How to Have a Safe First Date

First dates should be exciting, not risky. A few simple habits remove most of the risk and let you focus on the person in front of you.

Before the date

• Video call first. Five minutes on video confirms the person matches their profile — and makes the actual meeting feel familiar.
• Tell someone. Share who you are meeting, where, and when you expect to be done. Live location sharing with a trusted friend is a good habit.
• Plan your own transport. Arrive and leave under your own power. Never rely on your date for a ride home on a first meeting.
• Keep it public. Choose a café, restaurant or busy park — somewhere with people around and easy exits.

During the date

• Keep personal details (home address, workplace, financial information) for later — much later.
• Watch how they treat staff and strangers; character shows in small moments.
• Alcohol: one or two drinks maximum, and never leave your drink unattended.
• It is completely acceptable to end the date early. "I have an early morning" is a complete sentence.

Trust the uncomfortable feeling

If something feels off — pressure, inconsistency, attempts to isolate you — leave. Your instincts process red flags faster than your reasoning does. You do not owe anyone a second date, an explanation, or politeness beyond safety.

After

If the date went well, great — take the next steps at your own pace. If anything concerning happened, report it through the platform so moderators can act. And if you were in danger at any point, contact local emergency services first, then report to us.