Palm Desert, CA (July 25, 2006)—You can do everything on the internet—pay bills, shop, buy movie tickets and even find out information about your date. According to It’s Just Lunch, the premier dating service for busy professionals, who conducted a survey of 1,167 singles, 43% of singles have Googled someone on the internet before a first date. When asked if they would be offended if their date Googled them—88% of singles said, “No way, I Googled them too.�

Although the internet has changed the way we communicate, singles still prefer old fashioned etiquette when it comes to asking someone out on a date. 80% of singles will set up the initial first date by phone when they are fixed up by friends. 16% of singles admit to asking their date out over instant messenger and 11% of singles have text messaged their date. 77% of single men believe that just because technology is advanced, it doesn’t mean that they will stray from the old fashioned way of asking someone on a date.

After the first date, singles will still use the phone to follow up, but only if they are interested. 56% of singles will call after the first date if they are interested in seeing their date again. If sparks don’t fly however, technology has come in handy. If they are not interested in a 2nd date, email has become the much easier way to let someone down. 27% of single men and 39% of single women would rather send an email telling their date they don’t want to see them again because they don’t have to see the rejection on their date’s face that they aren’t interested in pursuing the relationship.

Be careful with the information you do include in emails, it could result in no 2nd dates. 23% of East Coast men and 45% of West Coast men have gotten in trouble from an email they sent about their date that was forwarded to that person. However, 97% of women never write personal information in emails because they know that anyone can get their hands on that email.

It’s Just Lunch Dating Etiquette:

1. Never ask someone out on a first date by email, instant messenger or text message. A phone call is always in order.
2. Emails relating to dating should be brief, upbeat and fun.
3. It’s ok to correspond using email regarding your plans for a date, where you will go, time etc., but always confirm the date by phone—it’s much more personal.
4. It’s always nice to hear from someone after a date. If you plan to see them again, a phone call and email is nice. If you are not planning another date, a short, nice email is appropriate.
5. Never discuss your personal life by email. Remember—emails can be forwarded or read by others. (8% of singles have read their dates personal emails.)
6. Don’t discuss friends you might have in common via email—especially anything negative.
7. If you’ve gone out with someone and they are not returning your emails, consider that person not interested. Don’t push and understand that he/she is probably not interested. Move on.
8. Don’t recap details about your date on email with your friends. (22% of singles send personal emails on their work email account…remember your boss can read that.)
9. If you are not interested in seeing someone again, don’t give out your email. Be straight forward at the end of the date and tell them there is no chemistry, but it was great meeting them.
10. Don’t give out a phony email address—that just isn’t a nice thing to do.

About It’s Just Lunch

Since It’s Just Lunch was founded in 1991, the company has arranged millions of fun, first date lunches or drinks after work—an atmosphere where singles can feel comfortable with the process of meeting a new person. With over 90 locations worldwide, each day IJL arranges hundreds of fun, first dates over lunch or drinks after work at over 1,500 restaurants. With many introductions leading to second dates, It’s Just Lunch is the world’s leading first date authority.

Check out the It’s Just Lunch Guide to Dating in America for more tips on dating and lists of the hot spots in 70 cities across the country. .

The U.S. dating industry is estimated at nearly $1.5 billion, and growing at 25% annually, with 110 million single adults in the United States alone.

For additional information, log on to www.ItsJustLunch.com

• 82% of single men say that the man always pays on a first date when set up by friends; however 46% of single women believe that the bill should be split evenly between the two parties.
• 80% of singles converse about their favorite cuisine prior to meeting for a first date
• Top cuisine choices for a first date — 46% Italian, 19% Steakhouse, 16% Japanese, 11% Mexican, 8% French
• Time for a second date together? 82% of single men would like to pick their date up, while 46% of single women prefer to meet at the restaurant.

• Why did you and your ex break up?
• Do I look fat?
• How many children do you want to have?
• What is your stance on capital punishment?
• What’s your sign?

• Make meaningful eye contact and smile. Let your eyes linger on his or her eyes while you’re talking, then smile immediately when you feel a connection.
• Get interested in them and they’ll get interested in you. What is it that people like to talk about most? Themselves, of course. Ask questions about where they like to go, what they like to do, who interests them, and why they do what they do, and you’ll be talking all night.
• Deliver a compliment. Flattery may not get you everywhere, but it does open doors. Keep it sincere.
• Listen attentively. Being a good listener is a potent aphrodisiac.
• Tell it like it is. Being vulnerable and honest is the slam-dunk, sexiest thing a man or woman can be. Getting “realâ€? with someone is not only easier than the pretense most people create, it also saves you unnecessary angst in the long run. Just don’t get too personal, too soon.
• Be enthusiastic. As a flirt, you want the person you’re flirting with to feel good about you and to experience you as a fun, happy, great-to-be-with person.
  If you feel that you are, it shows. If you sit next to them thinking, I’m having fun, this is great, I’m so glad to be here, it really comes across to the other person.
• Draw them in. Lean forward, not because you want to show off your cleavage or your muscles, but to convey interest. Talk to them actively, showing that you like them. Then start talking more quietly and intimately. They’ll need to get closer to hear you so draw them in with your voice. Guys, gauge her “personal zoneâ€? and then encroach on it just an inch. Leaning in too far can seem too forceful.
• Touch him or her. The sense of touch heightens during flirting and can actually send tingles through a person’s body. Realize this power and watch for ways to use it. Once you’ve become comfortable, lightly brush shoulders, or touch their hand or arm if they say something funny. This can work wonders if the signals are there.

• 66% of singles think a BBQ is the best place to meet singles during the summer
• Favorite summertime date - 56% of singles prefer dinner at sunset
• 74% of single women go to a sports event to meet men
• Don't head to the beach for a first date says 64% of singles
• 58% of singles have had a summer fling, but the relationship didn't make it past September

• Do be sincere. If her smile lights up the room, then tell her, but don’t say something just for the sake of it. Insincere compliments are transparent.
• Do be yourself. Whatever’s on your mind and in your heart will be the most natural thing you can talk about. Remember, they’ll either like you or not. If they like you, great, if not… next! Why waste time trying to get someone’s approval?
• Do be funny. Being light with a sense of humor helps people let their guard down, which could allow you more room to move in!
• Do say his or her name a few times; it’ll make them feel special. But don’t say it too much, or you’ll sound like you just attended a cheesy sales seminar.
• Do keep it positive. Stick to your best attributes and the things you are most positive about. People become sexier as they talk excitedly and passionately about things that interest them.
• Do have fun with it. It’s all about play!

A Few Conversation Don'ts
• Don’t criticize personal choices, like wearing fur or who they voted for in the last election.
• Don’t hog the conversation. It should flow back and forth like a tennis volley — you hit, he or she returns.
• Don’t start talking about marriage or commitment on the first three dates.
• Don’t use cheesy opening lines like, “Are you an Aquarius?â€?

• Find out what they like to do in their free time.
• Talk about your travel experiences — trips you’ve been on or places you’d like to visit and why.
• Mention current events or news. Ask your dates what they think about a topic.
• Talk about where you grew up, your family, then ask about theirs.
• Ask about their favorite sports teams, movies, plays and books.
• Talk about something exciting in your life. (A high school reunion, a promotion, a new home.)
• Notice something positive about your date (nice hair, eyes, an expression or gesture) and compliment them on it.
• Ask a fun question like, “If you could change places with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be?â€?
• Mention something beautiful or touching you’ve seen or experienced in the past week. Even if it was just in a movie!
• Talk about the things you’re most passionate about, from volunteering at a homeless shelter to your 1980s record collection.
• Ask about their dreams for the future. This will get them excited.

• The sexes agree--A relationship is more important than a career (72% of single men and 81% of single women)
• 49% of single women would ask a man out on a first date and 55% of single women would ask him out on a second date
• 48% of single women and 49% of single men have had 1 or 2 serious relationships with only 6% of both sexes claiming more than 5
• Of those relationships, 75% of single women and 62% of single men say the relationship lasted more than year

“Most guys have a three day rule, If interested, 97 percent will call within 72 hours after a first date.�