Jennifer: "When I was in college, this cute skater asked me to make dinner with him at his place. We shopped for all the food together, and I helped him make a gourmet veggie pasta dish. We ate by candlelight on the floor of his living room, and afterwards, we climbed on his roof with a bottle of wine to watch the stars. Although we didn't turn out to be lovers for life, we did get in a couple months of wine on his roof (among other things)."

Why it's a great date: When you cook dinner together, you can hide any awkward silences by chopping those carrots a little harder or stirring the pasta sauce. And you get a chance to check out your date's CD collection.

What's the takeaway: The only drawback to these kinds of dates is your proximity to a bedroom. Add a little wine and some good music on the stereo, and it's all too easy to end up horizontal, even if you hadn't planned on it.

Jenny: "My first date with my present boyfriend took place at the hospital. We were with a bunch of friends skateboarding and I thought I was cool, so I attempted an olly and broke my arm. He stayed with me all night. Boom! I fell in love."

Why it's a great date: Group activities are a low-pressure way to get to know someone.

What's the takeaway: Wear protective gear.