100 Small Talk Questions to Keep the Conversation Flowing in 2025

Small talk questions can open the door to easy, flowing conversations with anyone you meet. We’re not saying they’ll turn you into some conversational savant, but they’ll certainly save the day in those awkward moments when you need something to talk about. Sure, small talk is one of those things that people either love or totally hate, but it can really work wonders if you show that you actually care about what the other person is saying and great small talk questions​ make that part simple. 

They’re light, easy and designed to help you kick off a chat that can grow into something way more meaningful. To help you get started, here’s a list of 100 small talk questions to try out anywhere.

Jump to Section

• Best Small Talk Questions for Romance
• Great Small Talk Questions​ for Romance
• Creative Small Talk Questions to Ask​ a Guy
• Good Small Talk Situations to Ask Anyone
• Funny Small Talk Questions
• Small Talk Questions FAQs

Best Small Talk Questions for Romance

Even if you’re generally a good conversationalist, it’s normal to sometimes run out of stuff to talk about. That’s where having a few small talk questions ready can save the day. Questions that encourage someone to share about themselves are the perfect way to get a conversation rolling. A common misstep is starting with a comment or story instead of a question.

When you lead with a question, the other person gives you enough to respond, connect and keep the chat flowing. The trick is to use your question as a doorway to a deeper conversation. Listening is equally important, as paying attention and remembering details shows you care and keeps the conversation alive. Now, be warned; some of these small talk questions might be a little cheeky, but that’s part of the fun. You can always read the vibe and pick the one that feels right for the moment.

1. What was the highlight of your week?

2. What’s the most romantic place you’ve ever been to?

3. Do you like surprise dates?

4. Which song feels like it could be the soundtrack of your love life?

5. Do you believe in love at first sight?

6. What’s your favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday?

7. Have you ever had a crush that completely surprised you?

8. What’s your dream spot for a romantic vacation?

9. Do you think opposites attract or do you think similarities keep couples strong?

10. What’s your favorite romantic gesture?

11. Do you enjoy slow dancing, even without music?

12. Do you like PDA or do you prefer keeping romance more private?

13. What’s your idea of the perfect date night in?

14. Do you believe in soulmates or do you believe in choosing love daily?

15. Which season feels the most romantic to you and why?

16. Have you ever had a rom-com moment in real life?

17. Do you think romance is more about words or actions?

Great Small Talk Questions​ for Romance

Using small talk questions on a date can be a great way to show genuine curiosity and keep the other person talking. One of the easiest ways to cut through is with simple, entry-level icebreaker questions. Using icebreaker bingo-style prompts gives both people a chance to share clear, quick answers, even if they don’t have a strong preference. 

Great small talk questions about things like pets, movies, TV shows or sports can help ease the old nerves and maybe even lead to deeper conversations. The goal isn’t necessarily to impress with perfect lines but rather to be vulnerable and open.

18. What’s the cutest couple you’ve ever seen in real life?

19. What’s the most underrated romantic gesture in your opinion?

20. What’s your love language?

21. Do you think long-distance relationships can really work?

22. What’s a small thing someone has done that made you feel loved?

23. Do you like anniversaries to be a big deal or do you like to keep it simple?

24. What fictional character do you/did you have a crush on?

25. What’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever done for someone?

26. What’s the sweetest thing someone’s ever done for you?

27. Do you prefer grand gestures or tiny daily ones?

28. Do you have a favorite flower?

29. Do you like writing or receiving poetry?

30. Which city screams ‘romance’ to you?

31. Have you ever had a secret admirer?

32. Do you like candlelit dinners or adventurous dates better?

33. What’s your favorite couple’s activity?

34. Do you like nicknames in relationships?

35. What was the high point and low point of your day today?

36. Do you prefer texting or calling?

Creative Small Talk Questions to Ask​ a Guy

When it comes to small talk questions to ask a guy, the key is genuine curiosity. So forget trying to “impress” him. Just be real, kind and interested in what he has to say. Start by noticing little things and commenting on them. For example, you might think, “That’s a cool phone, I wonder where he got it?” Go ahead and ask. Most guys will appreciate the compliment and happily share the story behind it. 

The same goes for noticing a shirt, hairstyle or even a backpack. Small compliments naturally lead into a conversation. This means that asking good questions for small talk is really about using those questions to show real interest in the person. Questions like “What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?” or “What hobby do you wish you had more time for?” can spark stories and give him space to share. Over time, practicing small talk questions to ask a guy in this way builds your confidence and social skills, making conversations feel effortless instead of stressful.

37. If you could design your dream man cave, what would it look like?

38. What’s the coolest gadget you’ve ever owned?

39. Which sport would you totally dominate at if given superpowers?

40. If you could start any business, what would it be?

41. Do you think you’d survive in a zombie apocalypse?

42. Which superhero do you think you’re most like?

43. If you could time-travel, where’s the first place you’d go?

44. Do you think you’d make a good stand-up comedian?

45. Which childhood dream job did you actually consider?

46. If your life were a video game, what would the main quest be?

47. Would you rather be rich or famous?

48. What’s your signature dance move?

49. Which reality show would you totally crush it on?

50. What’s your favorite car of all time?

51. Would you rather explore outer space or the deep sea?

52. What’s one skill you’d love to master?

53. Do you prefer city life or quiet countryside living?

54. Where’s the one place you feel the safest and calmest?

55. What’s a childhood memory that always makes you smile?

56. If you could tweak one thing about your childhood, what would it be?

57. What’s one thing on your bucket list you’re actually planning to cross off soon?

58. Do you have a weird little habit you’d admit to?

59. What’s the most awkward or hilarious thing that’s ever gone down on a date for you?

60. What’s the one fear or phobia you just can’t shake?

61. If you could hang out with any celebrity, dead or alive, who would it be?

62. What’s the one dating pet peeve that drives you nuts?

63. If you could change one thing about social media, what would it be?

64. Growing up, were you closer to your mom or your dad?

65. What’s the most impressive thing you’ve ever done?

66. What’s something you’d never, ever spend money on, no matter how trendy it is?

Good Small Talk Situations to Ask Anyone

A lot of the time, starting a conversation can feel incredibly awkward. But using good small talk questions can make it way easier. These are perfect for opening a chat with someone new or reconnecting with someone you haven’t seen in a while. They’re much more interesting than the usual “Where are you from?” or “What do you do?”
Instead, these small talk questions to ask encourage the other person to share something they enjoy or feel proud of. Many of these are also excellent questions to get to know someone better, especially if you already know them in one context but want to learn more about other parts of their life.

67. What’s your story?

68. Working on anything exciting recently?

69. What was the highlight of your day today?

70. How’s your week going so far?

71. What’s the last show you binge-watched?

72. Do you prefer mornings or nights?

73. What’s your go-to coffee or tea order?

74. Have you read any good books lately?

75. Do you like summer or winter more?

76. What’s your favorite comfort meal?

77. Have you traveled anywhere cool recently?

78. Do you enjoy cooking or eating out more?

79. What’s a hobby you could talk about forever?

80. Do you prefer beaches or mountains?

81. Do you like pets? If yes, cats, dogs or something else?

82. What’s the most interesting thing you learned recently?

83. What’s your favorite podcast right now?

84. Do you like trying new restaurants or do you prefer sticking to a few trusted favorites?

85. What’s your go-to karaoke song?

86. Do you enjoy museums or prefer outdoor adventures?

87. What’s your favorite holiday?

88. What’s one thing that always makes your day better?

Funny Small Talk Questions

When you’re in a group, keep an eye out for people who seem a little “off the radar.” They might be standing with everyone else, but not really engaged. Maybe fiddling with their drink, their feet are pointed away from the group or no one’s really responding to them. That’s your cue. Walk over and ask a friendly question.

Using funny small talk questions is a great way to break the ice. Chances are, they’ll be relieved someone’s talking to them and the conversation will flow a lot easier. Remember, small talk works best when you actively listen. People love feeling genuinely heard and that little bit of attention makes them way more comfortable opening up to you.

89. What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever texted by mistake?

90. Do you believe in ghosts or do you just hope they’re polite?

91. If you had to give up pizza or burgers forever, which one’s gone?

92. What’s your most awkward Zoom call story?

93. Have you ever laughed at a moment you really shouldn’t have?

94. Have you ever had a fashion phase you regret deeply?

95. Do you think clowns are funny or terrifying?

96. If you were invisible for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do?

97. What’s the silliest reason you’ve ever been late?

98. Which emoji do you overuse the most?

99. If you had to live in a cartoon, which one would it be?

100. What’s the funniest autocorrect fail you’ve had?

Small Talk Questions FAQs

What Are 10 Deep Questions?

What are 10 good questions to ask when you’re ready to go beyond small talk? Here are a few that’ll make the other person really think.

1. If money were no object, how would you spend your life?

2. Do you believe everything happens for a reason or is life just random?

3. What’s one memory you’ll carry with you forever?

4. Do you think people are mostly good or mostly selfish?

5. What’s the hardest lesson life has taught you so far?

6. If you could know the absolute truth about one thing, what would you ask?

7. What scares you the most about the future?

8. Do you think love is a choice or is it something that just happens?

9. What’s the one thing you hope people say about you when you’re not around?

10. If today were your last day, what would you regret not doing?

What To Say In Awkward Conversations?

Most people get nervous when it comes to small talk, so making an effort to ease that tension goes a long way. A light joke might help to add levity when things are awkward and sometimes honesty is the best icebreaker. You might even admit, “Wow, this is a bit awkward, isn’t it?” 

If you’re stuck, shift the topic to something easy and universal. Questions about pets are always a winner, as are hobbies, favorite foods or weekend plans. Good small talk questions show you’re genuinely interested in the other person and make the conversation feel less “interrogation” and more friendly.

With these good questions for small talk in your pocket, you’re ready to go out there and start making connections. Remember to listen closely to what people say and use their answers to guide the conversation. That’s what makes you come across as genuine and likable. It also helps to practice in low-pressure settings where the stakes aren’t high. Think about chatting with your neighbor on a flight, striking up a conversation while waiting in line or even talking to someone at a coffee shop. 

And don’t worry if you mess up; it happens to everyone. You might feel like all eyes are on you, but the truth is, most people are too busy overthinking their own behavior to notice. So go ahead and try out these 100 small talk questions — or even sprinkle in a few fun Would You Rather questions — whenever you get the chance. With the right questions, small talk becomes less stressful and a whole lot more fun. 

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