He asked me out for drinks is it a date?

He asked you out, and you said yes! Congrats!

So, what’s next?

Is going out for drinks a date? His answer might surprise you.

Let’s face it: a guy’s motives come in all shapes and sizes and finding that contoured fit can be tricky.

The fact is, going out for drinks with a guy will always be a date, but will he see it that way?

Don’t overthink it.

Breaking into the male mind may seem impossible, but don’t worry: we’ve got you covered.

Together, we’ll make your night full of sips and laughs you won’t forget.

What does “getting drinks” mean?

It’s not exactly dinner and a movie. I mean, what’s the wine with no dine?

Getting drinks means he wants to get to know you in a relaxed setting.

Besides, getting drinks is an inexpensive way to get a conversation with someone.

It is less of a time commitment than a dinner date.

And let’s be real here.

If you two decide you don’t like each other, you can both escape quickly.

We won’t be divulging the color of our underwear tonight, so don’t go airing out dirty laundry.

You want him to like you for you. Be yourself!

He knows you’re a catch, but he’s about to be the one caught on your line.

Keep reading to find out exactly how you can have him drinking out of the palms of your hands (which you’ve washed for at least 20 seconds).

How to respond when a guy asks you out for drinks

From the top!

What kind of reaction will fill his stomach with butterflies thinking about you?

Talking and kissing can be a lot alike. Make sure to react to what his lips are doing!

Picture it: he’s walking up to you. Is he nervous? Confident?

It’s your eyes’ time to shine!

Make just enough eye contact to make him feel welcomed in approaching you, but don’t stare him down!

Now it’s time for the power move.

Smile as you break eye contact, then slowly brush your hair back behind your ear.

He’s finished. His heart is pounding, and his hands are starting to sweat.

You’ve already won, and there’s nothing he can do about it.

You and I both know you’re in control now, but let him start the conversation.

Don’t be afraid to respond to simple openers like, “Hi,” but keep your answers short and sweet.

Once you’ve braved his small talk, now it’s time for the big question.

Words Not to Say on a First Date With a Guy

He’s asked you out. You have to say something, but you don’t want to seem too eager.

Don’t use words like:

And for the sake of all that is good, don’t say something like, “That’d be super!”

It’s easy to mix up words. We’ve all said “Thanks” in response to being asked “How are you?” at some point.

You don’t want some Franken-slur stuck in his head when he’s thinking about you later, so take a look at these guaranteed eager-free responses:

• I’d like that
• That sounds nice

Looking to add some mystery?

Even if you are available tonight, you may want to delay the date a day or two.

This gives him the impression that you’re productive, that you value your time, and you won’t drop commitments at a moment’s notice.

The essential element here is that YOU now set the time for the date.

Try saying, “I can’t tonight, but I’m free tomorrow!”

What time is best to meet for drinks on a first date?

It’s a cliché for a reason: 8 o’clock is a sturdy choice for a date, but what factors should you be considering?

Accommodate your needs.

I know my beauty routine can take hours, especially if my hair needs washing.

Make sure you consider these factors before you agree to a time that may be too early:

If you don’t know all the answers, it’s okay! We’ll go over everything you need to know to take this date on with confidence.

Pre-date etiquette

Even if the date is happening tonight, these are some things you’ll want to consider!

To give or not to give?

That is the question!

It may make sense to give a guy your phone number or home address for a date, but it also has its downsides.

Sure, being picked up is romantic, but do you really want him to know where you live?

Choosing to meet at the date location provides you with more security should things not go as planned.

After all, what if he slurps when he drinks?

No woman wants to experience that awkward car ride home with a guy they don’t want a second date with.

Giving only your phone number is a safer option and can help you avoid hurt feelings if one of you needs to reschedule.

Don’t text.

Unless you need to cancel, don’t text him!

Save all the things you want to say or ask for the date. The more you two have to talk about, the better.

But what if he texts you?

Odds are, a guy will likely text you before your date to make sure everything is still a go.

The key is to respond in a way that will quickly answer his question without starting a conversation.

For example:

“Hey! We still on for tonight?”

Then you would say:

“Yep! See you then.”

This closes the conversation while also reassuring him.

And if you’re wondering: yes, a simple smiley face is fine 😊.

The after-work drinks date

Are you meeting during the week? Not a problem!

Going out for drinks after work can have several benefits:

Think you’ll need a change of clothes or fresh makeup? It’s a good idea to bring everything you need with you.

Traffic can be a nightmare no matter where you are, and you may need to go straight to the date after you get off.

Having a casual evening drinks outfit ready means that you can feel relaxed knowing you’re prepared.

Avoiding stress is crucial! Your mood will affect his.

Follow these steps, and you’ll enter your date feeling calm and confident.

Etiquette for getting drinks on a first date

Being yourself is everything, but how do you present your best self?

Your casual outfit for evening drinks

There’s no need to be formal, but how casual is too casual?

For obvious reasons, t-shirts, sweatpants, and tennis shoes are a big “no.”

What message do you want your clothes to send?

Some reliable choices include:

• Rompers or jumpsuits
• The classic airy blouse and jeans
• Solid-color dresses
• Heels, pumps, or any fashionable shoe

How’s the weather? Have your outfit be suitable for the season.

Above all else, wear something you feel comfortable in!

Makeup and hair

Keep on keeping it simple!

When it comes to makeup, guys are just that: simple.

Save yourself the disappointment! Go with a minimal look that will compliment your outfit.

But what to do with the hair?

What are your hair’s best qualities? Accent them!

Don’t be afraid to let it down and allow it to flow freely.

Is fashionably late a real thing?

There is one secret to making any date a tantalizing experience: suspense.

But how do you use it to your benefit?

Think about your date like an unfolding story, and you’re the main character.

It’s okay to leave your date hanging for a few minutes, reveling in the knowledge you’ll be making your entrance at any time.

But how long is too long?

When I’m waiting for something that excites me, every minute can feel like an hour.

Ten to fifteen minutes is the maximum amount of time you’ll want your date waiting for you before you arrive.

Communication is key if you’re going to be more than fashionably late to your first date.

What drink should a girl order on a first date?

Beer and wine are always safe options for easing yourself into an evening.

Some guys may even be impressed by a girl who knows her way around beer!

 The objective here is to order something you enjoy that won’t get you too buzzed too quickly. 

We want to have an intelligible conversation, so if your words start pouring out like alphabet soup, it’s time to slow down!

What do you talk about on your first date with a guy?

It may feel like you’re tiptoeing over eggshells trying to say everything he wants to hear, but don’t worry!

Body language is the best communicator. Sit back and relax in your seat and keep your arms unfolded.

If something you’re saying makes him uneasy, take notice!

You’re both here to get to know one another; try asking about his interests.

While not everything he likes will be appealing to you, be an active listener and engage with him on his favorite topics.

Guys have feelings, too. Make him feel comfortable talking and opening up to you!

After the first date

It’s okay to get swept up at the moment, but when should you come back down to Earth?

Why didn’t he kiss me on the first date?

Should you kiss on the first date?

When something is real, you just know, but what if you’re not ready?

There you are: he’s looking deep into your eyes and telling you he had a great time tonight.

You say you did as well, and he takes your hands in his and leans in for the kiss.

But you’re not ready.

You pull away from him, apologizing all over yourself. This last impression of you will stay in his mind the longest.

Let’s rewind. Before this moment ever presents itself, what can you do to prepare?

First, establish with yourself whether or not you would be willing to kiss him back.

If your answer is no, the next step comes as you go to leave.

Try and stay a respectful distance away from him just as you were when sitting down for drinks.

Insert distance by subtly moving away if he tries to come closer to you.

Make it clear that you would like the night to end here.

There’s no need to be rude, but say it too gently, and he may take it as foreplay.

Try using these phrases to state your intentions clearly:

But what if he can’t take the hint?

No need to go on the offensive, just pepper in a playful yet direct quip like, “I’m not the type of girl who kisses on the first date.”

Above all else, respect your boundaries and be true to yourself!

This is your night, and with these tips and tricks, nothing will stop you from enjoying it to the fullest.

At the minimum, at least expect a hug from him.

So, why would a guy initiate a hug at the end of the date?