Speed dating works because everyone follows the same simple rules. Nothing complicated: be on time, be kind, respect the bell. Here are the dos and don'ts that make an evening good for everyone in the room.
Do
- Arrive fifteen minutes early. It gives you time to get a drink and meet your host before the first bell.
- Use first names. They're on the name cards.
- Keep your phone in your bag. All evening, including between rounds.
- Share the airtime. Ask, listen, follow up, and leave room for questions back.
- Respect the bell. Finish your sentence, say goodbye, and move or welcome the next person.
- Tell the host if something's wrong. Including if you recognise someone. We'll skip that conversation.
- Stay within your age bracket. It's what makes the room work.
- Tick honestly. Tick anyone you'd like to see again. Nobody sees your card but the host.
Don't
- Ask for numbers on the night. Matching is mutual and private for a reason. If it's mutual, you'll both have an email at 9am.
- Interview people. Job, salary, exes and "why are you single?" can wait.
- Drink too much. One or two is plenty. Nobody has to drink alcohol at all.
- Compare notes about other guests out loud. Debrief with your friend after you've left.
- Make anyone uncomfortable. At Oh Hi, anyone who does is asked to leave and isn't invited back. Our full code of conduct is on our promise page.
After the evening
- If you match, send a short message within a day or two.
- Suggest something simple for a first date, like a walk or a coffee. Here are some first date ideas in Sydney.
- If someone doesn't reply, let it go gracefully.
- If you'd rather not continue after a match, a brief, kind note is better than silence.
Quick answers
What are the rules of speed dating?
Arrive on time, keep your phone away, respect the bell, be kind, and don't ask for contact details on the night. Matches are mutual and shared by the organiser afterwards. Read how it works.
Can you give your number at speed dating?
At Oh Hi, no. Matching is private and mutual: if you both tick each other, you both get each other's first name and email the next morning.
Evenings that suit this:
- Surry Hills, ages 28–38, Thursday 5 November at 7pm
- North Sydney, ages 32–45, Thursday 12 November at 7pm
- Newtown, ages 22–30, Tuesday 17 November at 7pm
- Crows Nest, ages 45–60, Thursday 19 November at 6:30pm
- Bondi, ages 28–38, Tuesday 24 November at 7pm
- Chatswood, ages 55+, Thursday 26 November at 6:30pm
Meet someone first. Oh Hi runs hosted speed dating evenings around Sydney: twelve six-minute conversations, an even room, and matches by morning. See how it works or see November dates.