Let's be honest: most video call dates feel more like check-ins than actual dates. You sit there in your pajamas, probably eating cereal, asking "how was your day?" for the hundredth time while one or both of you scrolls through your phone.
It's not romantic. It's not exciting. And after a while, it starts to feel like a chore rather than something to look forward to.
But here's the truth: video call dates CAN be special, memorable, and genuinely romantic. The difference isn't the technology—it's the intention and creativity you bring to them.
This guide will give you 25+ date ideas that transform your video calls from mundane to magical.
The Foundation: What Makes a Video Call Date Actually Feel Like a Date
Before we dive into specific ideas, let's talk about what separates a "date" from a regular video call:
1. It's Scheduled and Protected
Real dates don't just happen when you both happen to be free. They're on the calendar. You don't cancel them for other plans. You protect that time.
2. You Make an Effort
You wouldn't show up to an in-person date in ratty sweats without having brushed your hair. Why would a video date be different? Getting dressed, doing your hair, putting on a little makeup—it signals "this matters."
3. You Have a Plan
The best dates have some structure. You're doing something together, not just staring at each other waiting for conversation to happen.
4. You're Fully Present
Phones away. Laptop closed. Full attention on your partner. No "let me just quickly respond to this text."
5. You Set the Mood
Lighting, background, ambiance—these things matter. A date in your messy bedroom with harsh overhead lighting feels different than one with candles, soft lighting, and a clean space.
Romantic Video Call Date Ideas
1. Virtual Dinner Date
How it works: You both cook the same meal (or order from the same restaurant chain) and eat together over video.
Level it up: Set the table nicely, light candles, dress up, pour wine. Make it feel like you're at a restaurant together.
Variation: One person cooks while the other watches and keeps them company, then you eat together.
2. Sunrise or Sunset Date
How it works: Both grab your devices and find a spot to watch the sunrise or sunset together, narrating what you're seeing.
Why it's special: You're experiencing the same moment from different locations. There's something beautifully poetic about it.
Bonus: Take screenshots or photos to remember it.
3. Virtual Museum or Art Gallery Tour
How it works: Many museums offer virtual tours (the Louvre, MoMA, British Museum, etc.). Screen share and explore together, discussing what you see.
Why it works: It's educational, gives you things to talk about, and feels like a real date activity.
4. Star Gazing Date
How it works: Use apps like SkySafari or Star Walk to identify constellations. Both go outside (or to a window) and find the same stars.
Romantic touch: Tell each other stories about the constellations, make wishes on stars, or just enjoy the quiet together.
5. Dance Together
How it works: Create a shared playlist, hit play at the same time, and dance. Yes, you'll both look silly. That's part of the fun.
Romantic variation: Slow dance together. It feels surprisingly intimate even through a screen.
Fun and Interactive Date Ideas
6. Virtual Game Night
Options:
- Online multiplayer games (Mario Kart, Among Us, Jackbox Party Pack)
- Mobile games you can play together (Words With Friends, Chess, 8 Ball Pool)
- Virtual versions of classic games (online Pictionary, trivia, etc.)
Check out the best apps for LDR couples for more gaming options.
7. Cook or Bake Together
How it works: Choose a recipe, gather the same ingredients, and cook together over video. It's like you're in the kitchen together.
Fun variation: Mystery box challenge—each person gets mystery ingredients and has to create something, then judge each other's results.
8. Virtual Escape Room
How it works: Websites like Enchambered or The Escape Game offer virtual escape rooms you can do together over video chat.
Why it's great: Requires teamwork and communication. You're working together toward a goal.
9. Take a Virtual Class Together
Ideas:
- Wine or cocktail tasting class
- Painting or drawing class
- Dance class (salsa, ballroom, etc.)
- Language learning
- Cooking class
Where to find them: Skillshare, Udemy, local businesses offering virtual classes, YouTube tutorials
10. Karaoke Night
How it works: Use YouTube karaoke videos or apps like Smule. Take turns performing for each other, duet together, or make it a competition.
Bonus: Create silly music videos for each other.
Cozy and Relaxing Date Ideas
11. Movie or TV Show Marathon
How it works: Use Teleparty (Netflix Party), Rave, or just hit play at the same time. Keep video chat open to see each other's reactions.
Make it special: Both make popcorn, get into comfy clothes, create a pillow fort, make it feel like a movie theater experience.
Series ideas: Pick a show you've both been meaning to watch and make it "your show" that you only watch together.
12. Read Together
How it works: Read the same book and discuss it, read aloud to each other, or listen to the same audiobook simultaneously.
Why it's intimate: Sharing stories creates connection. Hearing your partner's voice reading is surprisingly romantic.
13. Virtual Coffee Date
How it works: Both make your favorite coffee or tea, get cozy, and just talk. No agenda, no pressure, just quality conversation.
Timing tip: Perfect for morning dates when you're both starting your day.
14. Spa Night
How it works: Both do face masks, give yourselves manicures, run a bath—pamper yourselves while on video together.
Level it up: Send each other a spa package beforehand with face masks, bath bombs, candles, etc. See our gift guide ideas.
15. Bedtime Story
How it works: Both get in bed, lights low, and one person reads to the other until they fall asleep.
Why it's special: It's incredibly intimate and comforting. Mimics the closeness of actually sleeping together.
Creative and Unique Date Ideas
16. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
How it works: One person creates a list of items for the other to find in their house. Set a timer and see how many they can find. Then switch.
Romantic twist: Include items that have significance to your relationship.
17. Photo Challenge Date
How it works: Give each other photography challenges ("find something blue," "photograph something that reminds you of me," etc.). Share and discuss your photos.
Why it's fun: You get to see the world through your partner's eyes.
18. Future Planning Date
How it works: Spend the date planning your future together:
- Browse houses in cities you might move to
- Plan your dream vacation
- Create Pinterest boards for your someday-home
- Discuss life goals and timelines
Why it matters: It reinforces that the distance is temporary and you have a future together.
19. Show and Tell
How it works: Each person grabs 5 items that are meaningful to them and tells the story behind each one.
Why it's intimate: You learn new things about your partner's history, values, and what they cherish.
20. Virtual Travel Date
How it works: Pick a city or country neither of you has been to. Use Google Street View to "walk" around together, look at travel videos, research restaurants and attractions.
Dream variation: Plan a future trip you'll take together when you can travel.
Question-Based Connection Dates
21. 36 Questions to Fall in Love
How it works: Work through the famous 36 questions designed to create intimacy. Don't rush—spread them across multiple date nights.
Why it works: The questions progressively get deeper, creating vulnerability and connection.
22. Would You Rather / This or That
How it works: Take turns asking increasingly revealing "would you rather" questions. Start silly, get serious.
Resources: Use apps like "We're Not Really Strangers" or create your own questions.
23. Relationship Check-In Date
How it works: Set aside time to discuss how the relationship is going, what's working, what needs attention, goals for the future.
Make it positive: Frame it as growth and connection, not criticism. For more on this, see our communication rules guide.
Surprise and Romance Ideas
24. Surprise Date Night
How it works: One person plans the entire date and keeps it secret. The other shows up and goes along with whatever activities are planned.
Examples: Order delivery to their house as a surprise, plan a virtual murder mystery, arrange for a musician to perform a private song via video.
25. Love Letter Exchange
How it works: Both write love letters to each other before the date. During the call, read them aloud to each other.
Why it's powerful: Hearing your partner express their love in prepared, thoughtful words is incredibly meaningful. Learn more about writing love letters.
26. Memory Lane Date
How it works: Look through photos and videos from your relationship. Reminisce about your favorite memories, your first date, funny moments, milestones.
Bonus: Create a shared photo album or scrapbook during the call.
27. Recreate Your First Date
How it works: As closely as possible, recreate your first date virtually. Same food, same outfits if you can, similar conversation topics.
Why it's special: It's nostalgic and reminds you of why you fell for each other.
Making Video Dates Feel More Special: Practical Tips
Create the Right Environment
- Lighting: Soft, warm lighting is more flattering and romantic than harsh overhead lights. Use lamps, string lights, or candles.
- Background: Clean, uncluttered space. Maybe add some plants, photos, or art that creates ambiance.
- Audio: Use headphones for better sound quality and to eliminate echo.
- Camera angle: Position camera at eye level, not looking up your nose.
Make It Feel Like an Event
- Get dressed up (even if it's just from the waist up)
- Do your hair and makeup if that makes you feel good
- Use a nice plate and glass instead of eating from containers
- Put your phone on do not disturb
- Create a playlist for background ambiance
Send a Pre-Date Package
Mail each other something for the date:
- The ingredients for dinner
- A bottle of wine to share
- Candles to light simultaneously
- Matching pajamas for a cozy movie night
How Often Should You Have Video Call Dates?
This depends on your relationship, but here's a good framework:
- Special date nights: 1-2 times per week where you do a planned activity
- Casual video calls: 2-4 times per week for checking in and chatting
- Quick FaceTime sessions: As often as feels natural
Learn more about finding the right communication frequency.
When Video Call Dates Feel Hard
Some days, video calls feel forced or exhausting. That's normal. Here's what to do:
- Switch to voice only: Sometimes video is too much. An audio-only call while you both do other things can feel easier.
- Take breaks: It's okay to reschedule if you're genuinely too tired.
- Lower expectations: Not every date needs to be elaborate. Sometimes a simple coffee and chat is perfect.
- Address the underlying issue: If video calls consistently feel like a chore, that might signal a deeper relationship issue worth discussing.
For help with difficult conversations, see our guide on navigating arguments long distance.
The Bottom Line
Video call dates will never perfectly replicate being together in person. But with creativity, intention, and effort, they can create genuine connection, romance, and joy.
The best video call dates aren't about having the fanciest setup or the most elaborate plan. They're about being fully present with your partner, creating shared experiences, and making each other feel loved across the miles.
Try one new date idea per week. Mix it up. Ask your partner what they'd enjoy. The goal isn't perfection—it's connection.
More ways to connect: 50 free long-distance date ideas, Staying connected without constant communication, and Understanding love languages in LDRs.