Are these positive signs for a first date?

[Scorpio962016]

Last night felt less like a first date and more like an entire chapter.

We matched on a dating app about two weeks ago. After five days of chatting, he asked for my number, and we moved to texting—exchanging memes, sarcasm, playful banter, and even diving into some deeper emotional conversations. When he suggested a brewery date and gave me a few days to choose from, I agreed, and we locked it in.

From the moment I sat down, he opened up—about his mixed background, being on leave from work due to burnout, his therapy journey, and plans to pivot careers. Our conversation flowed through topics like religion, identity, childhood memories, brunch spots, sleep paralysis, and our mutual love for pets (he almost got a doodle; I mentioned the name I’ve already picked out for mine someday).

He asked thoughtful questions about my education plans, family background, dream home, and travel experiences. The exchange felt balanced, with natural pauses, two of his bathroom breaks, and a few comfortable silences.

Body language was fairly neutral: we sat across from each other, sometimes arms crossed, sometimes resting on the table. He leaned in a bit while showing me photos on his phone—that was probably the closest we got physically. Eye contact was strong throughout.

He mentioned backing out of a new-build home after a breakdown, and we ended up talking about finances, homeownership dreams, and what life with a partner might look like. We also touched on our mutual dislike for dating apps (he shared a story about being stood up), his thoughts on having kids, his close bond with his parents and sibling.

He offered me a ride (I told him not to worry this time), gave me a hug, and after said “We’ll talk and figure out what’s next.” I told him I had a great time and that he should enjoy the rest of his evening. Then we went our separate ways.

For context, I’m in my late 20s, he’s in his early 30s, and the date lasted from 6 to 9 p. m.

[SteveSmith1985]

I mean... common now... you must know these are positive signs for a first date. But yes, they indeed are positive signs. It sounds like you had an excellent first date. That's not all that common. Things are looking good for you from what you wrote here.

[Scorpio962016]

Thank you so much, haven't heard from him yet, but this the part that had been wondering the most at the end of our date when he said the following; “We’ll talk and figure out what’s next.

[SteveSmith1985]

Well, I can appreciate how you might wonder about a guy saying that. In most cases I would agree that it wasn't a good sign.

In this context though, I'm inclined to think he meant it quite literally and sincerely. I think that he only said that (admittedly dumb thing for him to have said) because it didn't even occure to him that you might interpret it as him being unsure about continuting. His head was so far from thinking that, and your date had obviously gone so well... he assumed your head wouldn't go there either.

In this context, I thin he meant it. He's thinking you'll make plans concrete after you talk.

I just don't think he was trying to say there wasn't going to be a second date. Not in this context. In other contexts yes... but why would he, if things went so well?

[BCRanger10]

For the most part, I think so. Personally, I think you might be overanalyzing just a little bit. I also think sharing "deepest and darkest secrets" like therapy, breakdowns, and such should wait until a couple of dates later. On a first date, it should be a fairly lightweight and easy-going meetup.

However, all things considered, it sounds like it was an overall success.