When It Comes To The Best States For Dating, South Carolina Is The Absolute Worst

September 14th 4:15 PM

As a single girl, I’m more than qualified to say it- dating today sucks. It’s horrible. I’m constantly looking for a way to find a guy that’s not a complete creep. And that’s much easier said than done. I don’t know how it is in other places, but it has to be better right? So when I was sent this data by BetCarolina about the best states for dating, I was interested to say the least. Are you like me? Have you ever wondered how easy it is to date in your state compared to others? If you’re in North Carolina it’s not good, but it’s not terrible either. NC ranked 30th in this study. The Palmetto State, however, ranked downright terribly. When it comes to the best states for dating, South Carolina was pretty much the worst.

SC came in 49th out of 51 (DC was counted as well). The only states that were worse? Kentucky and Nevada. Good to know that I won’t be moving their anytime soon. Where did this date come from? Using data from Google Trends, Statista, and Forbes Business, BetCarolina.com created a weighted ranking by which to rate the states for dating. From there BetCarolina.com used Statisa to find the percentage of single-person households in each state. Then they used Google Trends for the average search volumes of inquiries like “date ideas,” “first date activities near me,” and “florists near me” by state, and Forbes Business for data on the average annual income for a single person in each state to create a Dating Index.

The dating score for South Carolina came in at a 12.67. In contrast to that, the best state for dating was actually not a state, it was Washington DC, with a score of 48.33. So I guess in conclusion I should stay in NC and not cross the border to try to find the perfect man. You can read the full study and results from BetCarolina here.

Avoid These First Date Fails: 14 Worst Places to Go

First dates can be thrilling, nerve-wracking, and full of potential. They offer the chance to make a lasting connection with someone new. However, as many of us have experienced, not all first dates go as smoothly as planned. Some can quickly spiral into unforgettable disasters, leaving us with stories to share and laugh about later.

Many factors can make or break a first date, such as a lack of chemistry or a catfish moment. The location of a first date can make all the difference. Some settings set the stage for romance and connection. Others are like stepping into a catastrophe.

Imagine being all dressed up, excited to meet your date for the first time, and then you find yourself in the middle of a crowded and noisy sports bar. The blaring televisions and raucous cheers make it impossible to hear each other. Alternatively, you might find yourself at a fast-food joint, where the aroma of greasy fries and the glaring fluorescent lights kill any possibility of romance.

Choosing the wrong place for a first date can turn what should be an exciting experience into an awkward or uncomfortable affair. However, it’s worth noting that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the perfect location for a first date. The key is communication and understanding each other’s preferences.

Avoid these first-date fails.

Instead of opting for crowded or distracting venues, consider locations that foster genuine conversation and allow you to get to know each other in a relaxed setting. Cozy coffee shops, serene parks, or intimate restaurants are often better choices. Ultimately, the best first date location aligns with both of your interests and allows you to focus on what truly matters. And what matters is the potential for a meaningful connection with someone special.

Before you venture into the world of first dates, it’s good to know some spots that might not be the best choices. Here’s a list of places that could turn your first date into a bit of a disaster.

Strip Club
A strip club as a first date location is perhaps the epitome of a worst-case scenario. The combination of loud music, dim lighting, and provocative performances make it impossible to have a real heart-to-heart. Instead of getting to know each other, the focus shifts entirely to the dancers on stage, leaving little room for real interaction. Although, someone on Reddit admitted to having a first date at a strip club. They even turned it into something positive. “The trick is to never take your eyes off your date to prove your loyalty,” they wrote.

Polka Dot Images/ Getty Images
Funeral
It’s a super sad and serious occasion where people are mourning and trying to cope with loss. Also, not the time to try and spark a romantic connection. It would be so awkward and totally disrespectful to everyone there. First dates are supposed to be fun and light-hearted, not filled with grief and sorrow. On a Reddit thread, a woman recounted an awkward experience she had while attending a funeral with a date. Expressing her discomfort, she wrote, “God rest your soul Grandpa Jack but if I’m ever introduced somewhere as a ‘special friend’ ever again I’m gonna unalive myself.” YIKES!

PeopleImages/ Getty Images
Cemetery
The eerie silence, tombstones, and the constant reminder of mortality create an atmosphere that’s anything but romantic. Instead of charming conversation and shared laughter, you’re left feeling uncomfortable and awkward, tiptoeing around gravestones. It’s not the kind of setting that fosters a genuine connection. Plus, nobody wants their first date to feel like a horror movie. You won’t believe this, but I have a former coworker who actually takes her dogs for walks in a cemetery. She claims it’s to steer clear of people and other dogs. Anyway, she thought it would be a great idea to bring a guy she met on a dating app along for one of these walks. Let’s just say that was their first and last date.

Rawpixel/ Getty Images
Sex Shop
Suggesting a sex shop as a first date destination is a cringe-worthy nightmare. It’s like entering the ultimate awkward zone. From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by a plethora of adult toys and intimate products, and there’s no way to avoid feeling uncomfortable. Instead of getting to know each other, you’d be blushing and trying to dodge eye contact at every turn. Not exactly the recipe for a successful first date. Apparently, it happens. Someone on Reddit shared the details of their first date at a sex shop, writing ” Xxx adult book store/theater/novelty shop. he said to just keep an open mind.”

JackF/ Getty Images
Little League Game
A little league game as a first date, especially when you have no relation or ties to the kids playing, can be quite a cringe-inducing situation. While supporting children’s sports is admirable, this setting may not be the best for getting to know each other. Why not splurge a little and go for a major league game or a minor league event instead? It could be way more fun and exciting. There was a Redditor who shared their rather unexpected experience of going on a first date to a little league game.”I was pretty excited for a baseball game date until we pulled up to a local field where kids were playing…and no he didn’t have kids.”

bitterfly/ Getty Images
Movies
Sure, it sounds classic, but think about it. You’re sitting in the dark, not talking, and trying to get to know each other while silently munching on popcorn. There’s zero chance for meaningful conversation or bonding. Plus, you can’t gauge each other’s reactions to the movie, which could be a bit awkward if one of you hates it and the other loves it. From my own experience, just know that it’s a challenge trying to get to know someone while a movie is blaring sonic booms and people around you are constantly munching their popcorn and obnoxiously slurping their drinks.

T Turovska/ Getty Images
Abandoned Construction Site
An abandoned construction site as a first date is a recipe for disaster. It’s not only dangerous but also incredibly creepy and uncomfortable. The dusty surroundings, broken structures, and potential hazards make it far from an ideal setting to get to know someone. Realistically, no one in their right mind would suggest such a location for a first date, or would they? This one actually appeared on a list reported by Thrillist. According to the list of voters, more than 200 people went on a date on an abandoned construction site. It’s just not a place to foster a connection or create lasting memories. Let’s leave the abandoned construction sites for action movies and opt for a much safer.

anatoliy_gleb/ Getty Images
Geocaching
While geocaching can be an exciting and adventurous activity for some, it might not be the best choice for a first date. Geocaching involves using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers or “caches” outdoors, which can take you to unfamiliar locations and sometimes rugged terrains. Your date might get the wrong idea, like you’re taking them to a creepy dungeon with victims. Also, for some people, this type of activity can be intimidating, especially if they are not comfortable with outdoor adventures or physical challenges. Someone on Reddit shared how creepy this first date activity can be. “In* a secluded area, where you might get kidnapped and maybe murdered or sold off to I wonder where,” they wrote.

Wavebreakmedia/ Getty Images
Camping
Camping as a first date might not be the best idea. It can be a real challenge, especially if you’re both new to it. Setting up tents, dealing with bugs, and getting used to outdoor living can be stressful and take away from the opportunity to connect. Plus, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, it could turn into a total disaster. Camping requires a lot of cooperation and problem-solving, which might be too much for a first date. Some people shared their thoughts about this in a Reddit thread with one person writing, “No. Just no. If she doesn’t know you that well it could be super sketchy.” While camping might not be everyone’s ideal first date, some people have found success, especially if they are enthusiastic about camping.

helivideo/ Getty Images
Nightclub
Hitting up a nightclub for a first date might not be the best idea. It’s just too loud and crazy to have a decent chat and get to know each other. You’ll end up yelling to hear anything, and that’s not exactly a recipe for a romantic time. Plus, with all the drinking and partying going on, things could get a little messy. This happened more times than I would like to admit in my lifetime. And every time I thought my opinion would change one it. A place that’s loud with drinking and strobe lights is recipe for disaster. Especially when your date doesn’t know their alcohol limits. Oh, and you can’t forget not being able to hold a conversation under the “bump” and “thump” of the music.

Filippo Carlot/ Getty Images
Your Place
It could get a little too close for comfort, you know? Plus, it might be a bit awkward and make you feel like you’re invading each other’s personal space. Unless you both love being cooped up and binge-watching Netflix together, Safety-wise, it’s better to meet up in a public spot where you both feel at ease. Keep the home hangouts for when you’re more familiar with each other.

Prostock-Studio/ Getty Images
Group Date With Friends
While it may sound fun and casual, a group date as your first date could present some challenges. With a crowd of friends or acquaintances around, the spotlight might be shared, making it difficult to have personal and meaningful conversations with your date. Instead of getting to know each other intimately, you might find yourself engaged in small talk or trying to keep up with the group dynamic. The potential for distractions and divided attention could leave you feeling disconnected and longing for a more intimate experience.

dolgachov/ Getty Images
Gym
A first date at the gym can lead to some unexpected challenges and potentially ruin the date’s mood. Feeling out of place and self-conscious can overshadow the opportunity to connect. Plus, sweating it out together might not be the most flattering scenario for a first impression. “I wouldn’t even be able to say a full sentence without being out of breath from doing 5 squats,” a Redditor shared on the subject.

Prostock-Studio/ Getty Images
Fast-Food Restaurant
A tempting choice for a quick and affordable meal, but perhaps not the best spot for a first date. Sure, it’s convenient, but let’s face it, the ambiance is far from romantic or intimate. You’re met with fluorescent lights, plastic seats, customer chatter, and register beeps. Not to mention the limited menu options, which might not cater to everyone’s tastes or dietary preferences. Nothing kills the mood faster than feeling disappointed or unsatisfied with your meal choice. Whether it’s disappointment from your date or your stomach.

Drazen Zigic/ Getty Images