Does a 'blind date' always lead to romance?

No. While the intention is often romantic, it can simply be a social introduction. The outcome can be friendship, romance, or no further contact.

Who typically arranges a blind date?

Usually a friend, family member, colleague, or, in modern times, a dating app or professional matchmaking service.

Is 'blind date' a compound noun?

Yes. It is a fixed, hyphenated compound noun ('blind-date' is also an accepted spelling, though often written as two words).

What's the difference between a 'blind date' and a 'first date'?

All blind dates are first dates, but not all first dates are blind. A 'first date' is simply the initial romantic meeting between two people, who may have already known each other. A 'blind date' specifically implies they were strangers prior to the meeting.

blind date

UK/ˌblaɪnd ˈdeɪt/US/ˌblaɪnd ˈdeɪt/

Informal, colloquial

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A social engagement between two people who have not met each other before, arranged by a third party.

Can also refer to the person one meets on such an arranged date. Figuratively, it can describe any situation where one encounters something or someone completely unknown in advance.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The 'blind' refers to the lack of prior knowledge or visual familiarity. It strongly implies arrangement by a friend, family member, or dating service.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The term and concept are identical in both dialects. Minor differences exist in related slang (e.g., 'set up' is very common in AmE; 'fixed up' might be heard in BrE).

Connotations

Generally neutral, carrying connotations of potential romance, awkwardness, excitement, or risk. It is a well-established cultural concept.

Frequency

Equally common and well-understood in both varieties.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

go on a blind datearrange a blind dateset up a blind datemeet on a blind datehave a blind date

medium

a disastrous blind datea successful blind datea mutual friend's blind dateagree to a blind date

weak

blind date partnerblind date experienceblind date storiesfix a blind datesuggest a blind date

Grammar

Valency Patterns

have/go on a blind date with <person>arrange/set up a blind date for/between <person1> and <person2>meet <person> on a blind date

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

setup (AmE informal)fix-up (informal)

Neutral

arranged dateintroduction date

Weak

first meetingintroduction

Vocabulary

Antonyms

long-term relationshipplanned date (with known person)second date

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“A complete blind date (figurative: a total unknown)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Figurative: 'The merger was a bit of a blind date—we hadn't audited their systems.'

Academic

Rare. May appear in sociological studies of relationships or modern culture.

Everyday

Primary context. Discussing social life, relationships, personal stories.

Technical

Not applicable.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

I wouldn't let my sister blind-date me with anyone.
They blind-dated last week, and it went well.

American English

My friend is trying to blind-date me with her co-worker.
We got blind-dated by a mutual friend.

adjective

British English

He was her blind-date partner for the evening.
It was a classic blind-date scenario.

American English

It was a total blind-date situation.
She had a few blind-date horror stories.

Examples

By CEFR Level

My friend arranged a blind date for me.
She went on a blind date last Friday.

I'm a bit nervous about this blind date my colleague set up.
Their blind date was so successful they're getting married!

After a series of disastrous blind dates, he decided to focus on meeting people organically.
The documentary explored the psychology behind agreeing to a blind date with a complete stranger.

Figuratively speaking, accepting the job offer felt like a professional blind date, given the limited information about the company's internal culture.
The diplomatic meeting was essentially a political blind date, orchestrated by neutral intermediaries.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of going on a date with a blindfold on—you don't know who you're meeting.

Conceptual Metaphor

UNKNOWN IS UNSEEN (blind) / SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A COMMERCIAL APPOINTMENT (date).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not translate literally as "свидание вслепую". While understood, the more common Russian equivalent is "свидание с незнакомцем" or the borrowed phrase "блайнд-дэйт" in informal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'a blind dating' (incorrect noun form).
Confusing with 'speed date' (multiple quick dates).
Using 'blind' to mean the person is visually impaired.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

I'm a bit nervous because my best friend has a blind date for me with someone from her gym class.

Multiple Choice

What is the essential element of a 'blind date'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. While the intention is often romantic, it can simply be a social introduction. The outcome can be friendship, romance, or no further contact.
: Usually a friend, family member, colleague, or, in modern times, a dating app or professional matchmaking service.
: Yes. It is a fixed, hyphenated compound noun ('blind-date' is also an accepted spelling, though often written as two words).
: All blind dates are first dates, but not all first dates are blind. A 'first date' is simply the initial romantic meeting between two people, who may have already known each other. A 'blind date' specifically implies they were strangers prior to the meeting.