According to Yang, this is a no-brainer first text to send, as well as one that’s entirely practical. Not only does it show care and concern, but it’s also important — especially if your date had a long journey home, or was walking alone at night. Send it as a way of checking in, and hopefully continuing the conversation.

As Jonathan Bennett, a relationship and dating expert at Double Trust Dating, tells Bustle, this text seems simple, but it’ll actually provide some vital info.

“I recommend sending this text to get an idea of how the other person feels about a second date,” he says. “It will give them a chance to express their interest or possibly decline.”

Either way, “at least you'll know how the date went,” he says, and you can move forward knowing you’re on the same page.

Maybe they mentioned they were horrible at cooking or painting, but you’re a total pro. Take advantage of that. “If your date told you they were ‘bad’ at something you’re an expert (or almost one) at, this is your chance to strengthen up that bond by offering them something irresistible,” Adams says. If they really do end up being really bad at it, that’s something you two can laugh at together.

Barnett says this is a great follow-up text to send the day after your first date, whenever you happen to get a chance. It’s simple, but shows that you’re interested. And when it comes to kicking off a relationship, that’s the most important point to make.

Name something they did that was impressive, like finding the perfect drink to pair with a dish, quoting Shakespeare, making the best spaghetti — whatever it may be — and flirt a bit by admitting it’s the key to your heart.

Continuing the flirty banter is always a good move after a first meetup, but it also never hurts to give your date a little bit of an ego boost to show you’re into them.

Whether it’s in jest, or if you really did think it was an 8.7, let them know! Encourage them to rate the date as well, and go from there.

According to Beverley Andre, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist, you’ll want to send this text the same night, or the following day, as a way of staying in contact and showing interest.

Say something like, “I enjoyed our date, and thought it was so cool that you’re studying ancient history.” You could even spin it into a second date idea. “Have you been to the museum in this city? We should go if it's open!”

To snag a second date, you could also think about something that came up in conversation, like that cool new restaurant in town, or an upcoming movie you both want to see, and use that as inspiration for a follow-up text, as well as a reason to get back together, ASAP.

If you spent a good portion of your date talking about how well it was going — and are fairly certain they’re down to meet up again — be bold and send this message.

Nothing screams “I'm interested” quite like taking the second date into your own hands, especially if they planned the first one. If you two had chemistry, a text like this one will feel right. And also, who doesn't like drinks and snacks?

A shared sense of humor can really go a long way in helping you bond with someone. According to Tanner, “inside jokes can promote intimacy among the people who are ‘in’ on the joke.” If something embarrassing happened and you both laughed at it, maybe find a fun meme that will remind them of the incident. Also, “mentioning the possibility of a second date in this lighthearted way can ease any post-first date tension,” they say.

If you had an amazing time, and/or if you were nervous, be honest about it. Just be sure to point out a positive as well, like how they helped ease your nerves by being super funny.

First dates are often chock full of recommendations, from movies you want each other to see, to albums that need to be heard, and so on. Take the time to follow through with a watch or a listen, and then let them know what you think.

If you want to score a second date, don’t be afraid to get cute and creative. “Humor is a great way to break the tension and get the ball rolling on a potential second date,” Casey Tanner, relationship expert and sexpert for LELO, tells Bustle. “Writing a charming fake Yelp review does just that!”

Send this text if there was a lot of flirting going on, or if you ended the night with an amazing makeout session. Who knows? You two might end up taking things to the next level, or at the very least will build anticipation for the next time you get together.

If you feel the need to address any awkwardness, go for it! Not everyone’s on their game 100% of the time, especially if you've been tired or stressed lately — and haven’t we all? By sending this text, you’ll assure them that weird moment of silence wasn’t stemming from lack of interest.

A forward-thinking text like this one might not work in every situation, but again, if you felt immense amounts of chemistry, you might want to go ahead and point it out. Some first dates really are that good.

“Be mindful about what your date mentions they like as you can use that to set up a second date,” psychotherapist Kiara Luna, LMHC, tells Bustle. If you know there’s an event coming up, don’t hesitate to ask them out.

A little flattery never hurts. Giving a genuine compliment and showing gratitude for the date are great ways to start off your text. Then, give them an offer that “raises curiosity,” relationship coach Callisto Adams, Ph.D. tells Bustle. You can frame it as a surprise or a “fun date idea” that you have in mind but you don’t want to say just yet. “It makes them wonder what you two will be up to this time, and there’s only one way to find out,” Adams says.

This is your chance to show them how much you’ve been paying attention. It’s also a great way to establish more connection and familiarity between you and your date. This text not only sets a date, but it also gives you both something to look forward to. According to Adams, “You’ll provoke their thoughts by letting them know you have an opinion on something they have interest in. It’ll be a way for them to know more about you, and if you’re a good fit or not.”

This is a great text to send if they were really passionate about a particular movie or show. It’s even better if they told you to watch it yourself and tell them your thoughts. According to Adams, leave the discussion for when you meet again in person. Asking them out like this might make them even more excited for a second date.

This is one post-first date text they’re sure to remember. According to Tanner, leaving an audio message provides more intimacy than just a text message. “Instead of reading a text on their screen, the person you went out with gets to hear your voice,” they says. “Additionally, with an audio message, you might be more able to express the tone of your message more clearly.” If you need an idea of what to say, Tanner suggests, “Hey, I woke up still glowing from our conversation last night! Just wanted to express that I’m looking forward to seeing you again.” Keep it short, sweet and to the point.

It never hurts to think ahead, and mentioning your specific idea for a second date shows that you’re excited about seeing this person again. “Bonus points if the next date idea comes from a topic that came up on the first date, it demonstrates that you’re listening and want to do an activity that aligns with their interests,” Tanner says.

If you and your date talked about your shared love of music, sending them a link to a few songs can be a great post-first date text. “Remember when you used to make your school crush a mixed CD or playlist? Hello 2021 addition!” Tanner says. “Making something for your date to respond to is a great way to help them get a better sense of you and bond over shared interests. Plus it shows that you took the time to make something sweet for them.” How could they resist a second date?

Of course, not every first date is going to be a winner, and that's OK. It's also OK to just not message someone again, especially if you only grabbed a cup of coffee. But if you'd like to make it known that you won't be down for a second date, send this, and then move on to the next one.