Being in a long-distance relationship means getting really good at a few things: coordinating schedules, saying "I miss you," and pretending that watching your partner eat dinner over FaceTime counts as a romantic evening. (And sometimes it does! No judgment.) But when your usual date night options are limited to staring at each other through a screen, coming up with actually fun long-distance date ideas can feel like a full-time job.
Still, just because you can't physically be together doesn't mean you have to put dating each other on hold. In fact, making time for actual dates is especially important when you're miles (or entire time zones) apart. "Dates help keep the spark going and remind you both, 'You matter to me, and I'm making time for us,'" says Robin Ducharme, president of Real Love Ready and author of Real Love Ready: A Guide to Relational Literacy.
And no, that doesn't mean every virtual date needs to involve an elaborate plan, matching outfits, or a reservation for some wildly specific online experience. Sometimes it's about trying something new together, and sometimes it's just about finding a way to make your usual quality time feel a little more special.
Whether you're navigating a long-distance relationship, getting to know someone who lives a few states away, or just looking for something more exciting than your 47th "so, how was your day?" FaceTime call, these 45 long-distance date ideas will help you feel a little closer, even when you're nowhere near each other.
45 Long-Distance Date Ideas to Try
1. Get your birth charts read and compare.
Whether you're an astrology girlie or think Mercury retrograde is just an excuse for people to act unhinged, comparing birth charts can make for a surprisingly fun date night. Have your charts read by an astrologer (or pull them up online for free), then hop on FaceTime to compare notes. Are your signs supposedly compatible? Does your partner's moon sign explain literally everything about them? Do you believe any of it? Honestly, half the fun is debating how accurate your readings actually are.
2. Make shadow boxes together.
A shadow box is basically a deep picture frame that lets you display actual objects, not just photos. Separately, collect a handful of sweet mementos from your relationship—postcards, Polaroids, photo booth strips, movie tickets, love notes, a matchbook from your first date spot, etc.—then hop on FaceTime to go down memory lane and chat about why you picked each thing. Arrange your keepsakes in your respective shadow boxes, and voilà: You've spent an evening reminiscing about your favorite memories and ended up with some cute new home decor. Win/win.
3. Take a virtual cheese pairing class together.
Cheese pairing is an art, okay? And learning how different cheeses pair with different snacks or drinks will be useful for, like, ever—especially if you love to host! Taking a virtual cheese pairing class together gives you the chance to learn something new, spend some quality time with your person, and eat delicious cheese. I see no cons!
Do some internet sleuthing to see if any local cheese shops offer virtual classes, or browse Eventbrite for online options. You can also DIY the whole thing by picking out a few cheeses and accompaniments, then hopping on FaceTime to taste-test and compare notes.
4. Make mood boards together.
Does your partner know the glory of Pinterest? No? Introduce them to it by having a mood board night together. Agree on a theme—your ideal wardrobe? Dream vacation? Future home? Potential wedding?! Then make your respective mood boards and share screens when you're done so you can see what exactly the inside of their brain looks like.
5. Chill in VR.
Turns out, virtual reality is kinda magical at making it feel like you're actually hanging out in person. If you both have VR headsets, you can explore entirely new worlds together without leaving your respective homes.
Many VR platforms allow for voice communication, so you can chat and react in real time as you play immersive games, explore virtual environments, or just hang out together. Platforms like VRChat let you meet up as avatars, which is about as close as you can get to an IRL date without actually being in the same room. Plus, there's something kinda romantic about exploring a whole new world with your person, even if you're technically both sitting on your couches.
6. Do an online escape room.
Test your teamwork (and get an idea of how well you'd fare together if, say, a zombie apocalypse actually happened) with an online escape room. Choose a theme, hop on a video call, and work together to solve puzzles and crack codes before time runs out. It's a fun way to get a little competitive, see how well you work together under pressure, and potentially discover that one of you is absolutely useless in a crisis. Romantic!
7. Have a project night.
Chances are you both have some stuff you need to get done around your respective places, so go on; use your date night to give your space a refresh. It might not seem the sexiest, but you'll find painting a wall, hanging up pictures, or making a little coffee bar is a lot more fun with your partner on a video call in the background to offer feedback while accomplishing their own tasks. Don't forget—pizza and beer are a must after an evening like this, so order your S.O.'s favorite pie to arrive at their doorstep as the work is winding down.
8. Host a remote dinner party.
If I've learned anything from marathoning Desperate Housewives more times than I'd care to admit, it's that nothing brings couples together quite like a dinner party. (Or tears them apart, depending on the guest list.) Invite some other couples to have a virtual dinner party where you all prepare the same meal together (or order similar takeout) and then dine over video chat. It's a fun way to have a double or group date night, even when you're miles apart. Bonus points if everyone dresses up like they're actually leaving the house.
9. Learn a new language.
You know what's hot? Talking to each other in a "secret" language. Whether you make one up or decide to learn an actual language together, having the shared goal of communicating in a new way can bring you closer. Download a language-learning app, practice together over FaceTime, and see who can master the most phrases before your next date. If you have dreams of traveling together one day, you're basically already studying for it now. Win-win.
10. Go on a virtual museum tour.
Just because you can't wander around a museum together in person doesn't mean you have to miss out on the most cultural date ever, dammit! Many museums offer virtual tours and online collections, which means you can admire art and exhibits from your couch (and without worrying about being too loud). Pick a museum, explore its galleries online together, then flex your art critic muscles by sharing your completely unsolicited opinions on the different pieces.
11. Do an online trivia night.
Trivia is a fun way to learn new facts and challenge each other's knowledge, all while getting feisty and competitive. Join an online trivia night or use a trivia website or app to compete against each other. You can also team up against other players if your relationship consists of—ahem—multiple bad losers.
12. Have a day of pampering.
In a dream world, you'd whisk your lover away for some indulgence at a luxury spa. Since that's likely not an option considering the whole long-distance thing, why not plan an at-home spa day from afar? Send them some relaxing goodies (like sheet masks, scented candles, and bath bombs), draw a bath in your respective homes, and unwind "together" over FaceTime. Matching robes are optional but highly encouraged.
13. Put on a fashion show.
You each pick three outfits from your closets: one casual, one fancy, and one completely ridiculous. (Think: an outfit you'd wear to meet the president, attend your ex's wedding, or survive a zombie apocalypse.) Then take turns walking your respective runways over FaceTime while the other person plays fashion critic. It's basically your own private episode of Project Runway, except nobody gets eliminated and you don't actually have to leave the house.
14. Have a PowerPoint party.
Before your date, each of you should create a separate PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation about a subject you're passionate about. On the date, pour yourselves a drink and take turns presenting your slideshows in the form of a very serious "lecture." Maybe yours is about "The History of the Duck Face Selfie" or "One Direction 101." Whatever you choose, try to pick something fun and silly that will have you both laughing your faces off. Bonus points for including unnecessarily dramatic transitions and a Q&A portion.
15. Go on a park date.
If the weather is nice, why not get some sunshine? Each of you can pack a drink, snacks, and a blanket, then FaceTime once you're comfortably settled into your respective picnic spots. It's almost like you're lounging together IRL, good eats and all. To make things feel even more like a shared date, you can send each other your favorite snacks ahead of time or order surprise takeout to enjoy together. Just don't forget to charge your phones first.
16. Do some collaging!
TBH, arts and crafts are always a win. Make sure you and your partner have enough old magazines, newspapers, stickers, receipts, and shopping bags at your disposal. (Anything you can use to decorate goes!) Then, on your virtual date, spend time cutting up scraps and making them into collages. You can even come up with themes: your dream life together, vacation goals, bedroom inspiration, or a collection of images that remind you of your S.O. At the end of your date, take turns presenting your masterpieces to each other.
17. Have a wine and paint night.
All you need is wine, some art supplies, and a little creativity. You can follow along with a painting tutorial on YouTube or do your own thing. You could even pick a picture or memory that's special to you (like your favorite vacation spot or the place you first met) and each paint your own interpretation of it. Afterward, mail your paintings to each other to hang up! If painting isn't your thing, try making pottery with air-dry clay or just vibe while filling in some coloring books.
18. Recreate your first date from afar.
Remember your first date? The awkward flirting, the nervous excitement, the moment you realized you actually liked this person? Why not recreate it, long-distance style? Order food from the same type of restaurant, wear something similar to what you wore that night, and hop on FaceTime to reminisce about your first impressions of each other. You can even ask the same getting-to-know-you questions you did back then (and see how much your answers have changed). It's nostalgic, romantic, and a cute reminder of how far you've come, even if you're currently miles apart.
19. Do a virtual wine tasting.
Hi, yes, virtual wine tastings are a thing, and they're a thing you should definitely be doing. You and your partner can sign up for an online tasting, order the same wines ahead of time, and follow along together as you sip your way through the different flavors and pairings. Or, if you'd rather DIY it, each pick up a few similar bottles and take turns pretending you're professional sommeliers over FaceTime. Try some great wines, brush up on your vino knowledge, and bond with your person, all without leaving the house? Believe it.
20. Have a virtual drawing challenge.
You don't have to be remotely artistic for this one. In fact, it's probably funnier if you're not. Pull up a shared online whiteboard or drawing game and take turns giving each other ridiculous prompts to illustrate. Think: your partner as a cartoon villain, your dream wedding cake, or what your future dog would look like if it had a corporate job. Set a timer, reveal your masterpieces, and prepare to learn some deeply concerning things about each other's artistic abilities.
21. Break out a deck of conversation cards.
Whether you've been together forever or you're just getting to know each other a deck of conversation cards can help you deepen your connection. Try {THE AND} conversation cards from The Skin Deep, or grab whatever deck you have on hand. Take turns answering prompts that are funny, deep, or a little spicy, depending on your mood. You might be surprised by what you learn about someone you thought you knew everything about.
22. Plan a trip together.
If you're in an LDR, planning a future visit is one way to feel connected. Talking about the types of vacations you like can help you get to know your person better. Browse hotels or vacation rentals together, make a list of things you want to do, and start building your dream itinerary. Even if you can't book anything just yet, it's nice to have something to look forward to.
23. Take a walk together.
Okay, so you might have to get out of your pajamas for this one. (Or not, you do you.) You and your partner can both take a walk or go on a hike while you chat, stopping to point out interesting things or show off the views. It's a good way to get your blood pumping and spend some quality time together without spending another hour staring at each other on a screen.
24. Do some Mad Libs. (No, really, this is a serious suggestion.)
If you've never done a Mad Lib, all I can tell you is you're missing out. Yes, they're technically for children, but I promise they're just as fun (and absurd) now as they were when you were a kid at camp. Grab a few Mad Libs or find some free versions online, then settle in for a silly evening of laughter and probably a lot of fart jokes. What? It's called romance.
25. Play a game of truth or dare.
If, on the other hand, you're looking for something a little more flirty, might we suggest a round of truth or dare? Take turns asking juicy questions or coming up with ridiculous challenges you can complete over video chat. Whether you're confessing your most embarrassing crush or daring your partner to perform a dramatic reenactment of your first kiss, it's a fun way to keep things interesting. Need inspiration? We've got a whole list of truth or dare questions to get you started. You're welcome.
26. Get to know each other better via Spotify.
"Remember when we used to make mixtapes for our partners? Nowadays, we make playlists!" says Ducharme. Using Spotify's Jam feature, you can listen to music together in real time, even when you're miles apart (though you'll both need Spotify Premium to join remotely). Take turns playing songs that remind you of each other, or use prompts like "Play a song that reminds you of our first date" or "Play a song that describes how you felt when we met." It's basically a modern-day mixtape, except you get to explain your questionable song choices in real time.
27. Have yourselves a dance party.
Now that you've got a shared playlist of your favorite songs, it's time to host your very own LDR dance party. Whether it's an elegant evening, a living-room rave, or something nostalgic like a prom theme, get dressed up, cue the playlist, and let loose together over video chat. Show each other your silliest moves and maybe make up a routine to perform together the next time you see each other in person.
28. Have a podcast listening party.
If your music tastes don't overlap—say, you're into Taylor Swift and they're more of a Tchaikovsky stan—try listening to a podcast together instead! Choose a show that sounds interesting to you both, listen to an episode, and then hop on a call to discuss it. Whether it's true crime, comedy, science, or pop culture, a good podcast can spark conversations you might never have otherwise. Lively debates and deeply unnecessary arguments about the host's opinions are highly encouraged.
29. Take a virtual cooking class together.
The idea here is that you're doing things you'd normally do together IRL...just virtually. And since food is the way to everyone's heart (or at least mine), why not sign up for an online cooking class together? Find a virtual class that sounds good to both of you, gather your ingredients, and hop on a video call to cook along from your respective kitchens. You might learn a new recipe, discover that your partner has absolutely no idea how to chop an onion, or both. Either way, dinner's handled.
30. Create a couples bucket list.
Sure, you probably have a running list of things you want to do the next time you're together, but why not dream a little bigger? Hop on FaceTime and make a shared bucket list of everything you want to experience as a couple, from traveling to Japan to adopting a dog to finally trying that restaurant you've been talking about for years. Mix in some totally unrealistic ideas, too, because half the fun is seeing what your partner comes up with. Who knows? You might discover a few dreams you didn't even know you shared.
31. Take the love languages test together.
This one's surprisingly fun to do together (and I speak from experience). Take the quiz online and then share your answers with each other. You might discover that one of you loves receiving gifts while the other would much rather spend uninterrupted time together, or that you've been showing affection in ways your partner doesn't necessarily recognize. Love languages aren't an exact science, but they can be a fun starting point for talking about what makes each of you feel appreciated. Oh, and when you're done, take the apology languages test next.
32. Arrange a fancy virtual date night.
Make it an all-out black-tie date night at home, because sometimes being all dressed up with nowhere to go is a fun way to remind each other how good you look. Use it as an excuse to put on some makeup, slip into your fave outfit, and get your S.O. on video chat in their finest attire.
Don't forget to set the mood with a romantic playlist, some candles, and a bottle of champagne (or whatever you're drinking). Then order each other a surprise food delivery you can enjoy together in front of the camera. Who says you need to leave the house to have a fancy dinner date?
33. Start a recipe exchange.
Create a shared Google Doc and fill it with both of your favorite recipes. For date night, choose a recipe to make "together" in your respective kitchens, with the partner whose recipe it is offering tips along the way. "Trying something new together gives you an experience you can share, even from different places," says Ducharme. Food is love, even if you can't enjoy the fruits of your labor at the same table right now.
34. Play online games together.
If you like a little friendly competition, there are tons of online games you can play with your partner, no matter where you're located. Cardzmania offers a bunch of online card games, from gin rummy to hearts. Or you can do a puzzle together virtually, chatting over FaceTime as you decide which piece goes where. If your LDR spans different time zones, Words With Friends lets you take turns whenever you're free and keep the game going on your own time.
35. Mail a care package.
Send your person a customized care package to show you're thinking of them from way over here. You could fill a box with their favorite snacks, a cozy blanket, some photos of you together, and a handwritten note, or get really creative and curate a themed vacation-in-a-box.
For instance, if you've been dying to go to Italy together, mail a package containing some pasta, an apron, and a bottle of fancy olive oil. Then hop on FaceTime, cook dinner together, and enjoy your virtual "vacay" while planning your next real couples getaway.
36. Start a two-person book club.
Choose a book you'll both enjoy and read it at the same time. Then pick a date to finish it by and schedule a virtual book club discussion (cheese and wine optional, but, like, is it?). It's similar to watching a show together but requires a little more dedication and can spark some surprisingly deep conversations along the way.
37. Create a shared photo album.
Set up a collaborative photo album on your phones, then go through the pics while you're on a video call together. You can curate old snapshots from fun times you've had together or walk down memory lane by including childhood photos, embarrassing school pictures, and evidence of your questionable high school fashion choices.
38. Start an online journal.
Even though you likely have regular check-ins, starting an online journal is a really fun way to share all the little, seemingly unimportant but actually major moments throughout your days, even when you're far apart. Add photos, include videos, and write down your random thoughts during the week, then hop on FaceTime to chat about your additions together. Whether you use a private digital journal or a simple shared note, it's a sweet way to give your partner a glimpse into the everyday stuff they don't get to experience with you.
39. Send a coupon book.
To make your next reunion even more exciting, create a personalized coupon book for your partner filled with favors and activities they can "cash in" on the next time you're together in person. The coupons can be a mix of flirty ("Good for one full-body massage") and sweet ("Good for one home-cooked meal, dishes included"). You can even throw in a few ridiculous ones, like "Good for one argument in which I admit you're right." Use them wisely.
40. Exchange scents.
Our sense of smell is strongly connected to memory, so why not exchange mini bottles of your favorite perfumes or colognes through the mail? That way, you can get a little reminder of your person whenever you're missing them. You could even spray their scent on a sweatshirt or pillow for an extra dose of comfort. And if neither of you has a signature scent, make a date out of picking fragrances for each other and comparing notes once they arrive.
41. Motivate each other to sweat.
If you can't be IRL gym buddies, holding each other accountable for your fitness goals is the next best thing. Sign up for the same virtual yoga or barre class, challenge each other to a step-count competition, or go for runs while chatting on the phone. Whether you're working toward a shared goal or just trying to get moving, it's a fun way to encourage each other from afar.
42. Marathon-watch the same TV show.
It's Netflix and chill, but from afar. Use a watch-party tool like Teleparty to sync up your streaming sessions, then pick a show neither of you has seen and settle in for a marathon. You can react to plot twists together, send commentary in real time, and argue about which character is obviously going to betray everyone. Just make sure you're both watching on a supported streaming service.
43. Go house hunting.
If you're planning for a future together, why not start looking for your dream home? Plenty of real estate listings offer virtual tours, so you can explore potential places together without leaving your respective couches.
And even if you're nowhere near actually buying a house, there's nothing stopping you from sending each other Zillow listings for wildly expensive mansions and debating whether you really need six bathrooms. Consider it a little window into your potential future together (and each other's questionable real estate priorities).
44. Pick up a new hobby together.
Being away from your person is a great excuse to become experts in something new and find additional ways to connect. Sign up for an online class together, whether it's photography, cross-stitching, baking, or something neither of you has ever tried before. The process of learning a new skill together gives you something to work toward, talk about, and potentially show off the next time you're together in person.
45. Stargaze "together."
There's something pretty romantic about looking up at the night sky and knowing your person is doing the same thing somewhere else. Grab a blanket, head outside, and call your partner while you look for constellations or point out the brightest stars you can see. Depending on where you both live, your views might look a little different, but that's part of the fun. And if you're lucky enough to spot the same constellation? Well, that's pretty damn cute.