double date
/ˈdʌbəl deɪt/
CommonTwo couples going out together at the same time.
Can reduce first-date awkwardness when one couple already knows each other well. Sometimes used as cover when someone is nervous about a new person.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | we went on a double date with my best friend and her boyfriend and it was actually really fun | Two couples went out together and the speaker enjoyed it. | instagram, 2024 |
| 02 | he suggested a double date for our second date and honestly it was genius -- way less pressure | Having another couple present made the early date feel more relaxed. | reddit, 2023 |
| 03 | double dating with a couple who's been together 5 years when you're on date 2 is... a lot | The contrast between a new relationship and an established one made the evening feel intense. | x, 2024 |
| 04 | we should double date sometime | A casual suggestion for the two couples to hang out together. | x, 2023 |
Use it when
- Two couples plan an outing together.
- Using a friend couple to ease the nerves of a new date.
- Describing a social event that pairs two romantic pairs.
Do not use it when
- Three or more couples are going out together.Use “group date” instead.
- You're going out with a friend and their partner but you don't have a date.Use “third wheeling” instead.
Double date vs third wheeling
double date
A double date has two complete couples -- four people, two pairs.
VS
third-wheeling
Third wheeling is when one solo person tags along with a couple.
Origin and context
The term has been used in American English since at least the mid-20th century. The format became culturally common as group socializing and pairing norms developed.
- First seen
- mid-20th century
- Confidence
- medium
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Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/double-dateUpdated: 2026-08-29License: CC BY 4.0