We’re no longer in full lockdown mode, but it’s still a strange time for romance. Whether you’ve recently matched with a cutie on a dating app, live separately from your partner (or even continents apart), dating while being responsible to reduce social interactions can be hard. But thankfully, we have technology to rely on – you can easily connect with your loved on at the touch of a button.

But if you can no longer count the number of times you’ve made Soulja Boy’s noughties hit Kiss Me Thru The Phone a reality, it’s time to level up your pandemic love story by planning fun online date nights with your boo. Here are some creative virtual date ideas to get started.

1. Work up a sweat

Couples that work out together, stay together. If you loathe hitting the gym together (where you have to share equipment), then virtual sessions are an option. Turn on Skype, and tune into these online gym sessions in another window with your partner. You’ll keep each other motivated, and burn some calories at the same time. Win-win.

2. Pick up some crafts

It’s easy for those creative muscles to atrophy when you stay home too much. Short of going out for some arts and crafts workshops, you can also pick up these skills online. Carve out some time to do some watercolour painting, calligraphy, bullet journaling or crocheting together, but apart. Just check out our guide to arts and crafts you can learn from home, and pick up your supplies at these craft stores around town.

3. Enjoy a virtual happy hour

Hesitant to head out to your favourite watering holes? That doesn’t mean that happy hour has to be cancelled. But what do you put in the shaker when all you have at home is some vodka, a sad lemon, and a few half-empty bottles of liqueur? Learn to shake up (or stir up) a cocktail or two with your special drinking partner with our Home Bar Series. But if you’d rather have one delivered for you and your date, order a tipple or two for each of you from our local bars.

4. Try a new recipe together

Photograph: Shutterstock/Alexander Prokopenko

Sure, dining in in groups of two is possible, but some days you just don’t want. And it’s inevitable – the more we stay at home, the more our domesticated side surfaces. With more time on your hand to spare, is your kitchen calling out to you? Make cooking extra fun by getting your personal sous chef to join along via a video call. Strap on that cooking apron and select a great-tasting recipe by local YouTube channels to kickstart your culinary journey – complete with engaging personalities, inspiring visuals, and easy-to-follow instructions. Not only do you get to spend time whipping up a meal – and witnessing all that kitchen mess – but your food will be ready at the same time.

5. Have a Tik Tok dance off

Been practising the new viral Tik Tok dance craze in front of the mirror? Take it up a notch by getting your partner to join in the fun. Play the viral Red Light, Green Light game from popular Netflix show Squid Game, or learn the choreography of Renegade or Savage, then fire up the video call to show off your mad skills – or willingness to self-deprecate. Silly as it might seem, it might just be the comic relief you need to get through the new Stabilisation Phase and social distancing.

Order a meal for each other

When it comes to eating as a couple, there are two options: dining at a restaurant or cooking a nice meal at home. If neither seems appealing, play dinner-delivery roulette and order a meal for each other, which sounds fun. Sure, you could order your own food and eat it at the same time over FaceTime, but there’s something thrilling about a surprise food delivery at your door –unless your boo hasn’t got a clue about your dietary preferences (best to double-check beforehand). And did we mention how exciting it is to see them unbox and enjoy it with you via a video call? Plus, ordering and having the meals delivered also helps support local businesses.

Turn up the heat… by channelling your competitive streak. At this digital age, you don’t even need your date to be in the flesh to play popular games like Pictionary, Cards Against Humanity and Exploding Kittens. They’re all available online too. But if both of you happen to be proud owners of a Nintendo Switch, jump on the hype train by playing Animal Crossing where you can visit each other’s islands. Or play Mario Kart. A fun level of competition can be invigorating for your relationship, but always keep it friendly because it can turn out ugly otherwise.

Netflix Party and chill

Photograph: mm2 EntertainmentA Land Imagined

Fancy a movie night together? If cosying up in a couple seat at the cinema or the couch at home is off the cards, you can still watch a TV show or a film together over the internet. Cue Netflix Party, a Chrome extension that allows you to sync a show with your pals so that you all can watch – and pause – at the same time. There’s also a live chatroom to quiz each other – winner gets to pick the next show. If you’re spoilt for choice, try playing one of the best upcoming series in Singapore.

As Madge (aka Madonna) says, “Hey mister DJ, put a record on. I wanna dance with my baby,” and put a record on you shall. Play DJ, set up some funky lighting, and host a virtual party via Zoom. You can invite other couples (double date, say what) too if you’re planning to turn your bedroom disco into an online rave. Looking for fresh tunes? Say no more. Check out hot new music from our local artists here.

Photograph: National Museum of SingaporeAn Old New World: Digital Edition

Pour yourself a glass of wine, light the candle, keep your slippers on, and get your culture fix with a private virtual tour with bae. All you have to do is connect via video calling apps such as Zoom and Google Hangouts, and share your screen, exploring virtually every major museum and art gallery online. For some local flavour, check out National Gallery Singapore’s collection of over 1,000 artworks and 7,000 archival materials online.

If you feel your sharp mind slipping into the dark abyss of boredom, create the ultimate dream team with your partner and work those brain cells with a good ol’ quiz. Turn on your lightbulb – and your webcam and microphone – as The Singapore Quizmaster tests your smarts on history, pop culture and everything in between.

12. Go deeper with 36 questions

Yes, we get it: 36 is a whole lotta questions for a whole lotta love. But hear us out. Based on a study by psychologist Arthur Aron (and others), it takes 36 personal questions to see whether intimacy between two people can be accelerated. It makes great conversation, especially if you’re trying to see if your other half actually fits with your half. It can be intimidating but if you’re curious creatures – or nosy like us – it makes a great way to learn more about each other. Whether you’re on your fifth virtual date or celebrating your silver jubilee together, this is a social science experiment worth putting to the test. Downside? Gazing into each others’ eyes while discussing the topic via video call may not be as effective as IRL.