The 50 best pickup lines you can use, according to dating experts (2024)

First impressions are crucial, especially when meeting a potential romantic partner.

When you spot someone cute across the room at a bar, coffee shop, or house party, it can be daunting to walk over and strike up a conversation.

Luckily, there are a number of easy ways to quell your nerves and make a smooth introduction.

A witty, sweet, or charming pickup line is the perfect way to break the ice with that special someone.

It may sound obvious, but the best pickup lines should feel authentic and true to your personality, Blaine Anderson, a dating coach for men, tells TODAY.com.

Moreover, it's important to remember that a pickup line is just the first step into a successful conversation.

“No matter how smooth your delivery is, it’s just one tiny piece of the much larger conversational puzzle. No one’s going to date (or go home with) you just because you regurgitated a sentence you read online,” she says.

Pay attention to the qualities that attracted you to your crush in the first place. Maybe they were sporting a cool t-shirt from a local museum, or reading one of your favorite novels.

Focusing on these unique traits will help you show your prospective date that you are genuinely interested in learning more about them.

“Compliments or questions that show you’ve taken the time to get to know them will always be more successful than generic lines,” Joni Ogle, LCSW, CSAT, the CEO of The Heights Treatment, tells TODAY.com.

Due to the excitement of a new crush, you might be too full of butterflies to think up a clever question or opener. Don't worry, we have you covered.

From silly to sweet, these expert-approved pickup lines will help you start every conversation with confidence.

Flirty pickup lines

“What’s your favorite [coffee/drink] here? I’m trying to figure out what to order.”

One of the best, natural pickup lines in the book: “People love to give their opinions and this opener comes off as genuine,” Sara Tick, LMFT, of Modern Meet, tells TODAY.com. “It’s easy to strike up a conversation and keep things flowing after this type of line.”

“I would love to get us off this app and in-person for coffee."

“Cutting right to the final goal is one way to go about online dating,” Margaret Stone, LPC, LMHC, dating expert at Elevated Man says, adding that it’s better to meet in person instead of becoming virtual pen pals. “The real connection happens in person, and endless texting can be misinterpreted and the person can lose interest fast.”

“I must be in a museum, because you’re a work of art.”

This sweet line is a great way to compliment your date and open up a conversation about your interests.It’s also the perfect segue into a potential first date at a museum or local art spot.

“Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?”

“This line provides an easy way to start a conversation without it coming off too strong. It’s playful while also allowing you to show your interest in getting to know whomever you are talking with better, without making them feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed," Megan Harrison, LMFT, of Couples Candy, tells TODAY.com.

“You look familiar. Do I know you?”

If he or she likes you, they will help you try to place them. Plus, by listing places that they go or their favorite activities, Tick says it's a “great way to open up the conversation and keep it progressing."

“You’re so gorgeous that you made me forget my pickup line.”

Hey, sometimes honesty is the best policy. Your date will be charmed by your confidence, and if you time this one right, you might even bring out a little chuckle.

“Spotify told me I’d find you here … this week’s hottest single.”

Vex King, a mind coach and author of "CLOSER TO LOVE: How to Attract the Right Relationships and Deepen Your Connections," recommends steering clear of anything physical — unless it's about their smile or comedic.

“Complimenting someone’s vibe or energy is more sincere and less gimmicky,” he says. “A great pickup line has the perfect blend of humor, and admiration and should be followed by a question to seal the deal and take the pressure off of them having to respond to your eccentric one-liners.”

“I’m here to revoke your license. It’s illegal to be driving everyone crazy the way you are.”

Come on, you’re holding back a smile now, aren’t you? “This one gets mixed reviews, but I stand by it,” concedes King. “If they roll their eyes, they’re not the one!”

“Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m not into astrology, but the stars led me to you."

Remind us why we haven’t tried this cute pickup line before? “Follow this by asking what their sign is,” King suggests. “This may mean nothing to you, but it’s an easy way to start the convo.”

“I typically prefer non-fiction, but with you, I’m down for a fairy tale.”

And the cheesy pickup lines just keep on coming. “Find yourself a sweet bibliophile with this one,” King says.

“I must be a snowflake because I’ve fallen for you, would you mind catching me?”

This is a funny, but still super sweet. “Plus it makes a clever reference to the weather," Ogle adds.

“There’s something wrong with my cell phone. It doesn’t have your number in it.”

Cheesy but cute, this line is a sweet and smooth way to ask someone for their digits.

“I bet you work at Google, because you look like everything I’m searching for.”

It may be a cheesy pickup line, but it gets the job done. Anderson notes she could especially see this one working well if you live in a city with Google offices.

“Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by a second time?”

“Any line that implies love is going into the cheesy bucket, but it’s clever, and it will make the right person smile,” Anderson says.

“Are you a photographer? I had to ask, because every time I look at you, I smile.”

“This one’s a bit corny, but it’s also cute, because it feels more genuine than most other pickup lines,” Anderson says. Another option in a similar vein: “Are you a library book? I had to ask because I can’t resist checking you out.”

“I'm no artist, but I can picture us together.”

Perhaps this line is a bit cheesy, but it’s worth a shot. Similar to the photographer pickup line above, it’s a great way to start a conversation about jobs and hobbies.

“I’m glad Cupid was aiming for our hearts today, I hope this lasts forever.”

“This line is a bit cheesy, but it can make someone smile and show you’re being playful,” Ogle says. It's particularly fitting to use in February.

“You must have a criminal record, because having a smile that beautiful should be illegal.”

“As long as you can actually lead a conversation after this, it can be a smooth opening line,” Anderson says. Speaking of which, make sure to have some questions you want to ask in your back pocket to kick things off with a potential flame.

“Aside from taking my breath away, what do you do for a living?”

This pickup line does double duty: paying your prospective date a sweet compliment, and learning more about them. Expressing genuine interest in their life is a great way to strike up a longer conversation.

“I’m debating whether I should stay or leave this party.”

Perhaps the best pickup line to use when you’re at a group gathering towards the end of the event. “If someone is interested in you, he/she is going to try to convince you to stay,” Tick says. “It’s a great way to gauge someone’s attraction to you and can also easily transition the conversation to who they know at the party or bar or places they prefer to go.”

“I thought we made eye contact, so I wanted to introduce myself...”

While Anderson notes this isn’t a traditional pickup line, she finds this introductory statement to be authentic, direct and versatile. “If you say this with confidence, they’ll want to chat."

“I’m not an organ donor, but you seem to have my heart.”

A little over the top? Perhaps, but hopefully this line will make your date smile. Bonus points if they work in the medical field!

“I have been here a dozen times, and never have I seen someone as gorgeous as you.”

“This is a great line for someone with more confidence in themselves,” Stone says. “In order for this line to work, you really have to communicate this in an effortless manner that’s still filled with conviction."

“You look like someone who's always ready for an adventure. What's the last exciting activity you've done?”

Stone says this is one of the best pickup lines for a dating app or online dating “because you are giving the person a nice compliment right from the start.”

“If I were an astronaut, I would travel across the universe, to the moon and back, just to be with you.”

“It lets the person know that you’re ready to go above and beyond for them,” Ogle says. We also think it’s just the thing to crack the ice and make someone smile.

“Excuse me, do you have the time? I want to remember the exact moment we met.”

This line will definitely get your conversation off to a memorable start. Plus, if you actually end up dating, you’ll know exactly when to celebrate the anniversary of your first meeting.

“Phew! I’m glad I brought my sunglasses cause your energy is beaming!”

“Pointing out that they stand out in a crowded room is always a good approach,” King advises. We know it’s a little out there, but remember, “a thoughtful pickup line is a great way to showcase personality and express interest playfully."

“I think the sky lets the stars align for us to end up here.”

“This is a great line because it implies something magical happened that brought you two together,” Ogle says. Pretty smooth pickup line, huh?

“When I text you good morning tomorrow, what phone number should I use?”

Fortune favors the bold, and this pickup line is definitely not for the faint of heart. Your date will be charmed by your confidence.

“So, is that with cream and sugar? Just confirming your coffee order for our date tomorrow.”

“A lot of people respond well to someone cutting right to the chase. If you’re serious about getting to know someone, what better way than over a coffee?” King asks.

"Hi."

“If you can’t think of a single thing to say, you can always start with a ‘hi’ and a smile,” Tick says, noting that if the person is interested, they’ll reciprocate and that will open up a conversation.

Funny pickup lines

“Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes?”

You don’t need to be a blue, wish-granting genie to make your date’s day. This sweet, silly line will magically put a smile on their face.

“I bet your daddy was a beaver, because daaaaaaam, you look good.”

“This is such a dad joke, but I’m a sucker for any jokes that have to do with animals or nature, and this will make the right person smile,” Anderson says.

“Do you have a map? Because I just keep getting lost in your eyes!”

“It conveys something beyond the usual pickup line—it expresses admiration and devotion,” Harrison says, elaborating that this opener also implies an emotional connection. “When people look into each other’s eyes, they feel like they’re truly seeing into another person’s soul.”

“There you are! I’ve been looking for my heart for a while now. Glad to see you’ve kept it safe.”

King likes that this pickup line has “a touch of romance, a bit of originality and the slightest dose of charm.”

“I bet your nickname is inflation the way you’ve got all these guys sweating you.”

Hoping to be smooth? It’s not easy, but this line is quite the opener. “I’m not sure pickup lines are ever actually smooth, but tying them to current events like inflation can help,” Anderson says.

“Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears.”

“This line is funny and creative — it shows your playful side while also expressing how strongly you feel about the other person,” Ogle says. Just don’t break out a card deck and expect them to entertain you.

“Do you know how much an elephant weighs? Enough to break the ice. I’m [insert name].”

“If you have a lot of confidence, you can pull off a cheesy opener,” Tick says. “You can also see if she has a sense of humor by trying a silly line like the one above.”

“Have a Band-Aid? Apparently I scraped my knee falling for you.”

This line isn’t for all scenarios, but ‘if you actually stumbled as part of your approach, this would feel authentic and draw a genuine laugh,” Anderson says.

“Do you ever get tired from running through my mind all day?”

Hopefully they’re not too fatigued to go on a date with you. This line is a charming way to let your prospective partner know that you’re thinking of them.

“I thought happiness started with an ‘H’... why does mine start with ‘U’ and ‘I’?”

“This line is cute and shows you’re thinking about them in a romantic way,” Ogle says. We hope they answer the question by saying their idea of happiness starts with “U” and “I,” too.

“Excuse me, I’ve got to know what your top is made of. Because you look like soulmate material.”

If you’re a fan of funny pickup lines, test drive one of the best pickup lines we’ve heard to date. “They’ve likely received every compliment in the book. But you’ll be the first to claim their soul,” King says.

“You must be French, because Eiffel for you.”

If they giggle at this dad-joke-inspired line, you know you’ve found a keeper. Your first date may not be in Paris, but you can suggest a croissant and coffee at your local café.

“Can I have directions? To your heart.”

“It’s sweet, charming, and sure to make someone smile,” Ogle says. It also makes for a memorable introduction with only a few words.

“If you were a fruit, you’d be a fine-apple.”

Try not to laugh, I dare you. Throw it back to your younger years with this classic pun.

“If you were a vegetable, you’d be a cute-cumber.”

This line is so silly, they’re guaranteed to giggle.

“So it is true! [Them: ‘What is?’] Manifesting. Because I’ve been visualizing you my entire life.”

“Spiritual enthusiasts will get it,” King says. And even people who don’t try manifesting their desires into reality will likely appreciate this sweet and smile-inducing pickup line.

“Are you a bank loan? Because you have my interest.”

Financially savvy and funny, too? This line will show your date that you’re a great investment.

“Did you travel here by time machine? I had to ask, because you look like someone I want in my future.”

“This is super cute if you deliver it authentically,” Anderson says. We agree.

“If I were a cat, I’d spend all nine lives with you.”

Animal lovers will melt at this sweet line. It’s the perfect way to show your date that you’re serious about spending time together.