Where you take your date can say a lot about your intentions for the evening. If you don’t want to send the wrong message to your lovely counterpart, choose a location that will make the night go smoothly.

Make sure you pick a place where you can enjoy each other’s company. The whole point of going on a date is to get to know one another and see what kind of chemistry there is between the two of you.

Try to avoid loud venues like concerts and nightclubs. Although we all can enjoy a rocking band or a little bump n’ grind while showing off dance moves, it is no place to take a romantic date.

Along those same lines, try to avoid movies or plays, unless you pair it with dinner or coffee before or after. The only opportunity you’ll have to talk is during intermission or at the end, surrounded by strangers.

Going to dinner is a pretty safe bet on Valentine’s Day, but try to avoid anything too fancy. Not everyone is comfortable in formal settings, and it can add to first date nerves.

On the opposite end of that restaurant spectrum, don’t go anywhere you could be accused of staring at another woman. For example, Hooters or Twin Peaks. Nothing will put you in hot water faster.

Avoid sporting events, as they don’t exactly scream romance. The only exception to this is if you are watching WSU basketball and we’re still undefeated. If your date has a problem with that, it just wasn’t meant to be.

Follow these guidelines while setting up your Valentine’s Day, and you should be in for an evening of romance and love.