The Best Dating Advice for Men: 27 Tips to Be More Fun & A Much Better Date

There’s plenty of dating advice for men out there, but how can you separate the good from the not-so-good? Here are a few tips you can rely upon with ease!

The dating game can be a bit of a minefield at times. If you are a single guy looking to meet and date women, it feels pretty daunting to get out there and try to impress women—especially if there’s a particularly special lady on the scene. But don’t worry, we have some dating advice for men that will make you the talk of the town *in a good way, of course*!

You see, there’s way too much conflicting advice. You ask your friends for a few tips and they tell you to do this and not do that.

Then, you ask someone else and they totally contradict it and tell you to do the very thing your friend told you not to. Everyone dates in a particular way. Of course, that also means that everyone responds in a different way to particular strategies and actions.

Yes, dating really is a minefield, but with the RIGHT advice, you too can become a dating master! [Read: 15 dating rules for men that’ll transform your dating game]

The best dating advice for men

Women can be mysterious creatures. Whether you just came out of a relationship and feel nervous about wading back into the crazy world of dating, or you’ve been single for ages and feel a bit rusty, read on to discover some of the best dating advice for men.

1. Have clear goals

People want to go on dates for different reasons. Some seek to find their next serious relationship, their next true love. Others just want to test the waters and see what’s out there.

Some are happy being single, but love the company of women and enjoy the dating scene. Others really hate being alone and want to find their next partner ASAP.

Before you head into the dating game, consider what you want and why. This way you manage your own and other people’s expectations with ease. [Read: 15 things immature men do and you should avoid]

2. Don’t leave it too long before you go on a date

Whether you chat through an online dating app, your work colleagues, or they are someone in your friend group, the longer you leave it to ask them out on a date, the more likely you’ll land in the ‘friend zone’ – or worse, they’ll get snapped up by someone else.

If you like someone and want to take your relationship further, then bite the bullet and ask them out already! [Read: How to avoid the friend zone and make any girl desire you]

3. Know that first impressions count

While women might be willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, it is in their nature to judge every book by its cover, so to speak. First impressions are seriously important. It can be difficult to shake off a bad one.

Making a good first impression isn’t rocket science. Just make sure you spruce yourself up a bit, turn up on time, and greet her in a friendly manner. Also, be sure you have some conversation starters at the ready, so you don’t immediately lapse into an awkward silence. [Read: How to be the hot guy – 20 rules to instant hotness]

4. Make plans you are comfortable with

There is no need to go overboard on a first date. If you feel more at home in a cozy pub rather than a swanky restaurant then arrange a date there.

If you feel uncomfortable or out of place, you aren’t going to come across well. Additionally, you’ll give a false impression of yourself from the outset. [Read: 30 fun first date ideas that will leave her wanting more]

5. Embrace confidence

Confidence is incredibly helpful when it comes to having a great date. We know dating is a little nerve-wracking.

If you are able to calm those nerves and act confidently and self-assuredly, *but not arrogantly*, she is more likely to be impressed by you and want to come back for more.

6. Pay attention to your body language

Your body language speaks volumes. Try not to adopt any nervous twitches, turn your body towards her, and don’t hunch or cross your arms. Maintain eye contact without staring and nod and smile when speaking and listening too. [Read: 10 clearly noticeable signs of body language attraction]

7. Use humor

The best dating advice for men? Indulge your funny bone! If possible, making her laugh really goes a long way.

You don’t have to be a standup comedian, but the odd joke or some witty conversation impresses her and makes her feel more relaxed.

8. Don’t play games

No woman, no matter how old or how long they have been in the dating game, appreciates being messed around.

Try not to play too many games. While it’s okay not to profess your undying love for her right away, acting too cool or going hot and cold is more likely to just make her lose interest. [Read: How to stop playing relationship games]

9. Be honest

If you like her, tell her. If you don’t, that’s also fine. But don’t string her along.

Being honest about the way you feel is refreshing. You don’t have to come on too strong, but there is nothing wrong with being enthusiastic about someone you meet that you like.

10. Be intuitive

Most of us have a good sense of whether a date is going well, or whether you just aren’t getting on. Even if you really like her, try to pay attention to what she does. [Read: How to listen to your gut and give strength to your inner voice]

Does she seem enthusiastic or disinterested? Is she flirting or being prim and proper? Read the signs and take hints.

11. Make sure the conversation is even

When you’re nervous, it’s easy to chatter away about yourself because you fear the conversation coming to a halt. However, a good date is all about getting to know one another, so make sure you give her a chance to tell you about herself too.

12. Keep things lighthearted and fun

When you first start to date someone, try to keep topics of conversation lighthearted. Your time to get all deep and meaningful will come, but for now, just have fun! [Read: How to make a good first impression on a girl]

13. Don’t talk about your exes

For the majority of first dates, talking about your ex is a big no-no. If it comes up naturally or she asks you it’s fine, but keep it reasonably brief.

If you start going off about how much you hate your ex, or even how great they were, this is off-putting and could affect whether they agree to a second date with you or not.

14. Turn off your phone

There is nothing more off-putting than being on a date with a guy who can’t stop checking his phone. Turn it off unless it’s absolutely necessary to keep it on. That way you give her your undivided attention. [Read: What is phubbing and why it’s the worst thing you can do on a date]

15. Offer to pay

While going dutch is totally cool, most women still like it if a man offers to pay—particularly on a first date. She might refuse, but she’ll think you’re a gent for asking. It’s the offer that counts.

16. Give her space

It’s important not to get too intense too quickly when you start to date someone. You may think she is absolutely amazing. While it’s great to give her compliments, if you start suggesting you see each other every day, or texting her as soon as you part ways, this sets alarm bells ringing.

Give her time to miss you and think about you in between dates. That makes them all the more special! [Read: How to learn to give the one you love space and learn to breathe again]

17. Get to know her friends

Making an effort to get to know her friends and taking an interest in them fairly early on shows her you want to be part of her life and care about the people important to her.

However, always remember that you should never badmouth her friends or say anything remotely negative – even if she does. She won’t take it kindly.

18. Introduce her to your friends

Introducing her to your friends shows her you are serious about her and proud to be dating her. It also makes for some more fun, casual dates rather than it being just the two of you all the time.

Plus, it’s always good to get feedback from friends early on, just in case you’ve actually been blinded and need to be brought down to earth ASAP! [Read: How to choose the perfect wingman when you’re on the hunt]

19. Be a little spontaneous

Don’t let your dates get boring. Think of new and interesting things for the two of you to do, vary the time of day, and do things neither of you has done before. Different dates make great dates and if it works out between you, you’ll have wonderful memories too!

20. Be present in the moment

We mentioned putting your phone down but being present in the moment is about more than that. Keep your attention on her. Don’t look around the room, no matter how much you love people-watching!

Also, avoid jumping ahead in your mind and worrying about date number two – keep your mind on the moment you’re in and you’ll enjoy it so much more. This also increases the chances of there actually being a second date. [Read: How to live in the moment – 20 positive ways to live in the now]

21. Don’t use cheesy lines

No matter who tells you otherwise, avoid using cheesy lines on a date or leading up to one. They don’t go down well and the best-case scenario is that it raises a laugh – at you, not with you. When it comes to the best dating advice for men, don’t forget this tip.

22. Avoid controversial subjects

Remember, you don’t know her very well yet and if you want the chance to learn more, you’re going to need to avoid upsetting her.

When you’re talking, avoid any subjects that are controversial. We’re talking about politics, religion, ex-relationships. Keep things light and save the heavy stuff for later on. [Read: What to talk about on a first date to make them like you instantly]

23. Cut out the sleaze

You might think you’re just flirting or being suggestive, but she might not take it that way. You could come over as a little sleazy, and that probably won’t impress her much at all.

Obvious sexual flirting probably isn’t ideal on a first date and even if it is appropriate, it shouldn’t be sleazy.

24. Learn to really listen

Are you hearing the words she’s saying and nothing more? Listening is about more than just hearing words, it’s about understanding and reading body language too.

It’s also about non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and hand gestures and being able to truly GET what she’s saying. Make sure that she knows you’re listening to her, that’s the best dating advice for men! [Read: The most important ways to be a better listener in your relationship]

25. Don’t try to be flashy

You can impress her by simply being you. You don’t need to pretend to be flashy or talk about the nice car you have or the impressive salary in your job.

For many women, a guy who tries to be flashy just comes over as fake and annoying.

26. Remember it’s not a job interview

It’s easy to start firing questions at your date because you’re scared an awkward silence is going to be exactly that – awkward. If you do that, you’re going to make her feel like she’s sitting in a job interview and it won’t help her to relax.

Ask questions sparingly and remember to put your answer across too. That way, you’ll end up with an easy-going conversation. [Read: 20 fun questions to ask on a first date you should never ignore]

27. The most important dating advice for men – Always be yourself!

This is the most vital piece of dating advice for men we can give you. Be yourself at all times. Don’t try and copy anyone else. Don’t allow your nerves to push you into alien territory. She’s agreed to a date with you because she liked something about you – just be you!

As you can see, dating advice for men doesn’t need to be that complicated. Just be a decent person and don’t try to be someone you’re not. That’s really all it comes down to – no tricks!

[Read: Must-know Prince Charming rules to date a girl the right way]

These 27 tips make up some of the best dating advice for men out there. If you want great dates and to enjoy being back in the dating game, follow the above lessons. You are sure to have fun and meet some wonderful women at the same time!