Long distance date ideas: 15 virtual date ideas that feel like a real date

· 3 min read

TL;DR

  • A long distance date is different from a call because it has a plan, a start and something you do together.
  • The best virtual date ideas copy a real date: same food, same movie, same game, at the same time.
  • Mix easy weeknight dates with one bigger date a month.

The difference between a long distance date and a long distance call is a plan. A call is “how was your day”. A date has a start time, something you both prepared for and something you do together. These fifteen long distance date ideas turn a video call into a real date, from ten-minute weeknight dates to a full Saturday night.

Virtual dinner and drinks dates

  1. Same recipe, two kitchens. Pick a recipe, shop separately, cook together on video and eat “at the same table”.
  2. Order each other dinner. Each of you orders delivery to the other’s address. Reveal what you picked when it arrives.
  3. Virtual wine or coffee tasting. Buy the same two bottles or the same two coffees and compare notes.
  4. Dress-up dinner. Agree on a dress code, light a candle, no sweatpants allowed.

Movie and TV dates

  1. Synced movie night. Start the same film at the same time, with a call or a watch-party feature running.
  2. Rewatch your first date movie. Or the film that was on when you met.
  3. Pick for each other. Each of you chooses something the other has never seen.

Game and question dates

  1. Question night. Take turns asking date night questions from warm-up to dreams. One section per date.
  2. The 36 questions. Arthur Aron’s 36 questions to fall in love work on video: one set per evening, three evenings.
  3. Game night. Truth or dare, the newlywed game or a couples quiz; there are fifteen ideas in games for long distance couples.
  4. Would you rather with stakes. Play would you rather, and whoever lands in the minority picks the next date.

Dates that need a little planning

  1. Virtual museum or zoo. Many museums and aquariums run free virtual tours and live cams. Explore one together.
  2. Plan the reunion. Spend a whole date planning the next visit: where you will eat, what you will do, the one thing you have to do together.
  3. Send a date in a box. Mail a box with everything for the date: snacks, a candle, a card with the first question.
  4. Walk together. Both go for a walk at the same time with earbuds in and show each other where you are.

Making it feel like a real date

  • Put it in the calendar with a start time.
  • Do something to prepare: change clothes, cook, light a candle.
  • Keep phones for the call only, no scrolling on the side.
  • End by booking the next one.

For the days in between, the coupleroom app’s Remote Mode sends you both the same question and reveals the answers once you have both replied, which keeps the conversation going when your schedules do not line up. More in apps for long distance couples.

What can long distance couples do on a date?

Cook the same recipe on video, watch a movie in sync, play a game such as truth or dare or the newlywed game, take turns asking date night questions, or take a virtual museum tour together. The key is doing the same thing at the same time.

How often should long distance couples have a virtual date?

Once a week is a good rhythm for a planned date, with shorter calls in between. One bigger date a month gives you something to look forward to.

What are cheap long distance date ideas?

A question night, a synced movie you both already have access to, a walk together on the phone and free browser games all cost nothing.

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