Key Takeaways Use lighthearted questions like “What’s your favorite color and why?” to keep conversations fun and engaging on a second date.
Try deeper inquiries, such as “What is the best compliment anyone has ever given you?” to build a meaningful connection.
Avoid lulls by preparing questions ahead about hobbies or funny experiences, like unusual Halloween costumes or hidden talents.

Have you experienced this dating conundrum before? Scenario: This second date is going wonderfully, you think as you sip a glass of Syrah. Your stomach is filled with butterflies. You inwardly swoon as you notice that your legs are touching. But as your date finishes their story about backpacking through Thailand, suddenly things take a turn from engaging to an awkward, uncomfortable silence. In this moment (that you think stretches on forever), you find that you don’t know what to say next.

Unexpected, lingering silences can quickly go from inconvenient to embarrassing—and have the ability to ruin a great date—which is why it’s always best to be prepared with a few conversation starters before meeting a potential love interest. So, for those who’d like to avoid the sudden lulls during a romantic dinner or meet up at a bar, we’ve compiled a list of 60 questions to ask on a date—specifically, a second date. Be sure to turn to these ice breakers as inspiration to keep the conversation and romantic sparks going.

Avoid polarizing topics like politics and religion (at least on the first few dates), and, instead, focus on questions that are light, fun, and evoke interesting answers.

General Second-Date Questions

First dates are great for getting to the basics, but second dates allow you to learn about your potential partner even more, especially if you ask the below questions.

What’s your favorite color, and why?
Do you like to cook?
What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?
Have you seen any good movies lately?
Do you prefer coffee or tea?
What’s your morning coffee/tea order?
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Do you consider yourself to be neat or messy?
When was your last serious relationship?
What are your love languages?
Why did you want to go on a second date with me?
What are some of my qualities that interest you the most?
Do you like to travel?
What do you like to do in your free time?
Are there any dating rules that you follow? Playful and Lighthearted Second-Date Questions

Want to keep things playful on your second date? Consider asking these lighthearted questions to keep the good times rolling.

If you were an animal, what would you be?
Where do you like to shop for clothes?
What television shows are you into right now?
What kind of cake do you eat on your birthday?
Which sports teams do you follow?
What was your most memorable vacation?
What was your most epic Halloween costume?
What’s your go-to recipe for a busy weeknight?
If you had to drink only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Do you like to swim in the ocean?
What book is currently on your nightstand?
Which movie or TV show character do you most identify with?
What Spotify station are you currently rocking?
What does your ideal celebratory feast look like?
What’s your favorite dessert? Deep and Insightful Second-Date Questions

If you and your date seem to have a strong and intimate connection, try asking the below deep and insightful questions to get to know one another better.

If you could learn anything, what would you choose, and why?
Where is your happy place?
What does your perfect Saturday consist of?
What is your favorite childhood memory?
If you could grab drinks or dine with anyone in the world (dead or alive), who would it be?
What destination intimidates you, yet interests you enough to want to visit?
If they were to make a movie about your life, what actor would you like to play your part?
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
What is the best compliment anyone has ever given you?
Is there a moment you wish you could go back in time and change?
What advice would you want to share with your younger self?
Is there anyone who has changed your life but doesn’t know it?
What are you passionate about?
Do you have any regrets in life?
Is there something about you that you’d like to improve? Personal Second-Date Questions

The only way you can learn about your love interest is by asking personal questions—so here are a few that are appropriate to bring up on the second date.

What sport did you play in high school?
What were the holidays like in your house growing up?
Who in your family are you closest to?
Do you have any quirky habits?
What are your pet peeves?
Do you have any irrational fears?
Do you collect anything?
What is your hidden talent?
What are you dying to try?
What is something you’re bad at?
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
How do you typically celebrate your birthday?
What were you like as a child?
What is the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you?
What is the hardest lesson you’ve learned in life?