Dating experts say that by the time the first drink has been served on the first date, the man has usually decided whether or not he wants to take the woman out for a second date. If you've been asked out more than once, realize that your fate was decided long before the man decided to make that second phone call. 
The second date can be considered a second chance to make a second impression, only this time, both of you can loosen up a little. The second date can be more about fun and getting to know each other a little more intimately. 

You can never go wrong by keeping it simple and just going to a dinner or a movie. However taking a more imaginative approach may enhance your partner's passion for you. 

Bring out your partner's ''child within'' by treating her to a trip to an amusement park complete with cotton candy and cozy rides on the Ferris wheel. Or invite her for an old fashioned picnic in your own back yard. Make her laugh by taking her to a comedy club or a zoo. Take a trip to China town to sample Chinese food or invite her along on a trip to scour the countryside for flea and antique markets. 

If you found that on your first date you were very attracted to each other, but because of shyness it was difficult to talk, you might want to turn the date into an activity such as horse-back riding or building a snowman together. Dates that are projects actually spare you both the awkwardness of having to entertain each other. 

A woman should always ask a man where they are headed on the second date so she can dress appropriately for the occasion. There is nothing worse than putting on a designer outfit, only to find yourself sitting on the bleachers at a football game. When in doubt, dress casually but smartly and wear sensible shoes (just in case he suggests a romantic trek through the muddy woods.) The most important thing on any date is that you feel confident - not to mention comfortable. No matter how fantastic you look, you'll never be able to truly dazzle a guy if what you're really concentrating on is sucking in your tummy so that you don't look fat in your cocktail dress. 

The man should always bring the woman flowers on the second date, the same way he hopefully did on the first date. A box of chocolates, bottle of wine, a plant or some other memento are also suitable gifts to bring along to a second date. Save expensive gifts such as jewelry or clothing for when you get to know her better. 

The second date is your big chance to flirt with each other a little more. Flirting keeps the relationship fresh and alive. It's friendly and it flatters your partner. One big no no, especially for men, is flirting with other females while you are on the second date. Many men do this to make themselves look popular to the opposite sex, but most women interpret this as a real insult. 

Be sure to laugh at your partner's jokes during the date and shower him or her with plenty of compliments. In this case, flattery will get you everywhere! Be civil, courteous and polite. Never make the mistake of verbally criticizing him or her, especially in front of others. It is too early at this stage of the game to get personal in anything but a loving way with your partner. In a nutshell, stay away from personal remarks such as ''Aha! I see you finally plucked your eyebrows!'' 

If you do have a disagreement of some kind try not to turn it into a power-struggle. Laugh it off or see if you can get your date to ''agree to disagree'' with you. 

Be open and receptive to your date's loving overtures. Accepept any gestures of physical affection with a tender touch. Usually it is the male who makes the first move, but it is perfectly acceptable for the woman to initiate intimacy too. 

If your date flinches or pulls away at your touch, it should be a sign to you that they are not sexually interested and for some reason (probably out of politeness), have decided to play a part in a charade with you. If this happens, briefly express your disappointment, politely say good-bye and go home. There are many individuals out there who will do this to dates, simply because they mistake lovers for parents, therapists, sounding boards and nurses. 

As you are still single, don't make the mistake of totally committing to your partner. Remember, it is only the second date. Make it subtly clear to him or her that there are plenty of more fish in the sea if she or he shows the slightest disinterest. Although this might sound a little manipulative it is a way to keep your partner's sexual interest alive. However this doesn't mean that you should compare your date's attributes to other lovers you have courted in the past. Creating jealousy or confusion is not fair play in the dating game. 

Most dating experts recommend waiting until six dates have passed before two people sleep together. Of course, many individuals do have sex on the first and second dates. Just remember that if you do intend to have sex, you should prepare yourself by packing away appropriate birth control in your purse or pocket.