Our Gift to You: 41 Long-Distance Date Ideas That Aren‘t Just Staring at Each Other on FaceTime
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Being in a long-distance relationship means you're likely all too familiar with trying to come up with creative long-distance date ideas. The good news? You have us, which takes some of the pressure off the whole "what should we do tn" thing, especially if your lover isn't local. While sure, you can always just pour yourself a fancy cocktail or glass of wine and hop on a video call, sometimes that can get a little...meh. Odds are you've run through all your standard date questions already and probably spend a lot of time just kinda staring at each other. And that's okay! You love your partner and you're happy to stare at their beautiful face through a screen. But when you want to do something a little more special, coming up with unique virtual dates can be a challenge.
You see, in-person dates have all kinds of variety (you can go out to eat, make out at the movies, etc.), which keeps things interesting. But just because you're long-distance doesn't mean there aren't actually a ton of virtual date ideas that are legit perfect for your next Zoom hang or FaceTime date. Whether your partner isn't nearby, you prefer the safety of virtual hangs before meeting IRL, or you are just A Very Busy Person who'd rather get to know someone more casually before setting aside half your Saturday, having a few creative virtual dates up your sleeve is the move. Below, are some ideas to serve as inspo for your next hot night in!
1. Chill in VR.
Didyaknow virtual reality is kinda magical at making it feel like you’re actually hanging out in person? Both of you will need your own VR headsets, but the investment is totally worth it. Once set up, you can explore endless new worlds together without leaving your homes.
If you’re new to the concept, many VR platforms allow for voice communication, so you can chat and react in real time as you play immersive games, visit virtual museums, traipse around exotic locations, or even watch some VR porn together. It's a futuristic date idea that promises a shared adventure, making the distance momentarily disappear. (Psst: VRChat or AltspaceVR are perfect for couples looking to spend quality time together in the virtual world.)
2. Do an online escape room.
Test your teamwork (and get an idea of how well you’d fare together if, say, a zombie apocalypse actually happened) with an online escape room. Choose from various themes and solve puzzles jointly, whether via VR or just on your computers/gaming systems/phones. Not only is it a thrilling way to engage and collaborate, but it provides both an intellectual challenge and a fantastic way to spend an evening together so you feel closer, accomplished, and, like, really smart.
3. Have a project night.
Chances are you both have some stuff you need to get done around your respective places, so go on; use your date night to give your space a refresh. It might not seem the sexiest, but you’ll find painting a wall, hanging up pictures, or making a cute lil coffee bar is a lot more fun with your partner on a video call in the background to offer feedback while accomplishing their own tasks. Don’t forget—pizza and beer are a must after an evening like this, so order to have your S.O.’s favorite pie arrive at their doorstep as the work is winding down.
4. Host a remote dinner party.
If I’ve learned anything from marathoning Desperate Housewives more times than I’d care to admit, it’s that dinner parties are kind of The Thing to do as an established couple. And uh, being apart doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the milestone hosting experience. Invite some other couples to have a virtual dinner party where you all prepare the same meal together (or order the same dishes from similar restaurants) and then dine over video chat. It's a fun way to have a double or group date night, even apart… especially if you keep the vino flowing.
5. Learn a new language.
You know what’s hot? Talking to each other in a “secret” language. Whether you make one up or opt to learn something hot like French, having the shared goal of being able to communicate in a new way brings you together like no other. If you have dreams of traveling together one day, you’re basically already studying for it now. Win-win.
6. Go on a virtual museum tour.
Just because you can’t wander around a museum together in person with your hands in each other’s back pockets doesn’t mean you have to miss out on ~the most cultural date ever~ dammit! Many world-class museums offer virtual tours these days, which means you can admire art and exhibits from your couch (and without worrying about being too loud). Pick a museum and explore its galleries online together, then flex your art critic muscle by sharing your uninhibited thoughts on the different pieces.
7. Do an online trivia night.
Trivia is a fun way to learn new facts and challenge each other’s knowledge, all while getting feisty and competitive. Join an online trivia night or use a trivia website/app to compete against each other. You can also team up against others if your relationship consists of—ahem—multiple bad losers.
8. Have a day of pampering.
In a dream world, you’d whisk your lover away for some indulgence at a luxury spa. (Can I be your lover in this scenario, pls?) Since that’s likely not an option considering the whole long-distance thing, why not plan a home spa day from afar? Send them some relaxing goodies (like sheet masks, scented candles, and maybe even one of those massage guns), draw a bath in your respective homes, and unwind “together” over FaceTime. The fact that you’ll both be getting sudsy on screen is just an added (+ steamy) bonus.
9. Put on a fashion show.
You each pick three outfits from your closets. Make one a casual streetwear outfit, the second an elegant red carpet look, and the third a ~sexy~ lingerie-inspired statement piece to turn up the heat. You can take turns doing catwalks in front of the camera for the first two outfits—consider these a chance to show off your personality and style—and then, for the final look, get more comfortable. Lay on the bed, and see if you can turn each other on while posing in your more suggestive fits.
10. Have a PowerPoint party.
Before your date, each of you should create a separate PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation around a subject you’re passionate about. On the date, pour yourselves glasses of wine or make mixed drinks, and take turns presenting your slideshow in the form of a “lecture” on the subject matter. Maybe you can do your talk on “The History of the Duck Face Selfie” Or “One Direction 101”? Whatever you choose, try to pick something that will be fun and silly for both of you. Spend the date getting tipsy and laughing your faces off together.
11. Go on a park date.
If the weather is nice, why not get some sunshine? Each of you can pack a drink, snacks, and a blanket, then FaceTime when you're comfortably seated with your little park spread! It’s almost like you’re laying together IRL, good eats and all. To make things interesting, you can even send each other a package of snacks to eat, a bottle of wine, or order takeout—just something to really make it feel like this is a shared activity, ya know?
12. Do some collaging!
TBH: Arts and crafts are always a win. Make sure you and your partner have enough old magazines, newspapers, stickers, receipts, and shopping bags, at your disposal. (Anything that you can use to decorate goes!) Then, on the virtual date, spend time cutting up scraps and making them into a collage on a piece of construction paper. You can even come up with themes for the collage: It could be your dream life together, your vacation goals, your bedroom inspiration, or maybe it’s a collection of images that remind you of your S.O. At the end of your date, take turns presenting your creations to each other.
13. Have a wine and paint night.
All you need is wine, some art supplies, and some creativity. You can follow along with one of the many painting tutorial videos on YouTube or get creative and do your own thing. You could even take a picture or memory that's special to you (like your favorite vacation spot or the place you first met) and each do your own painting of it. After, you can mail your paintings to each other to hang up! If painting isn't your thing, you could also try making pottery with air-dry clay, or just vibe while you fill in some adult coloring books.
14. Break out the long-distance sex toys.
Okay, so, is this one first-date material? Probably not (unless, of course, you want it to be, in which case knock yourself out, babe). But long-distance sex toys exist for a reason, and this is literally the reason. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, there’s a brave new world of sex toys out there that a trusted partner can control from literally anywhere. If it’s been a minute since you and your partner got it on (or if you’re feeling frisky with a new boo), giving each other remote orgasms is a great way to keep in touch sexually without, you know, actually touching each other.
15. Do a virtual wine tasting.
Hi, yes, virtual wine tastings are a thing, and they’re a thing you should definitely be doing. Here’s how it works: You and your partner sign up (try Vinebox!), you both get sent some top-notch samples of wine, and then you follow along together on Zoom as you sip your way through the flavors and study the tasting notes/pairings. Try some great wines, brush up on your vino knowledge, and bond with your person, all without leaving the house? Believe it.
16. Watch porn together.
As I like to say, the couple that watches porn together stays together. And while I usually suggest doing it in the same bed, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy some X-rated viewing together from the comfort of your own respective homes. Pick out a flick that titillates you both and get ready to indulge in a little long-distance mutual masturbation.
17. Break out a deck of conversation cards.
Whether you've been together 5ever or you're just getting to know each other, a deck of conversation cards can help you deepen your connection. You and your partner can respond to prompts that are funny, deep, and/or H-O-T, depending on the deck.
18. Plan a trip together.
If you're in an LDR, planning a future visit is one way to feel connected. Talking about the types of vacations you like can help you get to know your person better. Looking at Airbnbs or hotels together and planning what you want to do on vacation is actually so fun. Plus, you'll have something to look forward to when you're done.
19. Take a walk together.
Okay, so you might have to get out of your pajamas for this one. (Or not, you do you.) You and your partner can both take a walk or go on a hike while you chat, stopping to point out things of interest or nice views. It's a good way to get your blood pumping and have something to do that isn't just staring at a screen.
20. Do some Mad Libs. (No, really, this is a serious suggestion.)
After Dark
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If you’ve never done a Mad Lib, all I can tell you is you are missing out. Yes, they’re for children, but I can promise you they are just as fun (and, yes, absurd) now as they were as a kid at camp. Grab a few on Amazon (or just look up some free knock-off versions online) and settle in for a silly evening of laughter and probably a lot of fart jokes. What? It’s called romance.
21. Play a game of hot truth-or-dare.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a game that’s a little on the steamier side, might we suggest an arousing round of hot truth or dare? Oh, and what’s that? A master list of hot truth or dare questions for your inspiration? Damn, we're good. (Oh, and you’re welcome.)
22. Get to know each other ~deeper~ via Spotify.
Using Spotify’s Jam feature, you can 1) share your fave songs with your date as you’re listening to them, or 2) take your conversations way, way, way deeper by sending each other prompts like “Play a song that reminds you of me” or “Play a song that describes the type of love you’re seeking.”
I promise, this is the easiest, most efficient way to get deep with the person you’re talking to without being super intrusive and creepy about it. (FWIW, one Cosmopolitan writer said it "single-handedly saved her dating life during quarantine." Do with that what you will!)
23. Have yourselves a dance party.
Now that you've got a shared playlist of your favorite songs, it’s time to host your very own LDR dance party. Whether it’s an elegant evening, a hot rave, or something nostalgic like a prom theme, get dressed up, cue the playlist, and simultaneously let loose together over Zoom. Show each other your silliest moves and maybe make up a combination to do together the next time you see each other in person.
24. Have a podcast listening party.
If your music tastes don’t overlap—ex: you’re into Taylor Swift, and they’re more of a Tchaikovsky stan—try listening to a podcast together instead! Choose a series that sounds interesting to you both, listen to an episode simultaneously, and then chat about it afterward. Whether it’s a true crime, comedy, science, or cultural podcast, this can spark convos from religion to conspiracy theories to sexual preferences. Lively debates and deep discussions are *highly* encouraged.
25. Hire a virtual private chef or attend a virtual cooking class together.
The idea here is that you're doing things you'd normally do together IRL...just virtually. So since food = the way to everyone’s hearts, there are lots of virtual options to get you and your date cooking. You can try a virtual cooking class with a personal chef from a website like 100 Pleats, or sign up for a local virtual cooking class near you.
Just keep in mind that this isn’t the best date idea for ~first dates~ since you won’t really be able to talk to each other until afterward.
26. Assess your compatibility.
Yes, this is the *perfect* time to figure out your person's sun, rising, and moon signs, then look up your compatibility online and discuss whether you agree or disagree on everything said.
Another option if you really want to test the waters: You can do a virtual couple’s tarot card reading, which can offer up love insights and help you discover ways to better connect with your partner. Just do a quick Google search through virtual tarot card readers and find someone you enjoy.
27. Take the love languages test together.
I promise, this is The Thing to do on dates. (And I speak from experience.) Take the quiz online and then share your answers with each other as you move from question to question. Not only do you find out their love language—which is super important in relationships—but you can also see how they answer each question in super specific scenarios.
Trust me, I’m 99 percent positive that mismatched love languages are the reason why people do not work out. Oh, and when you're done with that, take the apology languages test next.
28. Arrange a fancy virtual date night.
Make it an all-out black-tie date night at home—because sometimes, being all dressed up with nowhere to go is a fun way to remind each other how good you look. Use it as an excuse to put on some makeup, slip into your fave dress, and get your S.O. on video chat in their finest outfit.
Don’t forget to set the mood with a hot playlist, lots of lit candles, and a bottle of champagne. Then, order each other a surprise food delivery you can both eat together in front of the camera.
29. Start a recipe exchange.
Create a shared Google Doc and continuously compile it with both of your favorite recipes. As a date night, choose a recipe to try making “together” in your respective kitchens, and the partner whose recipe it is can offer tips as you go. Food is love—even if you can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor at the same table right now.
30. Play online games together.
If you like a little friendly competition, there are tons of two-player online games that you can play with your partner wherever you’re located. Cardzmania is a platform that offers tons of online card games, from gin rummy to Klondike. Or you can do a puzzle together virtually, chatting over Zoom as you choose what piece goes where. If your LDR is happening across two different time zones, Words With Friends lets you play your turn whenever you want and keep the game going on your own time.
31. Mail a care package.
Send your person a customized care package to show you’re thinking of them from wayoverhere. Ideas: Surprise them with a boozy delivery from Winc or Drizly, then order the same bottles for yourself and “meet” for a drink at 7 p.m. over Skype.
Or get really creative and curate a themed vacation-in-a-box. For instance, if you’ve been dying to go to Italy together, mail a package containing some pasta, an apron, and maybe even some luxe olive oil from Olivelle or authentic limoncello (Fabrizia is *chef's kiss*)—then hop on FaceTime and enjoy your virtual “vacay” together, using it as a springboard to start planning your next real couples getaway.
32. Start a two-person book club.
Choose a book that you’ll both enjoy and read it at the same time. Then pick a date to finish it by, and schedule a virtual book club discussion (cheese and wine optional, but, like, is it?). It’s similar to watching a show together but requires more dedication and provokes in-depth conversations throughout.
33. Create a shared photo album.
Set up a collaborative photo album on your phone or Dropbox, then go through the pics while you’re on the phone together. You can curate old snapshots from fun times you’ve had together or walk down memory lane by including old photos from both of your childhoods and high school glory days.
34. Start an online journal.
Even though you likely have regular check-ins, starting an online journal is a really fun way to share all the little, seemingly-unimportant-but-actually-major moments throughout your days, even when you’re far apart. Add photos, include videos, and write down your random thoughts during the week, then hop on FaceTime to chat about your additions together. Whether you make a shared album, private Instagram, or a simple iOS note, this is a supes cute way to stay connected and document the day-to-day during times apart.
35. Send a coupon book.
To really up the ante on your next reunion, create a personalized coupon book for your partner that’s filled with favors and activities they can “cash in” on the next time you’re together in person. (If you’re not super crafty, use a website like LoveCoups.) The coupons can be a mix of hot (“Good for one full body massage”) and simple (“Good for one home-cooked meal, doing the dishes included”).
36. Exchange scents.
The olfactory sense is strongly connected to memory. Exchange mini bottles of your perfume and cologne through the mail so you can remember what each other smells like. (Then go ahead, spray it all over everything in your house until you’re together again.) The scents will trigger memories, which you can sweetly share with each other. If either of you is lacking a signature scent, you can snag a kit from Olfactory NYC to mix your own perfume together over Skype!
37. Motivate each other to sweat.
If you can’t be IRL gym buddies, holding each other accountable for your fitness goals is the next best thing, so sign up for the same virtual yoga or barre class. You can also download an app like Runkeeper or My Fitness Pal to track and share your respective running routes with photos, if that's more your ~speed~ (heh).
38. Marathon-watch the same TV show.
It’s Netflix-and-chill, but from afar. First, download Teleparty, a Chrome extension that allows two parties to synchronize their streaming accounts to watch something simultaneously. Pick a show neither of you have seen and watch each episode so you can send text commentary in real time.
39. Go house hunting.
If you’re planning for a future together, why not start looking for your dream home? Since COVID, many real estate businesses and sellers offer houses virtual tours of their homes for sale—which you can check out with your partner from literally anywhere.
If you’re still in the beginning stages of your search (or maybe you just want to imagine what it would be like to live in a $1.6 million dollar mansion on the beach!), send each other links to homes you love on Zillow and discuss, because why not?
40. Pick up a new hobby together.
Being away from your person is a great excuse to become experts in something new and find additional ways to connect. Sign up for an online class together like photography, cross-stitching, baking, you name it. The journey of mastering a new skill and immersing yourself in a shared hobby is not only fun, but surprisingly intimate as well.
41. Stargaze “together.”
We’re all under the same sky and seeing the same stars, which is high-key romantic when you think about it. Sit out on your deck, get your partner on the phone, and see if you can point out the constellations together. Looking at the same stars from afar can really help you feel closer.
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