The 17 Best Flirty Conversation Starters to Get Something Going

There are many ways to catch someone’s eye. But using the best flirty conversation starters truly kicks things off on the right page.

Whether you’re approaching someone at a bar or messaging them on a dating app, having the perfect flirty conversation starters at your fingertips can lay the groundwork for every future conversation.

You want to make sure to catch their attention but in a subtle way. You don’t want to be too over the top or too timid.

Why do you need flirty conversation starters?

Sure, some people can start a conversation with “Do you have the time?” and end up married with three kids five years later. But, that is the exception, not the rule.

The way you open a conversation sets the tone for the rest of the night, and potentially the rest of your relationship. I am not saying you must have the perfect flirty conversation starter to have a chance, but it certainly won’t hurt.

Picking a flirty conversation starter that shows your personality, your style, or even your interests is the best way to introduce yourself to someone because it is unique and shows intrigue. [Read: How to flirt with your crush and make them fall hard]

Flirty conversation starters

You now know why having a solid flirty conversation starter is beneficial when it comes to meeting people, but knowing isn’t all it takes. Nerves can prevent you from coming up with something creative on the spot.

And something that gets one person’s attention may not work on someone else. It is always good to have a selection of flirty conversation starters on standby. This will give you options depending on the situation.

#1 “I was having a bad day, but when I saw your smile it perked me up.” This could be a flirty conversation started either in person or online. It isn’t over the top or creepy. In fact, it is just simply sweet. It shows your interest in this person on a basic physical level and doesn’t go too far. [Read: How to be charming and liked by everyone]

#2 “I was trying to think of the perfect word to describe your beauty, but I don’t think one has been invented yet.” The problem with a lot of pickup lines or flirty conversation starters is that they miss the mark. They are either subtle or way too intense and inappropriate.

This is just right. It is sweet and flattering but doesn’t seep into the sexual category.

#3 “I’m supposed to be working right now, but I can’t stop thinking about you.” If you aren’t one who really pushes boundaries, you can keep it simple with something like this. You can start a new conversation with a crush or someone you’ve met once or twice by telling the truth.

This shows you’re thinking about them and instead of playing games, you’re being straight forward. [Read: How to flirt with your crush and make them fall hard for you]

#4 “You look so familiar. I think I’ve seen you in my dreams.” Another clever way to flatter someone at the top of a new conversation. This does lean a little bit into pickup line territory, but that isn’t always a bad thing.

Pickup lines are known for being flirty, and that is exactly what this is. [Read: 10 subtle eye contact flirting moves that always work]

#5 “I’m making the first move now so next time it’s your turn.” This type of flirty conversation starter introduces a level of banter into your correspondence. By teasing each other back and forth, you create a go-to vibe for your conversations and that adds tension and chemistry to the mix.

#6 “Hey, do you like girls/guys who make the first move?” I stole this from my favorite show, Charmed, but it worked there so it should work in the real world. If you like someone, or are even just interested, this is a great way to just put it all out there.

If they say yes, go for it, and see what happens. Making a move is the ultimate flirty conversation starter.

#7 “I was going to play it cool and wait to message you, but something wouldn’t let me.” There are a bunch of different variations of this you could go with, but it is a go-to. It shows again you aren’t interested in playing dating games and just want to let them know you are interested. [Read: Texting your crush – a step-by-step guide to doing it right]

#8 “Hi, I wanted to ask you out, so I thought I would start by introducing myself.” This is a great way to start a flirty conversation when you’re out. It isn’t creepy or awkward. It again is honest and simple. With all the crazy flirty conversation starters available, sometimes being classic is what people want.

#9 “I need some advice. There’s this girl/guy I want to ask out, but I’m not sure how.” I personally love this one. It is adorable. Wait for their response and then use it on them. I find this to be so effective and endearing.

#10 “I just realized I don’t know you. We should change that.” Whether you’re at a bar or a party, this is a great flirty way to mingle. It doesn’t say you’re more interested than you should be right off the bat, but shows your interest. [Read: 30 foolproof pickup lines you should use and 10 to avoid]

#11 “My dog/cat is looking for a new mom/dad, and I think you’d make a great candidate.” Animal lovers unite! If you’re trying to meet someone with the same level of love for your kitty or pooch, this is a great flirty conversation starter to get your dealbreaker out into the world early on.

#12 “I don’t know how you’re smiling like that when we haven’t even met yet?” No one likes someone who is too cocky, but a little extra confidence can spark someone’s interest easily. A flirty conversation starter like this is bound to make someone smile or giggle at the very least.

#13 “Seeing as its wedding season, do you happen to be in need of a family-friendly wedding date?” I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked this. Although it may not be the most original flirty conversation starter, it shows you’re down for whatever which is what a lot of people are looking for.

#14 “There’s a Harry Potter marathon on this weekend. Any interest in binging the whole lot with me?” I had to add at least one Harry Potter related line into the mix. It can be risky to start a conversation with a flirty line that shows your neediness, but it is very endearing for fellow nerds.

#15 “Is this seat taken or do you mind if I Slytherin?” Sorry, but I had to do another. This Harry Potter pun is just too good not to use. Don’t you think?

If you read this and thought if someone said that to me I’d be interested, try it out.

#16 “I told myself I’d swipe one more time and delete this app if I wasn’t interested, but you popped up. Now I’m sticking around as long as it takes to go out with you.” Sure, this sort of sounds like a line. It is also pretty flattering. Flirting with compliments may be the most effective way to flirt. This is the ultimate dating app compliment. [Read: What every online dater should avoid doing]

#17 “I know there is no way you’re single but my friends wouldn’t let me leave without introducing myself.” There a few aspects of this flirty conversation starter that makes it work. One, you are complimenting them. Two, you clearly have a group of friends that encourage you to take risks. Both of those are good things in my book.

[Read: 40 unbelievably cute things you can say to your crush]

Flirty conversation starters are the best way to ensure your conversation doesn’t end anytime soon. These are some of the best. Now, take them out into the real world and give them a go.