Let’s get one thing straight right from the start: dating is hard. I don’t care if you’re swiping right, meeting through friends, or bumping into someone cute at the grocery store over a cantaloupe — the moment you say “Wanna go out sometime?” it’s game on.
And then comes the tricky part: what are you actually gonna do on this date?
Spoiler alert: some people should not be left in charge of planning that first (or any) date.
If you’re here searching for the Worst Date Ideas, maybe you’re trying to avoid them. Maybe you’re trying to laugh at them. Maybe you’ve experienced one and just want to know you’re not alone. (You’re not. Trust me.)
Either way — welcome. You’re in the right place. Let’s talk about the most hilariously, awkwardly, tragically bad date ideas ever conjured up by the human brain. And no, we’re not here to shame… okay, maybe just a little.
👀 But First… Why Do People Even Look This Stuff Up?
Before we roast the worst of the worst, let’s get into the mindset of someone Googling “worst date ideas.” Because spoiler alert: it’s not always out of desperation — sometimes, it’s just for fun.
Here are the kinds of folks searching this topic:
- Singles trying to avoid disaster (smart)
- People who just went on a terrible date and need validation (relatable)
- Content creators hunting for funny material (respect)
- Couples with a twisted sense of humor looking for ironic ideas (you do you)
- Event planners or podcast hosts brainstorming themed content (genius)
- Writers and bloggers building listicles like this one (guilty)
Whatever your reason — maybe you’re here for laughs, maybe for wisdom, maybe for revenge — we got you. Now let’s dive into the juicy stuff.
🚩 1. The “Let’s Just Go To My House” Date
Ah yes, the classic non-date date. You match with someone, chat for a bit, and they hit you with:
“Wanna just come over and chill?”
Sir. Ma’am. Person. No.
Unless you already know and trust this person — and you’re both into the idea — this screams bare minimum effort. No planning, no creativity, no public place. It’s like skipping the appetizer and jumping straight to the “awkward silence on their couch” part.
Sure, Netflix and pizza might sound cozy, but for a first date? Big nope.
🛠️ 2. Helping Them Run Errands
“I have to swing by Home Depot, want to come?”
No. No, I don’t want to help you pick out grout on our first date, Derek.
Listen, we’re all for multi-tasking, but a date isn’t a ride-along. If someone invites you to go grocery shopping, grab dog food, or pick up dry cleaning as part of your special time together, that’s not a date — that’s unpaid labor.
You deserve better.
🧪 3. Attending A Multi-Level Marketing Pitch
Okay, this one’s so bad it loops around to being hilarious.
Imagine this: You show up thinking you’re going to a romantic dinner or maybe a chill wine night… and suddenly you’re sitting through a presentation about essential oils, protein shakes, or “passive income.”
This is not a date. This is a setup. And if they ask you to join their “team” by the end of it? RUN.
⛪ 4. A First Date At A Religious Service (Without Context)
Now hold on — nothing against religion here. But if your first hangout involves sitting through a two-hour sermon or chanting session with zero warning?
Awkward doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Unless you both already share that faith or interest, this move can feel like a trap. One minute you’re flirting, the next you’re being asked if you’ve accepted something into your heart. It’s a lot.
🍗 5. Messy Food You Can’t Eat Gracefully
First dates are already nerve-wracking. The last thing you need is sauce dripping down your arm or trying to look cute while gnawing on ribs.
Other danger foods include:
- Wings (unless you’re both on board)
- Sloppy joes
- Corn on the cob (unless you want to floss mid-meal)
- Giant burgers that require unhinging your jaw
Unless the vibe is super casual and you’re both cool with getting messy, maybe skip the BBQ joint for date #1.
🤫 6. Movies — With Zero Conversation Before or After
Yes, movies are a classic date move. But if you only go to the theater, sit in silence for two hours, and then say “Okay, bye!” afterward… what was the point?
Dates are about connecting, not just co-existing in the same dark room.
If you’re gonna do a movie, pair it with a coffee, a walk, or at least a post-show convo. Otherwise, it’s giving “I just wanted someone to fill the seat next to me.”
🏋️♂️ 7. The Gym Date
Hot take: Unless you both love fitness and want to spot each other while squatting 200 pounds, the gym is not a romantic playground.
First of all, one of you is gonna feel self-conscious. Second of all, sweat. So much sweat.
Also, how are you supposed to flirt mid-burpee? “Hey, nice glutes” isn’t exactly charming when someone’s red-faced and gasping for air.
💅 8. Anything Where One Person Has to Watch the Other
Here’s what we mean:
- Watching them get a haircut
- Sitting through their soccer practice
- Going to their open mic night — and you’re the only one there
Now, supporting your partner’s interests is sweet — eventually. But as a first or early date idea? It’s more awkward than adorable. Save the passive cheerleading for a time when you’re actually emotionally invested.
😬 9. The “Surprise” Adventure Without Any Details
Spontaneity is fun, sure — but there’s a fine line between spontaneous and kidnappy vibes.
If someone says, “Just trust me, I’ve got the whole night planned” but refuses to give any clues, red flags should start flapping. Not knowing what to wear, where you’re going, or how long you’ll be gone? Not it.
Surprise dates only work if you know each other well enough to predict comfort levels and preferences. Otherwise, it’s a guessing game — and not a fun one.
🐍 10. Anything Involving Dangerous Animals
Yes, this is a real category because people do wild stuff.
Snake farms, exotic pet expos, creepy insect zoos — unless you know for a fact your date is into that kinda thing, don’t spring a tarantula on them.
There’s quirky, and then there’s trauma-inducing. Know the difference.
🛏️ 11. A Mattress Store “Just to Try Them Out”
We wish this was a joke.
Some people — we won’t name names — think flopping on display beds at IKEA counts as “a cozy bonding experience.” And hey, if you’re already in a long-term relationship and bored on a Saturday? Maybe.
But if someone invites you to “test out firmness levels together” on date one? Abort mission.
📉 Honorable Mentions: Other Horrendous (But Real) Date Ideas
- Funeral crashing (yes, this has happened)
- Job interviews disguised as dates (ugh)
- Silent retreats — where you literally can’t speak
- Escape rooms… with strangers (third wheel energy)
- Video game marathons where you’re not allowed to play
- Going to their ex’s art show
- Dumpster diving “for fun”
There’s adventurous. And then there’s call your bestie for a fake emergency bad.
💡 Why It Matters (A.K.A. The Problem It Solves)
Here’s the thing: terrible date ideas aren’t just awkward — they can be a red flag.
When someone puts in zero effort, chooses something inconsiderate, or just plain weird, it tells you a lot about their priorities. Maybe they’re selfish. Maybe they’re lazy. Maybe they just don’t understand what a date is supposed to be.
And you? You deserve someone who’s at least trying.
By knowing what to avoid, you’re already ahead of the game.
🫶 People Who Actually Enjoy These “Bad” Ideas (Plot Twist)
Now, let’s be fair. Some of these worst date ideas? Might be perfect for the right couple.
- Gym rats love gym dates.
- Introverts might love a quiet movie + go home combo.
- True crime fans? Might actually enjoy a graveyard walk or weird museum.
So what makes a date “bad”? It’s really about mismatch.
The real worst date idea? One that completely ignores the other person’s interests, comfort level, and vibe.
🎉 What Makes A Good Date, Anyway?
If we’re gonna talk about what not to do, let’s wrap up with what you should aim for.
Here’s what separates a good date from a “please delete my number” kind of night:
✅ Thoughtfulness
✅ Communication
✅ Consideration
✅ A little effort
✅ Shared interests
✅ Room to talk and connect
✅ Bonus points if you both laugh — even if something goes wrong
That’s it. No magic formula. Just showing that you care and paying attention.
✨ Final Thoughts: If It Feels Off, It Probably Is
At the end of the day, dates are experiments. Sometimes they work, sometimes they crash and burn so hard you need to write about it later.
And hey — worst-case scenario? At least you’ll have a hilarious story to tell your friends. Or your therapist. Or both.
So avoid these clunkers, trust your gut, and remember: a bad date doesn’t mean you’re bad at dating. It just means you now know what not to do next time.
Happy dating — and may your date ideas be less “what were you thinking?” and more “OMG we should do that again!”