The 3-date rule is a dating rule which dictates that both parties withhold sex until at least the 3rd date, at which point a couple can have sex without worrying about being abandoned or considered too loose to be a good partner.

When should I ask for a third date?

The Bottom Line On Asking For a Third Date To wrap it up, we believe you should reach out to your online dating match no later than a day and a half after the second date. Anything more than that and they may begin to wonder if you had forgotten about them.