60 Casual Questions to Ask Someone You Just Met to Read Them Like a Book

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Want to skip awkward silences? These casual questions to ask someone help spark real conversation, create chemistry, and actually make you memorable.

Ever get stuck in a conversation where you just blank out? Like you’ve used up all your “So… what do you do?” energy and now you’re both sipping your drinks in silence? That’s exactly where these casual questions to ask someone come in.

When you ask the right kind of casual question, not too intense, not too boring, you open the door to real connection. Not just small talk for the sake of filling space, but something that actually makes people light up.

According to recent psychology research, people consistently underestimate how much strangers enjoy deeper conversations. 📚 Source: Epley & Schroeder, University of Chicago, 2021

You don’t need to be charming, funny, or even extroverted. You just need the right question at the right time—and a little curiosity.

In this guide, you’ll find the best casual questions to ask someone you just met, grouped into clever categories, plus pro tips on how to keep things fun, smooth, and never awkward.

Let’s help you go from “Hi” to vibes immaculate.

[Read: 30 ways to get to know someone, open up to them, and create a genuine bond]

Casual Questions to Ask Someone You Just Met

Meeting someone new is always a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism. You’re intrigued, they seem cool, and you want to know more, but without diving headfirst into anything too personal or weird. That’s where casual questions come in.

These aren’t the kinds of questions that demand soul-searching or make someone feel like they’re on a first date interview.

Instead, they’re fun, thoughtful, and help people feel safe while still opening up. Here’s how to keep things light, while learning more than just their name and favorite emoji.

👉 Want to try a few other subtle, flirty questions? Check these out!

Everyday Icebreaker Questions to Get Comfortable

These are light, relatable, and easy to answer, even if you’re two minutes into a conversation. Great for easing into deeper topics without any awkwardness.

1. What’s your favorite comfort food?

Whether it’s mac and cheese or ramen at 3 a.m., comfort food says a lot about nostalgia and personality. If they love something cozy, it tells you they’re probably someone who values emotional warmth. Bonus points if it’s something homemade or has a story behind it.

2. Are you a coffee person or a tea person?

This one’s a vibe check. Coffee lovers tend to be go-go-go types, while tea drinkers often appreciate a slower pace (or just really love chai). And if they say “neither,” you’ve officially met a hydration overachiever.

3. What’s one song you never skip when it plays?

Music is basically an emotional cheat code. Their answer could lead to a whole convo about concerts, memories, or random Spotify rabbit holes. And hey, if you share a favorite artist, that’s instant connection.

4. What show are you watching right now?

TV shows are a surprisingly intimate insight into someone’s mental space. Are they deep in a crime docuseries spiral or binging sitcoms from the early 2000s? Either way, it’s a peek into what they gravitate toward after a long day.

5. What’s something small that made you smile this week?

This question opens the door to gratitude and subtle vulnerability, without being heavy. Whether it’s a text from a friend, a dog they saw, or a lucky parking spot, it gives you a glimpse into what lights them up. [Read: 78 Good Questions to Ask People & Be a Great Conversationalist]

6. Do you prefer mornings or nights?

Are they that “sunrise, yoga, green juice” kind of person? Or do they come alive when everyone else is asleep? This one helps decode their rhythm, and whether you’ll ever be on the same sleep schedule.

7. What’s your go-to way to relax after a long day?

How someone unwinds says a lot about how they handle stress and prioritize themselves. It could be gaming, cooking, scrolling memes, or a 90-minute shower. Whatever it is, you’ll learn what makes them feel safe.

Fun & Random Casual Questions to Make Them Laugh or Think

These are the kind of questions that surprise people in a good way, funny, playful, sometimes oddly specific, but still casual enough to ask without seeming too intense. Great for sparking laughs, curiosity, or even a flirty side glance.

8. What’s the most random fact you know?

Everyone has at least one weird fact stored in their brain like an outdated trivia card. Whether it’s about octopus hearts or pineapple on pizza, this question often leads to a surprisingly fun tangent. [Read: 35 Relationship Facts & Hacks that’ll Change the Way You Date & See Love!]

9. If you had to live in a fictional universe for a week, where would you go?

This taps into imagination without being too deep. Hogwarts? The MCU? Shrek’s swamp? Their answer might reveal what kind of world excites or comforts them.

10. What’s a weird food combo you actually love?

Peanut butter and pickles? Fries in ice cream? These answers say a lot about how adventurous (or chaotic) someone is with food, and often lead to “wait, what?!” stories.

11. What was your first email address?

Warning: this one might make them cringe, but in the funniest way. Everyone had a “cutegirlxoxo” or “soccerdude2002” phase, and you’ll probably bond over how mortifying your 12-year-old self was online. [Read: 71 Friendly, Funny Questions to Get to Know Someone in a Happy Way]

12. If you could instantly master any hobby or skill, what would it be?

This is a great way to find out what they secretly wish they were good at, maybe guitar, painting, cooking, or even stand-up comedy. It opens up a fun convo about dreams and maybe hidden talents.

13. What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?

This one can reveal things like bucket list adventures or low-key fantasies. You might find out they want to try salsa dancing or finally take a solo trip, and it gives you a chance to share your own too.

14. Do you believe in horoscopes or think they’re total BS?

You’ll quickly find out if they’re a “Mercury retrograde” kind of person or more of a “nah, that’s just coincidence” skeptic. Either way, it’s a fun entry into beliefs, identity, and maybe birth charts if you’re into that.

15. What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Even if they’ve never done karaoke, everyone knows what they would sing if forced. Whether it’s a banger, a ballad, or a chaotic crowd-pleaser, this question usually brings out their silly side.

Casual Questions That Reveal a Little More

Once you’ve broken the ice and things feel more comfortable, you can go just a bit deeper. These questions don’t ask for soul-baring vulnerability, but they do invite people to share what shaped them, what they care about, and what makes them tick. They’re ideal for one-on-one convos where you’re trying to move from small talk to real connection.

16. What’s a smell that instantly takes you back to your childhood?

Scent is one of the strongest memory triggers we have, and most people can instantly recall something just by smell, like sunscreen, mom’s cooking, or a classroom pencil sharpener. This one often leads to a funny or nostalgic memory, and helps you peek into someone’s early life in a safe, sweet way.

17. If you had to give a TED Talk on something random, what would it be?

This is a fun way to find out what someone’s secretly obsessed with. Whether it’s conspiracy theories, their skincare routine, or how to survive in IKEA with a full bladder, this question brings out passion in the quirkiest ways. [Read: 100 Fun & Deep Questions to Ask Your Best Friend and Bond Like Real BFFs]

18. What’s something you wish more people understood about you?

This one dips into emotional intelligence territory, but it’s still totally casual if asked kindly. It gives people space to share something they might not normally bring up, and builds deeper understanding without pushing too far.

19. What was your favorite toy or game growing up?

Toys are time capsules. Whether they loved Tamagotchis, Hot Wheels, or Beyblades, this question can lead to a fun trip down memory lane. Plus, it shows what kind of kid they were, adventurous, imaginative, introverted, etc.

20. What’s your most-used app right now?

No judgment here, whether it’s TikTok, MIRL, or a budgeting app they pretend to use, this gives you a glimpse into their daily habits and interests. And it often sparks a “Wait, have you seen that trend/video/game?” kind of convo.

21. What’s a compliment you’ve gotten that really stuck with you?

People often remember compliments that made them feel seen. This question invites a bit of vulnerability, but also positivity, perfect if you want the mood to feel meaningful but light. It also tells you what they value in themselves. [Read: 80 Funny & Serious What If Questions That Will Make You the Life of the Party]

22. What’s your “this could be my villain origin story” moment?

This one’s funny on the surface, but also reveals how someone handles irritation, injustice, or awkward moments. Maybe it’s being forced to sing in front of relatives, or being betrayed by a vending machine, either way, it’s gold.

23. If you had a personal mascot that followed you around, what would it be?

Silly? Yes. But it’s also a great way to understand someone’s personality through metaphor. Is their mascot a sloth with sunglasses, a squirrel with anxiety, or a golden retriever with too much energy? [Read: Golden Retriever Boyfriend: What Makes One & 50 Traits Everyone’s Crushing On]

Casual But Meaningful Questions to Spark Real Connection

These questions are for when the conversation feels like it’s flowing and you’re both into it. They’re still casual, no therapy session vibes, but they help peel back a few layers and show who someone really is, without putting them on the spot.

24. What’s something you’re currently really into?

This gives insight into what’s lighting them up right now. It could be pottery, anime, journaling, or even organizing their closet by color. It’s a gentle way of asking: What makes you feel like you right now?

25. What’s your love language?

If they know it, this opens up fun conversations about affection styles. If they don’t, you can explain it (words, time, gifts, touch, acts of service) and it often turns into a playful “which one are you?” exchange.

26. What’s a quality you admire in other people?

You’ll learn what they aspire to and pay attention to, kindness, humor, calmness, loyalty. It’s one of those indirect ways of learning about their values. [Read: 34 Qualities of a Good Person & BIG Benefits of Being a Nice Human Being]

27. Who’s someone that’s really impacted your life?

This might be a parent, mentor, teacher, or even a random stranger. It’s warm, thoughtful, and it often leads to great storytelling and shared appreciation for people who shape us.

28. What does your perfect weekend look like?

This helps you understand their pace, social battery, and idea of fun. Are they brunch-and-farmers-market people, or late-night-gamers-in-bed-all-day types? Either way, it paints a vibe.

29. What’s something you’re proud of but don’t talk about often?

It gives people a chance to share something they worked hard for, or overcame, without bragging. It’s casual but surprisingly empowering. [Read: 41 Suave Secrets & Traits to Be a Classy Person who Exudes Grace & Charisma]

30. When do you feel most like yourself?

Maybe it’s around certain people, while doing something specific, or even just listening to music alone in their room. It’s a very human, self-reflective question that opens the door to vulnerability, without any pressure.

31. What do you wish people asked you more often?

Such a good one to flip the script. People often have answers waiting for questions they never get. This one invites them to talk about what matters to them without sounding preachy or deep for the sake of it.

32. What’s something you used to be really into that you kind of grew out of?

It’s nostalgic, funny, and tells you about how they’ve changed. Could be hobbies, shows, obsessions, or even beliefs. It often leads to “omg same” moments.

33. What makes you feel seen?

This one feels warm and casual, like you’re just trying to understand what makes them feel understood. It’s a high-empathy question that rarely fails to make someone smile and think.

👉 Looking for more fun questions? Try these!

Casual Questions That Spark Fun, Flirty, or Clever Vibes

If the conversation’s going great and the energy feels a little playful, these questions are perfect. They’re not too heavy, but they’re clever, sometimes flirty, and just weird enough to keep things interesting, without making it awkward.

34. What’s your “I swear I’d win this reality show” moment?

Maybe it’s The Great British Bake Off, Survivor, or Love Is Blind. This question taps into their hidden talents, guilty pleasures, or chaotic competitive streak, all very fun directions.

35. What’s your texting style, short and dry or long and voice note chaos?

This one’s super relevant and relatable. You’ll learn how they communicate, plus it’s a sneaky way to find out what to expect if you start texting them.

36. What’s something that immediately gives you the ick?

Everyone has at least one weird irrational turn-off, whether it’s chewing loudly, bad grammar, or people who say “let’s circle back” in casual convos. It’s a funny, personality-filled question.

37. What’s your go-to “comfort rewatch” show or movie?

Some people binge The Office when life is rough. Others retreat into Studio Ghibli films or Friends reruns. It’s low-stakes and nostalgic, and helps reveal how they self-soothe.

38. What kind of drunk are you?

It’s cheeky, but safe to ask in the right vibe. Are they the emotional type? The storyteller? The ghoster? Even if they don’t drink, their answer will probably be entertaining.

39. What’s your “this feels like a dating app red flag” answer to a normal question?

This one’s hilarious when asked casually. For example: “I don’t like dogs,” or “I only eat raw food,” or “I don’t believe in music.” It gets laughs while showing how self-aware someone is.

40. If someone made a movie about your life, what genre would it be?

Rom-com? Psychological thriller? Slow-burn indie coming-of-age? It’s a fun way to hear how they see their own story, and whether they’d want Ryan Gosling or Pedro Pascal playing them.

41. What’s a trend or slang you still don’t understand?

From “rizz” to “situationship” to “girl math,” we’ve all had that moment of total confusion. It’s a funny way to talk about pop culture without being too deep.

42. What emoji do you overuse?

It’s silly but surprisingly telling. Are they a 😂 kind of person? Or do they casually drop 🫠 or 💀? Their most-used emoji might match their whole energy.

43. What would your warning label say?

Playful and revealing. “Warning: Will get emotionally attached to fictional characters,” or “Warning: Will overanalyze every text message.” You’ll get a laugh and a vibe check in one go.

Quickfire Casual Questions for Any Conversation

These are low-effort, high-reward questions you can drop into any conversation without making it weird. Great for texts, casual meetups, or just when you’re vibing and want to keep the flow going.

44. What’s your guilty pleasure snack?

Chips at midnight? Frosting straight from the jar? Everyone has a snack they pretend they don’t eat… but do. It’s a fun, food-safe way to bond over low-key indulgence.

45. If you could teleport to anywhere right now, where would you go?

It’s short, simple, and lets you peek into their dream destination or escape fantasy, without needing a whole travel monologue.

46. What’s the last thing you searched on Google?

This one’s always good for a laugh. It could be something useful, chaotic, or just weirdly specific. And it’s oddly revealing in the best way.

47. What’s a smell you absolutely love?

Fresh laundry? Gasoline? Cookies baking? People light up when they talk about scents, they’re weirdly personal and nostalgic.

48. What’s your unpopular opinion?

You’ll either laugh, debate, or find your hill to die on together. Just be ready in case they say pineapple belongs on pizza.

49. Are you more of a planner or a go-with-the-flow kind of person?

This is a great way to understand how they live life, type A vs. wing-it-all-the-way energy. [Read: 50 Hardest Would You Rather Questions that Have No Right Answers!]

50. What’s your dream weekend getaway?

Mountains, beach, cabin in the woods, music fest in the city, this question gets them to reveal their happy place without sounding like a dating profile.

51. What’s something you wish you were better at?

This one can be playful or sincere. Maybe they wish they could cook better, parallel park, or not cry during emotional TikToks. It shows self-awareness and dreams, all in one.

52. What’s your “background character” moment today?

Maybe they tripped in public, awkwardly waved at someone who wasn’t waving at them, or stood still while people buzzed around. This is gold for Gen Z humor and self-aware convo.

53. How do you feel about voice notes, love ‘em or hate ‘em?

A very 2025 dilemma. Do they send 4-minute audio rambles or absolutely ignore every voice note they get? Either way, you’ll get a fun reaction. [Read: 134 Smart & Very Funny Would You Rather Questions to Leave You ROFL]

Casual Questions to Ask When You’re Really Vibing

When the energy is good and you feel like the conversation could stretch on for hours, these questions let you glide into even more meaningful, reflective, or “ooh, I’ve never thought about that” territory. Still light, still askable, but now you’re peeling the onion just a little more.

54. What’s a simple pleasure that never gets old?

Fresh bedsheets? Late-night walks? The first sip of coffee? People light up when they talk about the little joys in their lives, and you might just learn something you’ll want to try for yourself.

55. What’s something you used to be scared of but aren’t anymore?

It could be public speaking, driving, being alone, or even ordering food by themselves. Their answer reveals personal growth and how they handle fear or change.

56. What’s a belief or opinion you’ve changed your mind about?

This shows maturity, openness, and curiosity. Whether it’s something light (like pineapple on pizza) or something deeper (like forgiveness), it tells you they’re evolving. [Read: 30 Deep, Thought-Provoking Questions that’ll Leave You Curious & Wondering]

57. What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

This one’s warm and empowering. Most people don’t get asked this enough, and it can spark a genuinely uplifting moment.

58. What’s your idea of a perfect day off?

It’s another way to decode what makes them tick, whether they’re the “nap and Netflix” type, the “sunrise hike” person, or somewhere in between.

59. What’s something people often misunderstand about you?

This opens the door to talk about identity, first impressions, or little quirks that are often misread. It’s the kind of question that makes people pause, and feel seen.

60. When do you feel the most confident?

It could be during a workout, on stage, in a great outfit, or when they’re just being themselves. Their answer is a beautiful peek into what empowers them, and it may even surprise you. [Read: 125 Funny Icebreaker Questions to Start Talking & Make Anyone Like You]

How do you talk to someone you’ve just met

It’s natural to be wary of strangers. It might even be your mind’s way of keeping you safe from harm. However, most strangers are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, they might even be more scared of you than you are of them! [Read: How to start a conversation with a stranger and say the right things]

Anyway, it’s not as if you’re going up to random people in public and grilling them about their life stories.

By the time you get to ask these questions, you’re probably out of the ‘stranger’ category and into ‘acquaintance’. That means you’ll already have loosened up a little, and might even be on your way to becoming friends. All you need is a little more mutual understanding.

So, the most important thing to remember when talking to someone you just met is this: be confident. Keep your shoulders back, hold your head high, and wear a big smile on your face.

If you show them the best side of yourself, they’ll be able to understand what’s so great about you. Then, they’ll feel confident enough to show you what’s so great about them too!

Why is asking the right questions important?

Sometimes, it can be hard to break the ice. Random questions are the perfect way to break even the thickest ice.

When the atmosphere starts to turn, you can simply spice things up by bringing in a question from left field.

Sure, it might seem like it’s coming out of the blue. But at least it’s something to talk about! This explains why it’s so important to always have questions on hand.

[Read: 60 deep and fun get-to-know-you questions to peek into their soul]

Also, when you meet somebody, you want to get to know as much about them as possible, fast. Of course, sometimes it’s fun to talk to somebody who’s the exact opposite of you.

But if you don’t have anything in common, it’s very unlikely that you’ll form a lasting friendship.

So, asking questions is a great way to know whether it’s worth talking to them!

How to ask questions of someone you just met

Have you ever tried to talk to a stranger, and just got tongue-tied? Maybe you suddenly couldn’t think of anything interesting to say, and just started stuttering?

Or, you put your foot in your mouth and said something dumb? If you’ve ever experienced these embarrassing situations, we’re here to tell you it’s not going to be like that every time.

Asking totally random questions of somebody you’ve just met has to be done right. That way, you can find that common ground and warm things up, without looking weird. Here’s how to ask a stranger questions—the right way! [Read: 55 personal questions to make someone open up and talk to you]

1. Start simple

Start off with the simplest questions that don’t take a lot of emotional effort. Just surface-level, basic questions. These will warm things up and kick off the conversation properly.

If you go in too hard, you might scare the other person away. So keep things simple to start off with.

How can you expect them to answer questions if you don’t have the answers yourself? Lead by example.

Whenever you ask a question, share something about yourself too. Or, give them the opportunity to ask you a question back. It’ll make them feel more involved, and stop things from feeling one-sided.

3. Dig deeper as you get to know them

As you get to know them better, you can start asking more and more personal questions. A conversation is like digging for gold; the longer you work, the deeper you go.

And as you go deeper, you’ll find the really valuable stuff! You could even try branching off of certain questions to take things deeper.

Think of our list as a jumping-off point.

[Read: 30 deep, thought-provoking questions that’ll leave you curious and wondering]

4. Don’t push anything that’s too personal

Of course, there’s such a thing as *too* deep. Be aware that there are some topics that might be too personal for the person you’re talking to.

Not everybody feels comfortable sharing their innermost thoughts, and that’s OK. Sometimes it might be something that isn’t even controversial in your eyes. But if they’re uncomfortable, stop. Just move on to a different topic.

5. Enjoy and appreciate it!

Above all, it’s important to enjoy it. This is supposed to be a fun way to get to know somebody, not a third-degree interrogation.

Asking questions of someone you just met is all about fun and discovery. So, remember to keep it entertaining, and be grateful to the person for their answers. Appreciate that they’re game enough to share their thoughts with you!

[Read: 71 friendly, funny questions to get to know someone]

The Power of Casual Questions to Ask Someone

You don’t need a script, a perfect personality, or a hundred shared interests to connect with someone new. You just need curiosity, a little playfulness, and the confidence to ask the right question at the right time.

These casual questions to ask someone aren’t just conversation fillers, they’re bridges. They help you learn who someone is beneath the surface, while showing off your own charm, humor, and emotional intelligence along the way.

So screenshot a few, save your favorites, and try asking just one the next time you meet someone new. You might be surprised at how fast small talk turns into real connection.

[Read: 25 Ways to Emotionally Connect with Someone & Instantly Feel Closer]

These casual questions to ask someone you just met will certainly get the conversation rolling. Then, you can get to know them even more!

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