How to Date Multiple People

Dating multiple people at once is a normal part of being single and a great way to increase your pool of potential partners.

Thanks to dating websites and apps, it’s never been easier to meet new people in your area that you might never have crossed paths with by chance. But as fun as it can be, playing the field requires some etiquette to ensure no one gets hurt.

Here are our top tips for dating more than one person at a time.

Be open and honest

There’s no limit to how many people you can date as long as everyone involved is OK with it. It’s important to be honest about your situation and your intentions from the get-go to avoid any confusion or disappointment.

If your end goal is to find an exclusive relationship, let them know it’s a possibility down the track. If you’re simply having fun and not looking for anything serious, be upfront about it. Chances are your dates will be understanding – especially in the early stages where you’re just getting to know each other.

Accept that your dates might be doing the same

It’s common for singles to keep their options open, so don’t be surprised if your dates are also dating multiple people. Communication is key to ensure you’re on the same page about what you expect and what you’re looking for.

Remember: You can’t expect exclusivity from someone if you’re seeing other people yourself. If you have a problem with it, you might like to ask yourself why you feel that way and whether that points to a deeper issue.

Don’t kiss and tell

No one likes hearing the details about their date’s other love interests. When you’re on a date, be completely present with that person and make them feel like they’re the only one on your mind.

While it’s important for your dates to know you’re seeing other people, you shouldn’t spill any further details – especially their identity.

Don’t overbook yourself

As fun as it is, dating can be tiring – especially if you’re seeing several people at once! You feel pressured to present the best version of yourself, and you’re working hard to remember their interests and keep the conversation flowing. This can be mentally and physically draining.

It’s important to keep your wellbeing in mind and balance your dates to ensure you have some downtime in between. And whatever you do, don’t double-book!

Wondering when it’s time to call it quits? Discover advice in our blog post Should We Break Up?.