First dates can induce a range of feelings from excitement to anxiety to dread, but you can minimize the negative feelings by following some simple first date tips. Check out these eight tips to make a stellar first impression and secure a second date. You'll have more fun and be more at ease by following this first date advice.

Choose an Easy Spot for Meeting Up
While most people suggest going out for dinner for a date, it's easier to go out in a more casual setting. A dinner date could be awkward if you found out you didn't click with someone before your food even arrived. That's why it's suggested to meet up for a drink or a short walk to gauge out the situation and plan accordingly. If things go well, you can up the ante by suggesting a spot afterward. If things don't go well, you won't feel obliged to stay longer than you want. This is one of the first date tips you don't want to forget.

Put Down Your Phone
As noted by dating expert Kimberly Seltzer, another one of the best first date tips is to put your phone away. It comes off as rude when someone is on a date. No one wants to seem like they're less important than someone's phone.

Observe Body Language
Another important part of being on a date is maintaining eye contact with the person you date and paying attention to their words and actions. Body language speaks volumes about how much a person is interested. If you want to be able to tell if someone is interested in you, look at the direction of where their feet are pointing or see if they mimic your movements.

Ask a Lot of "Why" Questions
The whole point of dating is trying to get to know someone, and the best way to do so is by asking "why" questions. Yes and no questions will yield simple replies, but asking "why" questions requires a thoughtful response. Those questions help determine how compatible you are with someone.

Always Offer to Pay
While the person asking you out on a date might offer to pay, remember that offering to pay for your own food or activity will show that you're capable of handling yourself.

Be Comfortable and Yourself
Everyone wants to make a killer impression at first, but you never want to look like you're trying too hard. When you're comfortable, you can feel confident. Confidence is one quality that can secure second and third dates. It's important to be yourself. This is because you don't want to have to pretend to be someone you're not further into a relationship. If someone likes you, they'll like you for who you are.

Don't Overshare
No one wants to hear about anyone's ex or problems on a first date. These are things that people discuss when they're in a relationship or serious with one another. The point of a first date is to maintain a light conversation and see if someone is a potential long-term match for you. Keep things light and fun; that way, the environment is stress-free and casual.

Replace Your Inner Dialogue
As dating expert Traci Porterfield told CNN, "If you tell yourself 'dating is fun. I can make a new friend,' that's a whole lot different than 'there's nobody out there. All the good people are taken.'" That's one of the first date tips that you can take to the bank.