I’ll be honest — the first time I tried speed dating, I panicked. My mind went blank. All the witty, clever things I thought I’d say… gone. I ended up asking someone if they liked bread. Yes, bread. Surprisingly, it got a laugh, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on carbs to keep the conversation going.
The truth is, speed dating is this wild mix of nerves, curiosity, and a ticking clock in the background. You’ve got a few minutes to make an impression, and you don’t want to waste them with boring “So… what do you do?” small talk. That’s why I started collecting the best speed dating questions — the kind that actually open the door to fun, meaningful conversations instead of awkward silence.
Why Good Questions Matter More Than You Think
It’s simple: good questions get good answers. But great questions? They get stories, emotions, little quirks you’d never notice otherwise. And in speed dating, that’s gold.
I’ve seen people come alive when asked something unexpected — like “What’s your go-to karaoke song?” Suddenly they’re telling you about a drunken night in Bali singing Bon Jovi with strangers. That’s way better than hearing, “Uh, I work in accounting.”
So… here are my handpicked1 22 best speed dating questions that have actually worked for me (and friends who’ve tried them).
1. The Ice-Breaker Weirdness Question
“If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?”
It sounds silly — because it is. And that’s the point. It loosens people up. Someone once told me “spicy mint chocolate chip” and I still don’t know what that means, but I’m intrigued.
2. The Music Hook
“What’s your go-to karaoke song?”
It’s playful, but it also hints at their personality. Someone who says “Bohemian Rhapsody” is not the same as someone who says “Baby Shark” (and yes, I’ve heard both answers).
3. Guilty Pleasures Confession
“What’s a guilty pleasure movie or TV show you love?”
These best speed dating questions work because people light up when they talk about their little indulgences. And sometimes it’s a way to bond. Who knew two grown adults could connect over a shared love for bad ‘90s rom-coms?
4. Dream Superpower
“If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”
You’ll learn if they’re more about saving the world… or getting revenge on slow drivers.
5. The Spontaneous Story
“What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?”
I once got a reply involving a midnight flight to Italy because “pasta was calling.” That’s my kind of person.
6. The Quirky Food Twist
“What’s the weirdest food combination you secretly enjoy?”
Great way to slide into a foodie conversation without asking the dreaded “What’s your favorite restaurant?”
7. Sunday Personality Test
“What’s your ideal way to spend a Sunday?”
This is secretly genius — because lazy Sundays reveal a lot. Netflix marathon? Hiking? Brunch with friends? It’s low-key a lifestyle compatibility check.
8. The Pet Debate
“Are you a dog person or a cat person?”
Simple, but trust me, people get passionate about this one.
9. Hobbies Wish List
“What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try?”
I once had someone say “sword fighting.” We still laugh about it.
10. Best Trip Ever
“What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?”
Travel stories are great because they naturally lead to “Where do you want to go next?” — another best speed dating question that keeps the flow going.
11. The Can’t-Live-Without Question
“What’s one thing you couldn’t go a week without doing?”
If they say “coffee,” you’ve already got a coffee date idea.
12. Music Vibes
“What kind of music are you into?”
Classic, yes, but it works. Just don’t judge too fast if they say “country” and you’re all about EDM.
13. Passion Peek
“What’s something you’re really passionate about?”
This is where the energy shifts from small talk to something deeper.
14. Best Advice Ever
“What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?”
Sometimes the answers are thoughtful, sometimes they’re hilarious. One guy told me, “Never trust a man who doesn’t like cheese.”
15. Proud Moment
“What’s one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve accomplished?”
This is more revealing than you think.
16. Dinner with Anyone
“If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?”
It tells you about their heroes, their humor, or sometimes their obsession with certain celebrities.
17. Autobiography Title
“What would be the title of your autobiography?”
Quirky and creative — and sometimes downright weird.
18. The Friendship Lens
“How would your best friend describe you?”
This can be charmingly self-deprecating or ridiculously confident.
19. Future Goals
“What’s a dream you’re working towards right now?”
It’s forward-looking and shows ambition without being too heavy.
20. The Five-Year Question
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
A classic, but in speed dating, it can still be useful — especially if you’re gauging whether they’re more “settle down” or “travel the world.”
21. Skill Wish
“What’s a new skill you’d like to learn?”
Opens up discussions about creativity, ambition, or even silly dreams like “juggling flaming torches.”
22. Dream Job Fantasy
“What would be your dream job if money were no object?”
Sometimes the answers are wild. Mermaid trainer? Professional chocolate taster? Yes, both real answers I’ve heard.
Quick Tips for Making These Work
- Don’t just fire them like rapid bullets. Listen. Ask follow-ups.
- Be ready to answer your own questions too — it’s a two-way thing.
- Avoid awkward, heavy topics like politics or exes.
Speed dating isn’t about finding “the one” in five minutes. It’s about making enough of an impression that they want to keep talking to you later. And the best speed dating questions? They’re the ones that spark laughter, curiosity, and maybe just a little bit of mystery.
FAQS
What are the best questions to ask at speed dating?
Ones that are open-ended, fun, and spark stories — like “What’s your dream trip?” or “What’s your go-to karaoke song?”
What are fun questions for dating?
Anything playful, like “If you were a dessert, what would you be?” or “What’s the weirdest food combo you love?”
What is 20 questions dating?
It’s a casual game where you ask each other 20 interesting or personal questions to get to know each other better.
How to run a speed dating ice breaker?
Start with a quirky, light question everyone can answer easily — it helps people relax and open up.
How to flirt on speed dating?
Smile, make eye contact, use light teasing, and genuinely listen to their answers.