Back to Situations

Discussing Future Dates

A couple is talking about ideas for upcoming dates, brainstorming activities, events, or places they both would like to experience together.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
So, we've had a great time this week. Any thoughts on what we should do for our next date?
2
Tom (Male)
I've been thinking about that! You mentioned wanting to try that new Italian place downtown, 'Bella Luna'.
3
Sarah (Female)
Oh, yes! I completely forgot about that. I heard their pasta is incredible.
4
Tom (Male)
Right? And after dinner, we could catch a movie. There are a couple of new releases out.
5
Sarah (Female)
A dinner and a movie classic! I like it. Or, if we're feeling more adventurous, what about that escape room you talked about?
6
Tom (Male)
Oh, the 'Mystery Mansion' one? That would be fun! We'd definitely have to work together on that.
7
Sarah (Female)
Exactly! It would be a great test of our teamwork. Plus, it's something different.
8
Tom (Male)
True. So, Bella Luna and a movie, or Mystery Mansion? Which one are you leaning towards for next weekend?
9
Sarah (Female)
Hmm, I think the escape room sounds really exciting. Let's do that next! And maybe save Bella Luna for the following week?
10
Tom (Male)
Sounds like a plan! I'll look into booking the escape room for us. I'm already looking forward to it.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

date

A romantic meeting or outing with someone you like. In this dialogue, it means planning time together with a partner.

thoughts

Ideas or opinions about something. Here, it's used to ask for suggestions, like 'Any thoughts on...?' which is a polite way to seek input.

mentioned

To have talked about something before. It's useful for referring back to past conversations, e.g., 'You mentioned wanting to...'

incredible

Extremely good or amazing. In the dialogue, it describes the pasta, showing enthusiasm for food or experiences.

adventurous

Willing to try exciting or risky activities. Used here to suggest something more fun and different than usual plans.

escape room

A game where people solve puzzles to 'escape' a room. It's a popular activity for dates, emphasizing fun and teamwork.

teamwork

Working together cooperatively to achieve a goal. In this context, it highlights how couples can bond through shared challenges.

leaning towards

To prefer or be inclined to choose one option over another. A casual way to express a slight preference in decisions.

booking

Reserving a place or time in advance. Essential for planning dates, like booking a restaurant or activity.

looking forward to

To feel excited about something upcoming. A common phrase to express anticipation, e.g., for a future event.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Any thoughts on what we should do for our next date?

This is a polite question to ask for suggestions. It uses 'any thoughts on' to invite ideas, useful for planning with friends or partners. The structure is interrogative with 'what we should do' for future suggestions.

I've been thinking about that!

A enthusiastic response showing you've considered the topic. 'I've been thinking' is present perfect continuous for ongoing actions. Great for showing engagement in conversations.

You mentioned wanting to try that new Italian place downtown.

Refers to a previous conversation to build on it. 'Mentioned wanting to' uses gerund after 'wanting' for desires. Useful for reminding someone of their interests in planning.

I completely forgot about that.

Admits overlooking something with 'completely' for emphasis. Simple past tense. Common in casual talks to show surprise or apology lightly.

Right? And after dinner, we could catch a movie.

'Right?' seeks agreement, and 'we could' suggests a possibility politely. 'Catch a movie' is idiomatic for watching one. Ideal for proposing sequences in plans.

If we're feeling more adventurous, what about that escape room?

Suggests an alternative with a conditional 'if we're feeling.' 'What about' introduces ideas casually. Useful for offering exciting options in decision-making.

That would be a great test of our teamwork.

Hypothetical future with 'would be' for imagined situations. Explains benefits of an activity. Good for discussing how plans strengthen relationships.

Which one are you leaning towards?

Asks for preference using present continuous 'are leaning' for current inclination. Practical for narrowing choices in group planning.

Sounds like a plan!

Agrees to a decision enthusiastically. Idiomatic expression for confirmation. Short and common in informal agreements about future actions.

I'm already looking forward to it.

Expresses excitement with present continuous 'am looking forward.' 'Already' adds immediacy. A positive way to end planning talks and build anticipation.