It’s safe to say that the recent pandemic has created a new normal for society. At the very least, it taught a valuable lesson on the importance of staying connected to our loved ones despite not being able to physically spend time with them. Enter virtual dating — a phenomenon that experienced a significant uptick during the days of the pandemic and social distancing.

As the pandemic gets further in the past, the concept of virtual dating has remained. Especially as more and more people turn to online platforms to keep their love lives alive and thriving. Unfortunately, the surge in online interaction has resulted in a surge in online scams. These nefarious deeds make the need for enhanced security measures all the more essential.

That’s where apps like Burner step into the picture, providing users with a second phone number and safeguarding their primary contact details for a secure online dating experience. This article explores some exciting and unique virtual date ideas, perfect for couples looking to go on a long-distance date.

Why Go On a Virtual Date? Unveiling the Benefits and Opportunities

Despite the worst of the pandemic being behind us, virtual dating appears to be a trend that’s here to stay. There are several reasons and unique benefits of virtual dating that make it a valid option for people going on a first date with someone they met online or a standard date with a partner that’s out of town.

For starters, virtual dates are a safe way to navigate the world of online dating. With the rise of romance scams, keeping your guard up is more crucial than ever. Going on virtual dates before giving out your personal information allows you to get to know someone without risking your safety.

Virtual dates also provide unique opportunities that traditional old-school dating can't match. You can explore a virtual museum tour in France, watch a live concert stream in New York, or even enjoy a Netflix party movie night — all from the comfort of your living room. These shared experiences allow you to connect with your significant other or a new love interest in a whole new way, fostering deeper connections.

Moreover, virtual date ideas are surprisingly versatile and can be tailored to suit your interests. Maybe you're a pair of foodies interested in a virtual cooking class, or perhaps you’re game enthusiasts excited about an online game night. Music lovers might be keen on sharing a Spotify playlist; there are countless fun virtual date ideas for everyone.

8 Virtual Date Night Ideas

Virtual date nights might sound like a complicated and futuristic thing. But the truth is that they’re incredibly simple. All that you’re doing is conducting a video call (with Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime) with someone at a scheduled time. That’s it. Now, what you decide to do via video chat is where the fun begins.

Here are eight examples of the virtual date nights to give you an idea of the possibilities:

1. A Netflix Party or Teleparty Movie Night

What better way to bond over shared interests than with a good film or binge-worthy TV show? Netflix Party, now known as Teleparty, is a browser extension that allows you to watch movies or TV shows on Netflix in sync with your date, no matter the distance.

Plus, it features a chat function for real-time reactions and discussions - a fantastic way to gauge your compatibility based on your taste in films or series.

Consider a classic love story, a comedy to keep things light, or a thriller for an edge-of-your-seat experience. From new releases to Netflix originals, the options are endless. The key to success here is to select something that both of you will enjoy.

2. Long-Distance Game Night

If you're looking for a more interactive virtual date, go for a long-distance game night. Online board games and trivia have seen a surge in popularity since the pandemic began, offering an enjoyable way to spend time together and ignite friendly competition.

Websites like Tabletopia and Board Game Arena provide access to hundreds of online board games, while apps like QuizUp and Trivia Crack are excellent for trivia buffs.

To make your game night a success, use the Zoom or Skype screen-sharing function so you can both view the game board. Don't forget to set the mood with a fun playlist in the background to keep the energy high.

3. Virtual Cooking Class or Dinner Date

For foodies, a virtual cooking class or dinner date might be the perfect idea. Websites like MasterClass offer online cooking lessons from world-renowned chefs, allowing you to learn a new skill together and indulge in a delectable meal. Choose a class that matches your culinary interests, gather the necessary ingredients, and enjoy creating something delicious together.

For those who prefer to skip the cooking, ordering take-out from each other's favorite restaurant is another excellent option. This way, you get to share a meal together while introducing your date to your favorite foods — a wonderful conversation starter.

Perhaps you’d enjoy a virtual wine tasting, where you both purchase the same wines and taste them together over video chat. It's a fun, sensory experience that can lead to engaging conversations about flavor profiles and personal preferences.

For any of these ideas, set up a video call using FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype. Create a romantic atmosphere with low lighting, candles, or even dressing up to make the night feel special.

4. Virtual Tours

Why not tour the Louvre or experience an escape room without ever leaving your living room? Virtual tours offer an exciting way to explore the world together from the comfort of your own homes. Many world-renowned museums and galleries, such as the Louvre, offer virtual tours that can spark fascinating conversations about art, culture, and history.

Virtual escape rooms have also gained popularity in recent years, providing a fun and interactive experience that puts your problem-solving skills to the test. Websites like The Escape Game offer a variety of themed rooms that can be played remotely, giving you and your date a unique challenge to solve together.

5. Playlist Exchange or Virtual Concert

Music is a universal language that brings people together. Why not use Spotify to exchange playlists and explore each other's music tastes? Sharing your favorite songs can be a deeply personal experience and provide insight into personalities, memories, and emotions.

Alternatively, attending a live stream concert can make for a thrilling date night. Many artists are offering virtual performances, bringing the magic of live music right to your living room. Whether it's your favorite band or an artist you've both been wanting to check out, this can be a bonding experience unlike any other.

6. Online Games and Challenges

Playing online games like scavenger hunts or Pictionary is another great way to inject some fun into your virtual dates. For instance, you could create a list of items for each other to find within your respective homes or draw pictures and guess what they represent in a game of Pictionary.

Truth or dare is an old-school game that can also be played virtually. It's a great way to learn more about each other in a playful and casual setting. Similarly, taking online personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Enneagram test can offer intriguing insights into each other's character traits.

If you're looking for more playful and contemporary challenges, explore the world of TikTok. The platform offers a plethora of viral challenges that you and your significant other can try out, from dance-offs to lip-sync battles. Not only will you share a good laugh, but you'll also create some memorable moments along the way.

7. Book Club Date

One unique virtual date idea is creating a book club with your significant other. This involves choosing a book that you both will read and setting up regular times to discuss your thoughts about the narrative, themes, characters, and more. You can do this over a video call, perhaps while sipping on your favorite beverages to mimic the feel of a cozy, in-person book club.

For a romantic twist, select love stories or romantic novels. Some heartwarming options include Nicholas Sparks' "The Notebook," Jojo Moyes' "Me Before You," and "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Discussing these stories could help stimulate intellectual conversation and potentially open up deeper discussions about your views on love and relationships.

8. Learn a New Skill Together

There's something uniquely bonding about learning a new skill together. Whether it's cooking, coding, learning a new language, or even mastering a TikTok dance, this activity can make your virtual dates fun, productive, and rewarding. You can find various tutorials online on platforms like YouTube or the aforementioned MasterClass, which you can follow along with simultaneously while on a video call.

Learning together has its benefits, especially for long-distance couples. It gives you a common goal to work towards, encouraging cooperation and teamwork. It also provides a sense of shared accomplishment once you've both mastered the skill. This can strengthen your bond and make you feel more connected, despite the physical distance.

How To Ensure a Smooth and Enjoyable Virtual Date

Preparing for a virtual date might feel a bit daunting at first, but it's actually a fantastic opportunity to connect and have fun with your loved one, even if you're miles apart. By taking a few essential steps, your virtual date will be smooth and enjoyable.

The first step to a successful virtual date is to make sure both parties are comfortable with the chosen platform. You might use a platform like Zoom, Skype, or Facetime for your video chat. It's always wise to do a test run beforehand to avoid any technical glitches during your actual date. Remember, nothing kills the mood faster than a frozen screen or garbled audio.

Setting the atmosphere is also crucial. Choose a quiet location where you won't be disturbed, and use some creative ideas to set the mood. This could be arranging a comfortable seating area, using candles for soft lighting, or creating a themed background that matches your planned activities.

As with any relationship, communication is key. Beyond text messages and video chats, regular phone calls play a critical role in building a stronger emotional connection. The sound of your loved one's voice, their laughter, and their words spoken in real time can create a deeper sense of intimacy.

However, with online dating, privacy, and security are also essential points. This is where the Burner app comes into play. The app provides a second phone number, allowing you to keep your personal number secure. You can engage in those meaningful conversations that foster compatibility and connection without worrying about your privacy being compromised.

Embracing the New Normal of Dating

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, adapting to new ways of creating and maintaining connections is essential. Virtual dating has emerged as a new normal, offering unique and engaging experiences for those in long-distance relationships or those navigating the dating scene amidst social distancing guidelines.

The virtual date ideas presented in this article provide opportunities to create memorable experiences, regardless of the physical distance. Whether you're hosting a Netflix party, participating in a virtual cooking class, sharing playlists, or learning a new, cool skill together, these activities aren't just reactive measures to the current pandemic. They are inventive ways to inject fun into your relationship and create lasting memories.

For those embarking on this journey of virtual dating, the Burner app can help ensure your experiences are both enjoyable and secure. A separate phone number for your dating endeavors helps maintain your privacy and keeps your personal information safe.

So, why not embrace these unique virtual date ideas and add some spice to your long-distance relationship? With Burner, you can venture into the exciting world of virtual dating with confidence and peace of mind.

Try out Burner's free seven-day trial today and discover how it can enhance your dating experiences.

Sources:

Love Under Lockdown: Facebook ‘Virtual Dates’ To Help Users Find Quarantine Dream Partner | USA Today

The Changing Spaces of Dating Apps since COVID-19 | | Vanderbilt University

Online Tours | Louvre

MBTI Basics | The Myers & Briggs Foundation

Relationships and Communication | Better Health Channel