11 Good Opening Lines for Texting a Girl

Staring at that blinking cursor, wondering what to text? You’re not alone. That first text to a girl can feel loaded with pressure: you want to sound interesting without trying too hard, friendly without being awkward, confident without being pushy. Maybe you’ve already typed and deleted three different messages, second-guessing every word.

Here’s the truth: most people overthink that first message. Whether you matched with someone on a dating app, got her number at a coffee shop, or were introduced through mutual friends, the goal is simply to start a conversation that feels natural and shows genuine interest.

This article breaks down what makes a good opening text, then gives you 11 proven conversation starters you can adapt to your style. No more staring at your phone in panic mode. Let’s get you to that meaningful conversation.

What Makes a Good First Text?

Before diving into specific examples, understanding what separates a great opening line from a forgettable one will help you choose (or create) the right approach for your situation.

A strong first text should:

• Show you paid attention. Reference something from her profile, your conversation, or where you met. Generic messages like “hey” or “what’s up” get lost in a sea of other texts. Personalization shows effort and genuine interest.
• Ask an engaging question. Open-ended questions invite a genuine response and keep text conversations flowing. Yes/no questions often lead to dead ends, while thoughtful questions spark back-and-forth dialogue.
• Match the context. How you met matters. A first message on a dating app feels different from texting someone you met in person at a friend’s party. Adjust your approach based on your connection’s origin.
• Sound like you. Authenticity beats trying to sound clever. If humor isn’t your thing, don’t force a joke. If you’re naturally laid-back, don’t overthink being formal. The right person will appreciate your genuine voice.
• Give them something to work with. The best conversation starters provide a hook for a response. Share a relevant detail, ask their opinion, or reference shared interests. Make it easy for them to text back with more than one word.
• Avoid common turn-offs. Skip the generic compliments about looks (she’s heard them), overly sexual comments (major red flag), or desperate-sounding messages. Keep it light, respectful, and focused on connection rather than conquest.

Now that you know what works, let’s look at specific opening lines organized by scenario.

How to Start a Conversation with a Girl via Text

Leave the groan-worthy pick-up lines at the door. Here are 11 ways to get a text convo going with a girl that will pique her interest.  

1. I Noticed From Your Photos That You [Went to Location/Tried Activity]. I’ve [Gone There/Done That], Too! How Was Your Experience?

One of the best ways to start an opening line with a girl is to identify shared interests or experiences.

Ask her about what she likes (or liked) about it and why. This lets you get to know her while also prompting back and forth about your individual experiences. 

2. Would You Like To Meet for a Coffee?

Think of this one less as a conversation starter and more as getting straight to the point. If you’re not much of a texter, this opening line is for you.

Rather than starting with flirty banter, you can simply ask if she’d like to meet for coffee (or any other casual meetup). The woman on the other end of the phone might respond by either wanting to text a bit more first, or she might appreciate your dating confidence and say yes immediately.

3. Just Want To Say Hi and See How Your Day Is Going?

For a nice, low-key way to start a conversation, try the good ol’ “how is your day?” Though some might think this question is too simple or broad, it tiptoes into the world of texting without being overwhelming.

For example, the other person can respond with as much or as little detail as they’re comfortable with, taking the pressure off of needing to have a full-blown conversation. However they respond, this gives you an opportunity to follow up with “I’d love to hear more about [topic] in person. Want to meet up?”

4. Hey, This Is [Name] From the Bar. I Hope We Can Meet Again. What Does This Week Look Like for You?

Meeting and getting a girl’s number in person means following up soon after, and this is a great way to do it. Many people might just leave it as “This is so-and-so from last night,” but that’s not specific or intentional.

Make a good first impression by clearly stating who you are, that you’d like to meet again, and that you’re ready to pick a date.

5. I Looked Up What We Were Talking About Earlier, and You’d Never Guess, but …!

Maybe you started chatting with someone in person, then got her number, and want to use good opening lines for texting a girl. Continuing an in-person conversation is a great way to smooth the transition to texting. It plops both of you right into a convo! 

6. Hi, [Name]. It’s Nice To Meet You! [Insert Meme]

Sending a “nice to meet you” text is totally fine, but level it up by capitalizing on the other person’s interests. For example, if you see on her profile that her favorite show is Friends, add a funny “Friends” TV show meme to make her laugh. 

7. Very Important Question: Coffee or Cocktails?

This is a cute way of preparing to ask someone out. Whether they know it or not, their answer dictates which spot you suggest: a cafe or a bar.

Just fill in the either/or with a drink, food, or activity that you prefer, and you’re on your way to a date IRL. (Don’t know what IRL means? Stay up-to-date on all the dating acronyms.)

8. Look Who’s Excited To Meet You! [Insert Photo of Excited Pet]

Want to know how to start a conversation with a girl in an adorable and humorous way? Send this text with a photo of your pet looking particularly happy. It not only gives her a glimpse into your best pal (with paws) but also gives her a good laugh.

9. I’m Planning on Doing [Activity] This Weekend. Do You Want To Join Me?

This is a more casual way to ask someone out on a first date because it involves them in weekend or after-work plans that you already had. If they’re interested in the activity, it’s an easy yes. But even if they’re not, it’s an invitation for them to suggest a different date. Just be sure to use these first-date conversation starters when you do meet.

10. [Insert Interest] Is the Worst.

Combine a little sarcasm with an interest from her profile. This slight dig at something she has listed can be a slightly flirty, humorous way to start a conversation. You capture her interest, make her chuckle, and pave the way for an interesting texting convo. Plus, if she replies in kind with a funny retort, that could be a sign of chemistry.

Just remember that if you do take the sarcasm route, use an emoji to ensure that she knows you’re joking and not being rude. Learn more texting do’s and don’ts.

11. I Love Your Passion For [Interest, Activity, etc.].

Many people’s go-to opening lines include complimenting physical traits. But oftentimes this only invites a one-word reply (“thanks”).

Complimenting other aspects can be a better starting point for conversation. Whether you’ve only seen her profile or have met her in person, take note of her interests, hobbies, or even her career and incorporate them into your first text.

While these are all good opening lines for texting a girl, some of them might not fit your personal style. That’s okay! Instead of forcing flirting or humorous lines, just be your authentic self. That’s the best way to find your person.

Making That First Text Count

While these are all proven opening lines for texting a girl, some of them might not fit your personal style, and that’s okay. The most important dating advice we can give: don’t force flirting or try to sound like someone you’re not. Authenticity beats cleverness every time.

Whether you’re texting someone from a dating app, following up after getting her number on a night out, or reaching out through social media, remember that the goal of your first text isn’t to impress her with witty one-liners. It’s to start a genuine conversation that leads to meeting up in real life.

Use these conversation starters as templates, adapt them to your situation, and trust that being your authentic self is the best way to attract someone who appreciates the real you. And if texting back and forth endlessly isn’t your thing, don’t be afraid to ask for a first date after just a few text conversations.

Ready to skip the texting games entirely? Find your person with Tawkify’s expert matchmaking, where real human connections replace endless swiping and awkward first messages.

FAQ About First Texts

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about first texts and getting a girl interested:

What should you not text first?

Avoid these common first-text mistakes that kill conversations before they start:

• Generic greetings. “Hey” or “What’s up” with nothing else shows zero effort.
• Physical compliments only. “You’re gorgeous” might be true, but it’s what every other guy says.
• Overly sexual messages. This is an instant turn-off and makes you seem disrespectful.
• Long paragraphs. Keep your first message concise; save the life story for when you meet up.
• Desperate vibes. “I know you probably won’t respond, but…” undermines your confidence.
• Typos and bad grammar. Proofread your first text; it shows you care about making a good first impression.
• Late-night “wyd” texts. Unless you’ve already established a texting pattern, this comes across as low-effort.

How long should I wait to send the first text?

For dating app matches, send your first message within 24-48 hours while the match is still fresh. If you met in person and got her phone number, text within a day, ideally that same evening or the next morning.

Waiting too long can make you seem uninterested, but texting immediately might come across as too eager. The sweet spot is typically within 12-24 hours of getting her number.

Should I use emojis in my first text?

Emojis can add warmth and personality to text messages, but use them sparingly in your first text. One or two emojis to convey tone (like a smiley face or wink) is fine, but overdoing it can seem immature. Let your words carry the message, and use emojis as punctuation rather than a replacement for actual conversation starters.

What if she doesn’t text back?

If you don’t get a response to your first text, wait at least two to three days before sending a casual follow-up message. Something like “Hey, hope you had a good time at [event/place you discussed]” keeps it light without being pushy.

If she still doesn’t respond, take the hint and move on. Dating advice experts agree: knowing when to let go is just as important as knowing when to reach out.

How can I tell if my first text worked?

You’ll know your opening line worked if she responds with more than one word and asks you a question back. Real text conversations flow naturally with back-and-forth engagement.

If she’s giving you detailed responses, asking about your day, or suggesting times to meet up, you’ve nailed the first text. Keep the momentum going by using these conversation starters when you eventually meet in person.

Should my first textbe different for online dating vs. meeting in person?

Yes, context matters. On dating apps, you can reference profile details since that’s the information she chose to share. When you meet someone in person, your first text should acknowledge where and how you met to jog her memory, especially if it was a busy social setting. The core principle stays the same: be genuine, show interest, and make it easy for her to respond.