What are good first date ideas?

Dinner and a movie are typical first-date ideas.

NOT my preference, though

Dinner can last a LONG uncomfortable time IF the conversation bogs down. At least, after the movie you can discuss the movie if there is nothing else TO talk about.

And sometimes it gives a lot of insight into how someone's mind works and what their values are .. the way they react to the movie and how they see the action that occurred in it.

Live theatre can do the same thing ..

(I remember a date where the guy was trying SO hard to impress me. Took me to a 5-star restaurant and chewed with his mouth open. The took me to Kennedy Centre to see the play "Camino Real" which was deeply symbolic. Afterwards he was very angry about how the play made no sense .. it was totally over his head. Last date with him .. I don't mind intellectuals, but they had better be genuine intellectuals and not just trying to fake it.)

At any rate, you CAN learn a lot in the post-discussion period after a movie or play, without even seeming like you are trying.

And sometimes it is better to go see a movie/play and THEN go out or a coffee and late snack. You at least are assured that you can discuss the movie.

But I prefer to do something like go to a farmer's market .... You can stroll around and talk .. if the conversations flags, you can point out something interesting (either items for sale, or something that people are doing, or pointing out a cute dog or SOMETHING). And as with a play or movie, WHAT your date points out to you says a lot about what he finds interesting, amusing and what his values are. There is always food for sale too, so you can buy some and sit down and talk .. a "mini-dinner date".

Or a bicycling date with a picnic lunch brought along (depending on your climate .. in January maybe a cross-country skiing circuit it the park, with a thermos full of hot mulled cider to stop and drink mid-way).

dinner is a usual first date ---- movies are for when you have been dating ages or are married

A physical activity. Bowling, mini golf, shooting pool, trampoline park.

Dinner, then go see the film "Daddy's home."