Do you like getting dressed up and going somewhere fancy? Would you rather keep things casual? Do you like spending a lot of money on dates, or do you try to keep them free/cheap? Examples are great.

It depends. If it's a first date, I'm not going to spend too much because I don't know how well we're going to hit it off. But, I do like to get dressed up and look cool. I want her to feel like she's with the coolest guy in the place.

I never take a date to a bar where she'll be hit every time I have to use the bathroom.

After we've started a sexual relationship, I'll spend more on a date. But, I'll spend less too sometimes. It's all about feeling connected to the other person. So, popcorn and a DVD at my place can be as good a date as a weekend in Barbados.

I think a mix of those kind of dates is the best way to go. I don't get dressed up too often, but it can be fun.

First dates should always be casual and cheap. If you have a common interest, like art or movies or music, that's the best way to go. The place can be a good conversation starter as opposed to just going out for lunch or coffee.

I'm not specifically talking about first dates, but yes, I agree they should be casual.

I'm not a big fan of getting dressed up or fancy expensive dates. If I'm gonna do expensive I would prefer a weekend getaway.

I prefer spontaneous dates, no plans, no destination just up and go.

I think that the best dates are spontaneous dates...example: fair is in town, a day at the beach, a short road trip with a picnic lunch, and even just renting movies and cooking or ordering a pizza. They seem more fun to me than spending the evening getting ready and going to a fancy dinner.

same

give me casual/laid back any time.

a bed-n-breakfast/live theatre combo is always a good choice for getting fancy/dressed up.

I've went hiking on a first date and down a toboggan run-both fun things to do. I don't want to find out your life history on a first date. It should be more about having fun with someone new with no expectations.

I, for one, am tired of the sitting and eating and drinking and feeling like I am up for a job interview. The first date is about seeing if you can get along, if there is any chemistry and if you would want a second date.

Dates with someone you've been going out with. Surprises are always nice. Simple things please me. Going for a walk, hunting for mushrooms, kayaking on a lake, playing bingo, visiting an art gallery, antique shops, driving anywhere new, trivia contests at the local bar, the zoo, having a snowball fight, ice fishing in a shanty-although it seems not a lot of fishing going on, attemping to cook a meal together, cards, board games or working out at the gym.

I prefer casual...I really don't like for a first meeting to be dinner or lunch, it's not much fun to try to get to know someone and talk while eating....some place where we can walk around, or even sit..and still be able to talk. And I dress down for a first meeting, no need to get all dressed up when there is a possibility that it could only last 15 minutes. If someone is going to enjoy my company enough to want a second date, what I'm wearing isn't going to be a factor.

I make an effort to look as good as I can all the time. I'm almost always in a blazer, a cool shirt and wicked pimp shoes. I love doing it. I enjoy the looks I get from strange women. When I dress up I feel better and when others notice and comment on it I'm pumped even more.

If I'm meeting a woman for a first date and she hasn't made any effort to look good there won't be a second date. In fact, I'll probably be cutting the first one short.

I like casual, maybe a bar and have a drink or two, then
maybe go eat something at Denny's

And ignore your date to talk to and become smitten with the cop on the next stool.

What does making an effort mean to you then...you like to get all dressed up and you think your date should be to? I posted right before you that I dress down for the reason that a first meeting may only last 15 minutesa..bla bla bla, no need to re type it.

If I am clean, makeup applied, hair and teeth brushed but am not wearing a little black dress and heels you would cut the date short..
How do you come to the conclusion on how much effort she put into looking good?

Hey now, quit starting those rumors

If she shows up in an outfit I think is not appropriate for the venue I have in mind, yes the date is over.

I would think it's a way for him to weed out who he might not be interested in. Some people do like to dress up more than others and want their dates to do the same. I don't see a problem with that.

I'm not seeing a problem with it either..I'm asking how is the effort determined...how an outfit determines how much effort went into getting ready. Someone may spend 2 hours getting everything done and 5 minutes to get dressed. Another may spend 10 minutes getting everything ready and wear a fancy outfit.
I'm not seeing any problem..I'm asking a question.

If you have a decided venue, a specific place in mind then I can understand your thinking..what if you were meeting for a cup of coffee? You like to dress up and wear a blazer, dress like that all the time.. for coffee to? would you want her to dress the same for something like that?