Thinking of dating a new person for the firstime? Having a tooth removed without anesthetic probably sounds a little less scary. But there are some easy things you can do on a firsttime date that will keep the conversation and activity going while still allowing you a chance to get to know your date. Here are some tried and true ideas.

#1) See A Movie
Dress: Casual
Conversation Required: Minimal
Physical Activity Required: Minimal
Originality: Low
Seeing a movie is a popular firsttime dating activity because it gives you two hours to spend time with the person you’re crushing on without having to say a word to them. After the movie, if you want to stop by a fast food hangout for some sodas and a quick dinner, the movie will give you something to talk about. The only problem with inviting a firsttime date to a movie is that it isn’t very original.

#2) Go Out To Dinner With Friends
Dress: Casual (unless you decide to go to a nice restaurant)
Conversation Required: Moderate
Physical Activity Required: Minimal
Originality: Low
While it may not be very original, going on a double date to a pizza parlor or a hamburger joint the firsttime you go out with a new date can help break the ice. Just make sure that the girls don’t spend all evening chatting about fashion while the guys talk about shop class. Ideally, everyone should participate in one conversation. Find something you are all interested in, such as whether or not the basketball team will make it to the state finals or whether or not the principal wears a rug.

#3) Go Indoor Rock Climbing
Dress: Shorts, t-shirt, protective gear
Conversation Required: Minimal
Physical Activity Required: High
Originality: Medium to High (depending on where you live)
If you and the object of your desire are both athletic and enjoy rigorous physical challenges, a rock-climbing date may be perfect for you. You’ll get to show off your toned muscles while admiring those of your date. And if you decide to go somewhere to talk afterwards, you can easily discuss the different types of athletics you enjoy watching or participating in. This, by the way, is an excellent way to progress to a second date. For instance, “I like bowling, too. Want to join me for a game next Saturday?” Indoor rock climbing is catching on as a popular activity and therefore it isn’t as original as it once was, but it’s also a long way from boring.

#4) Go To A Museum
Dress: Casual
Conversation Required: Moderate
Physical Activity Required: Minimal to Moderate
Originality: High
If the person you’re crushing on shares a history or sociology class with you, invite him or her to a local history museum to soak up the flavor of yesteryear’s culture. While going to a museum may sound pretty lame—more like and activity you’d do with your parents—it can be lots of fun to do it with someone your own age. The different displays provide all sorts of prompts for conversation. What are your favorite exhibits and why? What profession would you have chosen if you’d lived a hundred years ago? What would it be like to walk miles to school every day or to expect to lose at least one of your brothers or sisters to die from disease or injury before you were grown up? What would school have been like back then? Discussing these questions can help you get to know your crush on an emotional and intellectual level. And if you’re smooth enough to pull off an invitation to a museum and make it sound like the fun it is, you get high marks for originality.

Firsttime dates can be hard on everybody involved, but they can also be a time to enjoy fun activities, discover mutual interests, and decide whether or not you are both interested enough for a second date.

And if all else fails, tell yourself this: if you can get through a firstime date, you can get through anything!