Comic Con Dating & Flirting Tips

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Dating and relationship coach Emyli Lovz gives advice for finding love at a Comic Con

Co-authored by Emyli Lovz and Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: April 21, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Getting a Date
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• Flirting Etiquette
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• Dating Best Practices
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• Safety Tips
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• Comic Cons for Dating
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• Video

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For many pop culture fans, comic cons aren't just places to watch trailers for upcoming movies and show off their cosplay: they're also places to find love! We partnered with dating coaches to learn how to get a date at a comic con, plus the best flirting etiquette, dating practices, and safety tips. We'll also provide a list of comic cons that have held dating events in the past. Your ultimate guide to Comic-Con dating awaits below!

How do you find love at a comic con?

Dating and relationship coach Emyli Lovz suggests approaching someone at Comic Con in a low-pressure way by commenting on their costume, merch, or a panel you’re both attending. Here are some other helpful tips:

• Go with a group of friends and get acquainted with their mutuals.
• Participate in speed dating, mixers, and other con-exclusive dating events.
• Join a dating app and set your location to the same location as the convention.
• Approach someone you're interested in with a compliment or a fun question.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

How to Get a Date at a Comic Con

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1. 
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   Attend convention panels and events to find people who share your interests. "Participate in all the activities and the games that the convention is hosting," says YouTuber Brad Wells. "That's a great way to meet new people." You might even meet someone you find interesting and attractive!

   • “Comic Con is a goldmine for meeting people because you’re already surrounded by like-minded individuals,” according to Lovz. “The biggest mistake people make is overthinking it. In reality, the most attractive thing you can do is be direct, friendly, and genuinely interested.”

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Emyli Lovz is a dating and relationship coach for men based in San Francisco, CA. She has 14 years of experience.

   Brad Wells is a YouTuber and a LEGO content creator. He's spent over 14 years sharing his passion for LEGOs with online brick enthusiasts.

   Renee Slansky is a dating coach based in Europe. Her aim is to help people cultivate strong, healthy relationships.

   Damona Hoffman is a dating coach and a bestselling author. Her book "F the Fairy Tale" (2024) busts outdated dating myths and offers an empowering new approach to love.

   John Keegan is a dating coach with over 15 years of professional experience. He uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love.
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   Go with a group of your friends and their mutuals. Comic cons are more fun when you're with friends, but it's even better when your friends bring their friends along. You could meet someone new through the group and get the tea on their relationship status from your mutual pals.
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   Participate in speed dating, mixers, and other dating events at the con. Comic cons are popular places to hook up, which is why many conventions schedule speed dating events. Speed dating is when you have 2-5-minute one-on-one conversations with potential matches. The event's rapid-fire structure gives you as many chances as possible to find someone you click with. If you come across a person you want to get to know more, reconnect with them after the event ends.

   • You can also often find unofficial, fan-hosted mixers and social gatherings in hotel bars or conference rooms. Check the hashtag for the comic con on social media to find them, or ask your friends.
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   Join a dating app and set your location to the same city as the con. Dating coach Renee Slansky suggests downloading Hinge, which "uses geolocation to try and connect you to where the other person is in your location." You can also download Bumble, Tinder, Facebook Dating, or any other app you're interested in, change your location to the same city as the convention, and browse your options.

   • Consider changing your profile picture and bio to show that you're at the convention, so that potential matches know that you're a nerd and where to find you.
5. 
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   Approach someone you're interested in with a compliment or a fun question. If someone at the comic con catches your eye, and they don't appear to have a partner, it might be appropriate to simply walk up to them and start a conversation. Safe, flirty openers are compliments on their cosplay (if they're wearing a costume) or questions related to a convention event. Introduce yourself, and if they seem interested in talking to you, give them your number or invite them to attend a panel with you.

   • “Skip the generic pickup lines and lead with context,” Lovz suggests. “Comic Con gives you an advantage, so use it. Comment on their costume, merch, or what panel you’re both attending. Something as simple as, ‘That’s an incredible [costume], did you make it or buy it?’ opens the door naturally. The key is curiosity over performance. You’re not trying to impress, you’re trying to connect.”
   • Or, if they're wearing a Marvel superhero-themed shirt, say something like, "Hey, what did you think of the Avengers trailer they showed at the Marvel panel?" Then see where the conversation goes!
   • “Keep it low-pressure,” Lovz continues. “Think of it as a micro-interaction, not a high-stakes moment. The best approaches feel like two fans talking, not someone trying to hit on someone.”
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Section 2 of 5:

Comic Con Flirting Etiquette Tips

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   Be authentic (even if you're cosplaying). If you dress up as your favorite pop culture character at the comic con, you might be tempted to also act like a totally different person. But when you flirt with someone, always be yourself, not a character. "Authenticity is the most attractive quality that you have," says dating coach Damona Hoffman. "It's much harder to make a meaningful connection when you're not being the real you."
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   Stick to G-rated compliments and avoid innuendos. Some people like to dress up as characters who have exaggerated proportions or wear outfits that show a lot of skin. But that doesn't mean they want to be told how hot or sexy they are, especially by a stranger! Keep all your compliments G-rated, and avoid using curse words or making sexual jokes or innuendos. Otherwise, they might think you're being too forward, which could kill any attraction they might have felt toward you.

   • For example, you can say, "Your outfit looks so cool!" or "Wow, it looks like you put a lot of work into that cosplay!"
3. 
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   Give them your number, but don't pressure them for theirs. After chatting for a bit, you might decide you want to give the person you're flirting with your number. Offer it to them, but if they don't offer theirs in return, don't pressure them. Remember that they don't know you, and they might be wary of giving their contact details to just anyone. If you pass them your number, they can decide on their own if they want to reach out. And if not, it's okay! It just wasn't meant to be.

   • Lovz says asking for their number is fine if things are going really well. “If the conversation is flowing, move things forward by getting their number,” Lovz says. “This is where most people hesitate and lose momentum. The best way to do this is to tie it to something specific you already talked about: ‘I’ve got a pretty rare Darth Vader collectible at home, I’ll send you a pic when I get back. What’s your number?’”
   • Lovz explains, “This works because it feels natural, not forced. You’re continuing the interaction instead of abruptly asking for contact info. Then, follow up later with a clear plan. The goal isn’t to lock in the entire date on the spot. The goal is to secure the connection so you can lead afterward.”
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   Back off if you get the vibe that they don't want your attention. Study their body language and their choice of words to determine whether they welcome your flirtation attempts. Dating coach John Keegan says if they're making eye contact, smiling openly, and keeping their arms loose, those are signs that they might be attracted to you. If they're crossing their arms, stepping back, looking around a lot, and keeping their replies short, those might be red flags that mean "Stop!" In that case, it's probably best if you make a graceful exit.

   • Understand that not everyone welcomes flirtation from a stranger. If you approach a stranger at a comic con because you think they look attractive and interesting, they might be flattered, but they might also feel creeped out. Comic cons aren't always safe, especially for women. Keep that in mind and be ready to back off if the other person is giving clear signals that they don't want to talk to you.
   • Don't take their rejection personally. There might not be anything about you specifically that they don't like. They might just not trust strangers, especially if they're from out of town. They might also not be looking for love, or they may be in a relationship. Respect their boundaries, and know that it's not the end of the world if they don't want to go on a date with you!
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Section 3 of 5:

Comic Con Dating Best Practices

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1. 
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   Do something fun that leaves room for good conversation. If your primary goal is to get to know the other person, dating coach Chantal Heide says getting a beverage, like a coffee, and walking around is a great first date idea. If you prefer doing something, though, certified dating coach Alison Wellington recommends choosing an activity that both of you enjoy, such as bowling or axe-throwing. She says an activity is a good idea "because it gives you some downtime to think before you speak."
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   Ask about their life, interests, and values outside of the comic con. You may have been attracted to them by their looks initially, but now it's time to delve beyond that. Remember that you really don't know anything about this person other than their interest in comics, movies, or video games. Find out what they do for a living and what they like to do for fun besides attending comic cons. If the conversation goes deep, you might even learn about their values, religious beliefs, and even their politics.

   • Make a good impression with these fun, engaging first date conversation-starters!
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Maria Avgitidis

   Matchmaker & Dating Expert

   Maria Avgitidis is the CEO & Matchmaker of Agape Match, a matchmaking service based out of New York City. For over a decade, she has successfully combined four generations of family matchmaking tradition with modern relationship psychology and search techniques to ensure her professional clientele are introduced to their ultimate match. Maria and Agape Match have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, Fast Company, CNN, Esquire, Elle, Reuters, Vice, and Thrillist.

   

   Maria Avgitidis
   Matchmaker & Dating Expert

   The goal of the first date is to decide if you want a second date.You're not deciding if you're going to marry this person, but determining if you have fun with them. The best way to do that is just to let the conversation happen organically.
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   Plan to see each other or talk again if your first date clicks. Did you have fun at your first date? Do you want to know more about the other person? If the answer is "Yes" to both questions, then you may want to exchange numbers (if you haven't already) and plan to meet up again. If the convention is still going, try to attend a couple of panels together. If it's over or one of you is about to go home, stay connected via calls or texts.
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   Decide if you're open to long-distance dating. A lot of people who attend big comic cons (like SDCC or NYCC) are from out of town. While you're on your date, you may discover that the other person is from another city or state. They might even be from another country! In that case, ask yourself if you're willing to make a long-distance relationship work.

   • Is long-distance dating ever a good idea? Relationship therapist Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC, says yes, as long as both people understand the challenges of a long-distance relationship, including time spent apart, lack of physical intimacy, etc. If you're both okay with those things, at least for now, then a long-distance relationship might be doable.
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   Be okay with just being friends or going your separate ways. Not everyone who dates at comic cons is looking for a long-term commitment. You might be searching for the love of your life, while they're just looking for a friend to hang out with or a one-night stand. It's alright to be disappointed, but don't let it ruin your good time. Hoffman says, "If you just look at it like 'I'm meeting new friends and making connections and whatever happens, happens from there,' it will alleviate a lot of the stress" of meeting someone new.
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Section 4 of 5:

Comic Con Dating Safety Tips

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1. 1
   Go to a public place for your first date. For your first date, dating coach Joshua Pompey says to meet in a public place "where there are a lot of people around." Lovz agrees, noting that Comic Con easily facilitates this: you're already at a convention with thousands of other attendees! Pompey also recommends not putting yourself in any isolated situations. For example, if you're staying at different hotels, avoid letting your date pick you up or drop you off in their vehicle. Instead, order an Uber or ask a friend to take you to your date and pick you up when it's over.
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   Check in with friends or family members during the date. "Go [to comic cons] with friends because conventions can sometimes be unsafe," advises cosplayer Sparkle. Lovz recommends letting a friend know where you’re going and avoid relying on someone you just met for transportation. You can also ask a friend to check in on you during your date with a text or a phone call, in case you need a quick out.
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   Avoid accepting drinks from your date, even if you really like them. Don't order cocktails from the bar on your first date with someone, says dating coach Collette Gee, "especially if you're a woman." People with bad intentions will sometimes drug their date's drink and assault them after they go unconscious. The easiest way to prevent that from happening is to never leave your drink alone with your date or let them get you a drink from the bar. Instead, Gee recommends ordering a bottle of wine, so you can open it at your table.

   • If your date offers to get you a drink, say, "No, thank you, I'll get it myself," or suggest getting wine instead. If they insist, politely but firmly say, "No, thank you," again. If they pressure you even more, you might want to reconsider whether this date is really a good idea. They might not have any bad intentions, but if they're really pushy about drinks, they're probably pushy about a lot of other things, too.
   • If you have to leave your drink alone at the table with your date, grab a fresh drink (or ask the waiter for one) on your way back.
   • Just because your date offers to get you a drink doesn't mean they have bad intentions! But it's still better to be safe than sorry. At the end of the day, the only person who can protect you best is yourself.
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   Be wary if your date invites you to their hotel room or an area with no people. Unfortunately, there will probably be at least a few untrustworthy people at a convention. It's not usually a good idea to accompany your comic con date to their hotel room or a quiet part of the convention center where no one else is around. The best practice is to stay out in the open where other attendees can see you until you get to know and trust this person.

   • “Avoid getting swept up in the event bubble,” Lovz says. “Just because you connect over fandom doesn’t automatically mean someone is trustworthy or a good match. Take your time and keep your standards.”
   • If they ask you to have sex, but you're not interested in doing that, dating coach Erika Kaplan says to be direct with your refusal. "Tell them you're interested in continuing to see them, but you're just not ready to be physical yet," she advises. If they get angry or irritated with your response, leave immediately and don't contact them anymore.
   • Whatever you do on your first date, make sure you're comfortable and fully aware of what you're doing, says teen life coach Jennifer Brown. Consent is key! If your date tries to pressure you into doing something you don't want to do, that's your cue to bounce.
5. 5
   Carry a rape alarm that beeps loudly when activated. “Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it is,” Lovz notes. For worst-case scenarios, you'll want a rape alarm or some other loud device that other people will be able to hear from hundreds of feet away. Tuck it into a pocket on your outfit or hook it onto a keychain or your convention ticket lanyard. Wherever you put it, make sure it's easily accessible. If you really need to use it, you don't want to have to dig around in a bag for it.
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Section 5 of 5:

Comic Cons That Host Dating Events

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1. New York Comic Con, Dragon Con, and more are known to have dating events. From speed dating to mixers, you can usually find some type of dating event, no matter what con you attend. The best way to check is by looking at the convention's schedule of events and panels ahead of time. Here's a list of pop culture-related conventions that have held dating events in the past, where you might be lucky enough to find them again:

   • Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2): Chicago, IL
   • Dragon Con: Atlanta, GA
   • FanimeCon: San Jose, CA
   • FanX: Salt Lake City, UT
   • Flame Con: New York City, NY
   • MEGACON: Orlando, FL
   • New York Comic Con (NYCC): New York City, NY

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