When you're planning a date, you want it to be perfect: Something that's fun but gives you time to talk; something playful and romantic but not sugary sweet. That's a lot to ask of any activity, and planning a great date can leave even the most hopeless romantic at a loss.

To discover creative dating ideas, consider both of your interests. If you're planning something extraordinary (say, skydiving) you need to make sure it is something your date would want to do. Otherwise, it could go really wrong. Save the surprises for less-extreme ideas, or do some careful research before you go, like asking your date’s friends and family if she they have ever wanted to skydive, if that's your pick. Just make sure that when you surprise your date, it is in the good way and not the oh-no-how-do-I-get-out-of-this way.

An Indoor Picnic
Pros: Privacy, versatility, available year-round.
Cons: The floor could get uncomfortable.
Costs: Food, wine and movie (optional).

Move the furniture, throw a picnic blanket on the ground, light some candles and you've got a romantic picnic any day of the year. Your date will most likely be pleased and surprised by the ingenuity of this idea, and the romance factor is high. You can sit and talk while enjoying your food and drink. If conversation lulls, no problem. Just sit back and watch the movie you have ready for the occasion.

Star Gazing
Pros: Romantic and inexpensive.
Cons: You need a clear sky for viewing, so you'll have to do your research to make it work.
Costs: Food and wine (optional).

Some of the best inexpensive date ideas come from nature. However, star gazing probably won't work if you simply take your date to a nearby field and point to the stars. The key to making this date great is research. Find a great spot to view stars, and then look up and identify the season's current constellations on your own. You'll be surprised by what you'll learn, and your date will be impressed. When you take your date to that great spot and throw down that blanket, start showing off the different constellations and tell the stories behind them. This date is especially nice because lying on the ground and gazing at the stars reminds us of childhood, relaxing us and bringing out our playful sides. Once your personal sky tour has ended, you'll find yourself lying on the ground just enjoying the stars. At that point, the sky's the limit.

Roller Skating

Pros: Brings back memories, lets you act silly.
Cons: Maybe your date can't skate, maybe you can't skate.
Costs: Admission, concessions and skate rental.

Remember the skating rink, the noise, the speed, the music? Most people today grew up roller skating, so this brings back childhood memories in a big way. If you can handle it, go for the four-wheeled skates, and try to figure out how you ever skated with those bulky things on in the first place. You don't have to be a pro, but you will want to make sure that both you and your date can skate a little. One of you might fall, but so what? It gives you both a chance to laugh at yourselves and act like kids again, and those are some of the best dates. When you need a break from the rink, hit the concession stand for some old-time nachos and a pop..

Go Japanese
Pros: Calm, relaxing atmosphere; fresh food.
Cons: May not enjoy Japanese food; some restaurants can be expensive.
Cost: Depending on restaurant and meal, $25 to $75.

When thinking of new dinner date ideas, be adventurous. For some of you, Japanese cuisine may be old hat. For others, it is not. As for your date ... well, who knows? Japanese restaurants are typically great places for dates. These restaurants are usually casual, quiet, calm and beautifully decorated. If you've never tried Japanese food before, or if your date hasn't, then miso soup, green tea, tempura and green tea ice cream are all great starter dishes. If you love sushi or want to try it, most quality Japanese restaurants have a chef on site who specializes in preparing fresh sushi, so take advantage of the opportunity.

Laser Tag
Pros: Great icebreaker; can be done in a group; fun and active date.
Cons: Not much privacy; date might not enjoy laser tag.
Cost: Varies by location; some have unlimited playing for a flat rate during certain times.

Get suited up, grab a laser gun and go. If you hate awkward first-date dinners, or your nights out are getting a little bit stagnant, then this could spice things up. One important tip: If you go laser-tagging on a date, you might want to make sure you're on the same team.

Great date ideas require a little thought and a little preparation. The above date ideas are just starters, and the area you live in may have some region-specific ideas of its own. So take a look at the sites around you, and find some of your own ideas, too.