20 Virtual Date Ideas That Make Long Distance Feel Closer

Long distance is hard. But technology makes it possible to stay connected in ways previous generations couldn't imagine. Here are 20 virtual date ideas that truly work.

Why Virtual Dates Matter

In long-distance relationships (LDRs), intentional connection is everything. Virtual dates:

• Create shared experiences despite distance
• Show effort and commitment
• Maintain intimacy and romance
• Give you something to look forward to

The key? Treat them like real dates. Get dressed, set the scene, be present.

20 Virtual Date Ideas

Netflix Party & Chill

1. Watch Movies Together Use Netflix Party, Disney+ GroupWatch, or Amazon Prime Watch Party.

• Pick the movie together
• Have video chat open on phone
• Make it special: dress up, make popcorn, dim the lights
• React together in real-time

2. TV Show Marathon Start a new series together. One episode per date night keeps you both invested.

Pro tip: Choose something neither has seen so you're equally invested.

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Gaming Together

3. Multiplayer Video Games Whether it's complicated (World of Warcraft) or simple (Among Us), playing together is bonding.

4. Mobile Games WordsWithFriends, Chess, or co-op mobile games you can play all week.

5. Virtual Escape Rooms Many companies offer online escape rooms. You'll problem-solve together, which builds teamwork.

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Meal Dates

6. Cook the Same Meal Together Pick a recipe, shop separately, video call while cooking. Eat together once done.

7. Order Each Other's Delivery Surprise them with their favorite takeout delivered to their door. Eat "together" via video.

8. Wine/Beer Tasting Order the same wines or craft beers. Taste together, discuss notes, rate them.

9. Virtual Dinner Date Both dress up, set the table nicely, have candles, and eat a nice meal together over video.

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Creative Dates

10. Take an Online Class Together MasterClass, Skillshare, Coursera—learn something new together. Pottery, cooking, photography, whatever interests you both.

11. Draw/Paint Each Other Get art supplies, set timers, draw each other. Share the results (terrible portraits make great memories!).

12. Create a Couples' Playlist Take turns adding songs that remind you of each other or your relationship. Listen together and explain choices.

13. Write Letters, Read Them Aloud Old-fashioned romance. Write letters like you're in different eras. Read them to each other over video.

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Active Dates

14. Workout Together YouTube workout videos, yoga, or just a fitness challenge. Accountability + endorphins.

15. Virtual Museum or Zoo Tour Many museums and zoos offer virtual tours. "Walk" through exhibits together, discuss what you see.

16. Take a Walk Together Both go for a walk in your respective areas while on a call. Share what you see.

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Intimate Connection

17. Stargazing Separately, Together If you're in similar time zones, go outside, look at the same stars, talk about life.

18. Read to Each Other Take turns reading chapters of a book. There's something intimate about hearing their voice read aloud.

19. Tell Childhood Stories Share memories, look at old photos, learn about each other's past.

20. "Good Night" Routine Make your last call of the day ritual: share your highs and lows, say loving things, fall asleep on call (if you want).

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Making Virtual Dates Special

Set the Mood

• Dress nicely (not pajamas)
• Good lighting (so you can see each other)
• Clean background (shows effort)
• Candles, music, ambiance matter

Minimize Distractions

• Do Not Disturb mode on phones
• Close other apps
• Give each other full attention
• No multitasking

Schedule Regularly

• Consistency matters more than grand gestures
• Weekly date nights keep connection strong
• Surprise dates occasionally to keep things fresh

Mix It Up

Don't do the same thing every time. Variety keeps things interesting.

LDR Communication Tips

Beyond dates, healthy LDRs need:

1. Morning and Night Check-ins Even just "good morning beautiful" texts create connection.

2. Random Voice Notes Better than texts—hearing their voice feels closer.

3. Surprise Care Packages Mail them their favorite snacks, a handwritten letter, or small gifts.

4. Shared Goals Plan your future together. When will you close the distance? What are you working toward?

5. Honest Communication Talk about struggles, loneliness, fears. Don't pretend everything's fine if it's not.

When LDR Gets Hard

You're not alone. Every LDR couple struggles. It's normal to feel:

• Lonely
• Frustrated
• Worried
• Jealous sometimes

What matters is how you handle it:

• Talk about it (don't bottle up)
• Reassure each other
• Plan your next in-person visit
• Remember why you're doing this

Red Flags in Virtual Dating

Be careful if they:

• ❌ Refuse to video call (only text/voice)
• ❌ Cancel virtual dates constantly
• ❌ Won't introduce you to friends/family virtually
• ❌ Seem distracted or uninterested
• ❌ Won't discuss future plans to meet

You deserve effort, even through a screen.

Success Stories

Many couples met online or maintained long-distance relationships and ended up happily together. Distance is temporary if you're both committed.

Keys to LDR success:

• End date in sight (plan to close the distance)
• Trust and transparency
• Consistent effort from both people
• Shared vision for the future

Your Virtual Date Checklist

Before your next virtual date:

• ✅ Schedule a time (treat it like a real date)
• ✅ Decide what you're doing together
• ✅ Test tech (internet, video, etc.)
• ✅ Set the scene (dress up, ambiance)
• ✅ Minimize distractions
• ✅ Be present and engaged

The Real Truth About Long Distance

It sucks sometimes. But if you're with the right person, it's worth it.

Distance teaches you:

• Communication skills
• Appreciation for time together
• Creative connection
• Commitment and patience

And when you finally close that distance? You'll have a foundation stronger than most.

Your Next Step

Pick one date idea from this list. Schedule it for this week. Make it special.

Your relationship deserves effort—even across the miles.

Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep showing up.

The distance is temporary. Your love doesn't have to be. ❤️🌍