video call date
CommonA planned romantic hangout that happens over video chat instead of in person.
Exploded in popularity during COVID lockdowns and stayed common for long-distance couples. Can feel just as intentional as a real date or feel like a poor substitute depending on the relationship.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | we did a video call date where we both ordered from the same restaurant and ate together. it was actually so cute | The couple found a creative way to share a meal despite being apart. | tiktok, 2023 |
| 02 | she got dressed up for our video call date and now i miss her even more | The partner made the call feel special by treating it like a real date, which made the separation harder. | x, 2024 |
| 03 | video call date tips: both pick the same movie, start it at the same time, text reactions. works surprisingly well | A practical suggestion for making a video call date more immersive. | reddit, 2023 |
| 04 | our first three dates were all video call dates before we finally met irl | The relationship progressed through virtual dates before any in-person meeting. | instagram, 2024 |
Use it when
- Partners are too far apart to meet in person but want to spend intentional time together.
- Two people on a first or early date connect over video chat after meeting online.
- Couples in the same city use video calls when one is traveling or sick.
Do not use it when
- It is just a regular phone or video call with a partner, with no date-like intention.
Origin and context
Video call dates existed before 2020 in LDR communities but became mainstream during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person dating was restricted. The format persisted afterward, especially for LDR couples and people who meet online.
- First seen
- 2010s
- Confidence
- medium
Cite this page
Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/video-call-dateUpdated: 2026-08-28License: CC BY 4.0