What Does a Third Date Mean to a Guy? (8 Things to Expect)

Whether you have the ‘Third Date Rule’ on your mind or you’re just not sure what a guy thinks about you leading into a third date.

Going on a third date is a big deal, and it’s often more nerve-racking than the first and second dates.

Guys can be hard to read, especially if you’re emotionally invested.

Here is a look at what a third date means to a guy, the questions you should be asking, and what to expect!

What Does a Third Date Mean To A Guy? 8 Things He’s Thinking

1. He Thinks the Two of You Are Compatible

If you’re on a third date with a guy, it’s safe to assume that he thinks the two of you are compatible in some way.

Hopefully, that’ll help put some of those third-date nerves and doubts to the side.

This doesn’t mean he sees a future with you and he’s about to ask you to get engaged though!

It could just mean he thinks you’re physically compatible, awesome friends and seeing where it goes, etc.

But the third date is a milestone that typically means a guy is feeling a spark or a connection and really likes you.

Related – Here’s what a fourth date means to a guy.

2. It’s Going to Be More Relaxed and Casual

First-date nerves are a real thing, and second-date nerves aren’t far behind.

I think most people will agree, however, that by the third date they’re able to be much more relaxed.

It can be more nerve-racking in some aspects, but at the same time you know the person much better now and some aspects of the date should be easier.

For me personally, I’m still just as nervous and anxious on a third date, but once I’m a few minutes in I’m able to be much more relaxed.

3. He’s Going to Speak More Openly About What He Wants

By the third date, a guy is usually more comfortable expressing what he wants from a relationship.

This could be anything from talking about his ex and what went wrong there, to discussing what he wants from his next relationship.

Either way, it’s important to listen to what he says and see if it matches up with what you want as this kind of a break point where you can decide if you’re going to be wasting each other’s time chasing different goals.

4. He’s Going to Take Things a Little Further than The Last Date

Something else that you can expect to gain momentum with each date is how far a guy is going to push his luck with you!

This could be anything from trying to hold your hand, making a move, or going in for the first kiss.

It all depends on how the date is going and how he feels about you.

However, if things are going well then it’s likely that he’ll try to take things a little further than the last date!

5. He’s Going to Ask More Personal and Probing Questions

If things are going well on the third date, then a guy is likely to start asking more personal and probing questions.

This could include anything from your relationship history to your hopes and dreams for the future.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to answer any question that makes you feel uncomfortable.

However, if you’re happy to answer them then it’s a good sign that he’s interested in getting to know you better.

6. The Topic of Intimacy Will Probably Come Up

The topic of intimacy is likely to come up on the third date.

There is a lot of buzz around the whole ‘Third Date Rule’, and although I’m not talking about that I think a lot of guys see the third date as a milestone.

He’s likely to want to know how open you are to the idea of being intimate, as well as what your preferences are.

Some guys are a little shy and reserved, of course, but you can be almost certain it’s playing on his mind.

7. It Still Doesn’t Mean That You’re Exclusive

Again, this is open to interpretation and every guy has a different idea of what does or doesn’t mean he’s exclusive to one woman.

But I think it’s fair to say that unless he’s asked you if you guys are exclusive by the third date, it’s not likely.

This means you don’t get to have a go at him if you see him with other girls on social media or even in person.

Until you’ve had that conversation, even a third date doesn’t mean that the two of you are boyfriend and girlfriend.

8. He Wants to Know What You Think About Him

A guy is going to want to know what you think about him on the third date.

He’s likely to be more open and honest with you about his feelings and will want to know how you feel about him too.

This is a good sign as it shows that he’s interested in you, and it also says that he’s thinking about the future and whether or not the two of you have one together.

What Is the Third Date Rule?

The third date rule is a dating rule which dictates that both parties refrain from being intimate until at least the third date.

I’m not sure of the origin of the rule, and it’s really not fair that it’s called a ‘rule’ as it’s way too heavy and too much pressure to put on dating couples.

The rule does make sense though.

It’s mostly designed to give both parties a chance to get to know each other better and feel comfortable around each other before taking things to the next level.

It’s also a way of ensuring that both parties are on the same page and are looking for the same thing.

I think it helps a lot of couples who would usually rush into things to avoid some heartache, but you should still do what feels right to the two of you over sticking to a ‘rule’.

Related – Signs there will not be a second date and how to long to wait before a third date.

Does Going on A Third Date Mean He Likes You?

There’s no easy answer to this question.

It really varies from guy to guy, and it also depends on how the date goes.

The best way to tell if a guy likes you is not to look at how many dates you’ve been on or how often you’re going out.

It’s to look at how he’s acting, what he’s saying, and read between the lines a little.

For example, if he’s trying to hold your hand or make a move, then it’s a pretty clear sign that he likes you.

However, if he’s not making any moves and is just happy to chat and hang out and doesn’t push for another date, then it might not mean that he likes you in that way.

Dating is one of the worst activities to try and add rules to, the language of love and romantic feelings are too powerful to ignore.

The best thing you can do is be yourself and go with the flow.

Whether it’s the first, second, third, or tenth date, if you’re happy with how things are going and you feel that spark for the person you’re with, that’s all that matters.

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Image credits – Photo by Jorge Gardner on Unsplash