If you are looking for some romantic ideas for dates then this article may inspire you.

If you are meeting someone for the first time then a casual date is a better option. You could meet somewhere for coffee or lunch such as a street cafe or an intimate little bar. Choose a fairly quiet location so that you can enjoy chatting to each other.

If you already know your date then try something more unusual such as an intimate candle lit dinner on a riverboat cruise, or how about a hot air balloon ride? This is a very romantic date idea as you will be able to look down on spectacular scenery as you glide silently above the land below. This is also an ideal surrounding for marriage proposals.

If you live near the coast you could take a walk along the beach on a warm summers evening and watch the sunset over the sea together.

Join a salsa class. The Latin rhythm is very sexy and you will have great fun learning to dance together. You never know, you may discover a new passion and end up taking part in dance competitions!

If you are feeling adventurous try ice skating. You can pick each other up if you fall down, but just try not to break any limbs though!

If you both love music get some tickets to a jazz or rock concert. If it's an outdoor summer festival take a picnic with you.

Take a day out in a theme park and go on a few scary rides together. You can hold hands if you get very scared!

Treat yourselves to a luxury weekend at a health spa.

Visit a wildlife park. Go horse riding, or how about a day out at the races. You could even win a bet on a horse and spend the winnings on another romantic date!

Romantic ideas for dates don't need to be expensive. If you are on a budget and want to impress your girl or boyfriend then you could always create a romantic atmosphere at home with lots of candles and dim lighting. Cook your date a delicious meal and open a bottle of chilled wine.

If you are stuck as to what food to prepare, strawberries, chocolate and oysters all have aphrodisiac qualities. Rent a romantic movie such as "Pretty Woman" or "When Harry Met Sally", and cuddle up on the sofa after your meal to watch it.

In the early stages of dating you can't wait to see each other and be alone together, so any time spent in each other's company is treasured. A walk in the park on a warm summer's day can be just as romantic as a candlelit dinner for two.

As your relationship develops and you end up living together or get married and have children, always make time for dating each other. This is so important for keeping the relationship alive. We all lead busy lives and it's very easy to drift apart.