After sharing some virtual meals on Planet Love Match®, couples often consider dinner dates to meet in person. While it sounds simple -- "let's just grab a bite to eat" -- dining together can be a very revealing experience. Here's some helpful advice to keep in mind.

Where to Go

Start by asking your date what type of food they like or if they have anywhere special to suggest. A small, cozy Italian restaurant is usually a safe bet because Italian food is diverse and romantic. However, some say stay away from full meals on a first date and go with smaller snacks like tapas or sushi.

What to Order

No matter what type of restaurant or food selections you decide on, be wary of ingredients that will get stuck in your teeth (parsley, broccoli, cilantro, poppy seeds) or cause bad breath (garlic, onions, citrus juices). Also, if you want to enjoy a glass of wine to loosen up a little bit, pick white rather than red since it can stain teeth and lips.

What to Talk About

You probably don't want to listen to chewing the whole time, so plan ahead with topics to talk about. Discuss things that you're passionate about whether it's your hobby, career, family, places you'd like to travel, etc. Don't turn the date into a job interview with a barrage of questions. Consider sharing a dessert if things are going well to form a closer connection.

Who Pays

A popularly debated dating topic is who should pay on the first date. Always the man? The person who scheduled the date? What if it's an LGBT couple? Typically one person will step up and offer to pay when the check comes so let it happen naturally. Otherwise, be completely fair and ask the server to split the bill.

Some singles are big fans of day dates and suggest lunch or even breakfast meet ups rather than dinner. These are usually shorter, more casual alternatives so give them a try! 

Photo: tuareq