
New Friends on Social Media
Good Sign: They follow you on Instagram or send a friend request right after the date. It means they want to see more of your life.
Red Flag: They refuse to give you their social media info, or they do not accept your friend or follow request.
Mentioning an Inside Joke
Good Sign: When they first text, they bring up something funny you both laughed at. This proves they paid attention to you during your date.
Red Flag: They send boring, generic texts like "Hey" or "What's up".
Asking for Date Number Two
Good Sign: They don't play games. They say, "I had a great time, let's do this again soon."
Red Flag: They say vague things like, "I'll check my schedule and let you know."
Who Texts First? (Does it Matter?)
Good Sign: It doesn't matter who it is. If they text you first with excitement, that is a win. Enthusiasm is always a good sign.
Red Flag: They play "hard to get" games. They wait on purpose for 3 days to text you back. The "slow response on purpose" is a red flag, even if they like you.
Trust Your Gut Feeling
Good Sign: You feel happy, energized, and calm when you think about them.
Red Flag: You feel confused, anxious, or drained. If you are constantly wondering if they like you, they probably don't.
What If You Get Mixed Signals On Your First Date?
What if you got the "Lean-In" but not the "Getting Closer"? Or "Eye contact", but they do not accept your social media request?
Don't panic. Some people are shy or nervous on their first dates.
If the "vibe" was generally good, give it time. One "Red Flag" doesn't mean much, but three or more usually do.
Conclusion
What To Do Next? So, the signs point to YES. Now what? If you had a good time and you like the person, don't play games.
Send a simple text: "Hey! I had such a great time tonight. The starter we had together was amazing (almost as good as your jokes). Hope you got home safe!"
If you're unsure, check out our guide on Second Date Ideas or read up on Red Flags on a First Date.