How Speed Dating Works
Everything you need to know before your first NYC speed dating event.
Choose an event
Pick an event that matches your age group, borough preference, and community. Book early — NYC speed dating events sell out.
Prepare 3–5 conversation starters
You'll have 3–7 minutes per mini-date. Have a few interesting questions ready: "What's the most interesting thing you've done this month?" works well.
Arrive 10 minutes early
Check in, get your scorecard and nametag, grab a drink. Arriving early lets you settle in before the rotations start.
Participate in mini-dates
The organizer signals the start and end of each mini-date. Rotate through every participant. Mark your scorecard during or after each rotation.
Submit your matches
After the event, enter your "yes" matches on the organizer's website. If both parties said yes, you'll get each other's contact info.
Follow up within 24 hours
If you matched with someone, send a message while the event is fresh. Keep it brief and reference something from your conversation.
Tips for NYC Speed Dating Success
- ★ Be genuinely curious, not performative. Ask follow-up questions.
- ★ Don't spend all 7 minutes talking about work — show your whole personality.
- ★ It's OK to say "yes" to someone as a friend, not a romantic match.
- ★ If the conversation isn't clicking, be warm but don't force it.
- ★ Bring a pen — organizers provide scorecards but pens run out.
- ★ Treat every mini-date as its own conversation, not a tryout.