30 speed dating questions that work in a 5 to 10 minute date

The best speed dating questions are open, light and easy to answer in a sentence or two, then lead somewhere: "What was the best part of your week?" works better than "What do you do?". Ask one opener, follow up on whatever the answer is, and save one question for what the other person is looking for.

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Openers (pick one)

  1. What was the best part of your week?
  2. What are you looking forward to this month?
  3. What did you do last weekend that you would happily do again?
  4. How did you end up living in this city?
  5. What is something you have been meaning to try?
  6. Coffee or tea, and how do you take it?

Questions that show what someone enjoys

  1. What do you do when you have a free Saturday with no plans?
  2. What is the last thing you got really into?
  3. Where is the best place you have travelled to, and why?
  4. What is your favourite place to eat around here?
  5. What is a skill you are proud of that has nothing to do with work?
  6. Are you more of a beach, mountain or city person?
  7. What show or book would you recommend to a friend right now?
  8. What would your perfect day off look like?

Questions that show what someone values

  1. What is something you have changed your mind about in the last few years?
  2. Who in your life do you most look up to?
  3. What does a good weekend with friends look like for you?
  4. What is something small that always makes your day better?
  5. If you could live anywhere for a year, where would it be?
  6. What are you working towards at the moment?
  7. How do you like to spend your birthday?
  8. What is a tradition from your family that you would like to keep?

Playful questions for when the conversation flows

  1. What is your most-used emoji?
  2. What is your go-to karaoke song?
  3. What would you order on a first date at your favourite restaurant?
  4. Which fictional character would you most like to have dinner with?
  5. What is the most spontaneous thing you have done?
  6. What is your unpopular food opinion?
  7. If you could instantly learn one language, which would it be?
  8. What would the title of your autobiography be?

Questions to skip on a short speed date

  • How much do you earn? Money talk feels like an interview.
  • Why are you single? It puts the other person on the defensive.
  • Questions about exes. Save them for much later.
  • A list of yes/no questions in a row. Ask one, then follow up.

How to use them

You do not need many: at a Flinkos event each date lasts 5 to 10 minutes, so two or three good questions with real follow-ups beat ten quick ones. Listen for something you can ask more about, and share a bit about yourself too so it does not feel like a quiz. More advice on preparing is in our speed dating tips.

Frequently asked questions

What should I ask at speed dating?
One light, open opener such as "What was the best part of your week?", a follow-up on the answer, and one question about what the other person enjoys or is looking for.
How many questions should I prepare for speed dating?
Three or four. Each date is short, so follow-up questions on the answers matter more than a long list.
What should I avoid asking on a speed date?
Salary, exes, why someone is single, and long runs of yes/no questions.