Planning a date can seem hard, because you want to impress. Your first impulse is to make the night sophisticated, but really, you don't need to buy opera tickets right away. Overthinking it usually means falling on your thirsty face, so keep it simple instead. You've basically been practicing for this your whole life -- you just didn’t know it! These dates might be the most fun you've had in years...

1. Bike ride

Remember back when riding bikes was a social activity, not just transportation? This scenic approach to a date allows you more freedom than sitting in a movie theater or cramped bistro, and the physical activity releases your feel-good endorphins. If you don't own bikes, look into renting them -- it shows a thoughtful, creative approach before the date even starts.

2. Pizza party

Ordering pizza in a bar that doesn't serve food and sharing it is the adult equivalent of your old birthdays. (Also, your mom doesn't plan this one.) It shows you're generous, social and spontaneous -- typically all ingredients for a good date. Bonus points if you're resourceful enough to scrounge up plates and/or napkins.

3. Minigolf

No one knows the perfect putt-putt stance, but it's an easy excuse to talk with each other. It's also a great excuse to light a competitive fire between you and your date, which could possibly turn into real heat. Who knew mini windmills were a sexual energy source?

4. Carnival

It may sound like a cliché rom-com date, but it comes up in movies so much because it works. A carnival provides the perfect balance of activity and fried food for getting to know someone, and it gives you something to talk about when you're not fully comfortable only talking about yourself. The bottom line is that bad dates don't come with funnel cakes.

5. Amusement park

The big difference between carnivals and amusement parks is roller coasters, and that's an important romantic distinction. A study in the Archives Of Sexual Behavior found that people were more attracted to each other after riding a roller coaster. There's more science behind that scene in "Fear" than you thought. Beer goggles can't compete with roller coaster goggles.

6. Water park

Make sure you suggest this when the weather is especially hot; otherwise it looks like a lame attempt to see your date mostly naked. But if you can pull off the request, you'll both have a great time (and get to see your date mostly naked).

7. Regular park

It's one of the best (and most romantic) low-cost ways to appreciate your city, and trees were made for making out under. You haven't lived until you've played Hot Lava on a hot date.

8. Troublemaking

To be clear, this is not to encourage breaking the law. But a little light mischief never hurt anyone. Rearranging your neighbor's lawn furniture might get you yelled at, but that's a small price to pay to leave a memorable impression. You can make it up to him in beer later.

9. Sleepover

No, we don't mean a one-night stand. Have you ever spent the night with someone special -- with your clothes on -- just talking about life, the universe and everything? It's an incredible way to get to know someone, and it's also a bold gesture that shows deep interest.

Make sure not to jump into a romantic slumber party until you're ready for a serious commitment. Your mom won't pick you up this time when you get in over your head -- and if she does, that's just weird.