Speed Dating in the District

Valentine’s Day is looming on the horizon. Running out of time finding a date for the big day? Try speed dating in the District. There are various events around the city available for busy singles looking for love.

Find a great date at a speed dating event in the area. (Photo: Professionals in the City)

Finding your niche

Professionals in the City boasts more than 200,000 members and hosts over 1,000 events each year. The speed dating sessions have themes specific to what each guest is seeking such as “Muslim Seated Speed Dating” and “Lesbian and Bisexual Women Seated Speed Dating.” It is also broken down by age groups. Typical dating events are about $30 per person if purchased in advance.

Speeding dating how-to

Speed dating rules are pretty simple. The women sit at tables and the men switch tables every three to four minutes at the blow of a whistle from the speed dating host. Women (or whoever is sitting down) take note of the number of the person in whom they are interested. If the other person is interested, it is considered a match, and the two singles can meet up at a later time for a formal date.

SpeedDC Dating offers a different approach from the traditional style calling it “Cheeky Chic.” They do not use name tags or whistles, but rather hand out Date-A-Mate scorecards to help you keep track of potential suitors. Their events also offer longer time frames at around 6 to 7 minutes per person. SpeedDC Dating events are a little pricier at $49 per ticket.

Have fun

Although it may seem daunting, speed dating can be very fun. There’s no strings attached and you meet several singles in one night. You are put into a setting where you have to have some kind of conversation with someone you may have never met otherwise. If you really feel too uncomfortable with the idea, bring a friend or two to accompany you. Have some fun and maybe you will find a fun person to take out on a date on Valentine’s Day.