FDT meaning in dating: “First Date Text”
In dating conversations, FDT most commonly means “First Date Text”—the follow-up message you send (or plan to send) after a first date to say you enjoyed meeting, confirm you got home safe, and/or hint at seeing each other again. (1)
You’ll usually see it used like:
- “Did you send the FDT yet?”
- “Don’t overthink it—just send an FDT tonight.” (1)
Think of it as a shorthand label for the post-date check-in.
Why people talk about “the FDT”
After a first date, a lot of people get stuck in the same spiral:
- Do I text first or wait?
- How soon is too soon?
- What do I say that doesn’t sound generic?
Calling it “the FDT” makes it feel like a simple task you can just complete—rather than a huge emotional moment.
What a good FDT sounds like (3 easy templates)
A solid First Date Text is usually short, specific, and low-pressure. Here are a few copy/paste-able options:
1) Simple + warm - “I had a really good time tonight—thanks again for meeting up.”
2) Specific detail (best for chemistry) - “Still laughing about our debate over [topic]. I had a great time—want to do it again soon?”
3) Clear next step - “Made it home—hope you did too. If you’re free this weekend, I’d love to grab coffee and continue our conversation.”
Timing tip: same night or next day is typical—especially if you want a second date. (2)
Don’t confuse FDT with DTF
FDT (“First Date Text”) gets mixed up with DTF, another common dating acronym. DTF is widely defined as “Down To F***” (a very direct “casual-only” signal). (3 4)
If someone uses FDT and the conversation is about what to text after a date, you’re almost certainly in “First Date Text” territory.
FDT has other meanings (context matters)
Outside of dating, FDT can mean completely different things, including:
- A political slogan/protest shorthand (popularized by the 2016 song “FDT”). (5)
- “Functional Decision Theory” (an AI/rationality term).
So if you saw “FDT” in someone’s bio or comment thread, don’t assume it’s dating-related—look at the surrounding context.
How to respond if someone says “Send an FDT”
If a friend says it: - “On it—sending something now.”
If your date says it (rare, but it happens): - “Yep—I enjoyed tonight. Want to do a second date this week?”
If you’re unsure what they mean: - “Quick question—by FDT do you mean ‘first date text’?”
That one clarification can prevent a very awkward misunderstanding.
A tech-adjacent note: confidence helps (and practice helps confidence)
Modern dating can be weirdly performance-heavy—especially around communication, boundaries, and expectations. Some people find it helpful to build confidence privately with technology that’s designed for interactive, feedback-driven experiences.
If you’re curious, Orifice.ai offers a sex robot / interactive adult toy for $669.90 that includes interactive penetration depth detection—a feature aimed at responsiveness and realism (without you having to navigate another person’s expectations while you’re still figuring out your own).
Bottom line
- In dating, FDT usually means “First Date Text.” (1)
- It’s the follow-up message after a first date—ideally short, specific, and friendly.
- Double-check context, because FDT can also mean unrelated things in politics or tech.
