Cuffing season is in full swing, as singles seek short-term relationships to stay cozy through the colder fall and winter months. We asked over 1,000 U.S. consumers what people expect—and won't tolerate—when it comes to one of the most popular dating spots: restaurants. From how much to spend and who picks up the check to poor table manners and pet peeves, we're revealing what could cost someone a second date.

Who is responsible for paying and what is a reasonable amount for a first date?

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While costs will vary by restaurant type, market and agreed-upon plans, on average, consumers say you should spend around $120 on a first date at a restaurant. When asked who should pay, whether it's a first date or an established relationship, the largest percentage of consumers pointed to whoever asked for the date.

• Whoever asked the other person out - 42%
• You should split the check - 29%
• Whoever makes the most money - 16%
• Whoever picked the restaurant - 15%

Adopting a more traditional point of view, 35% of consumers believe a man should always pay when on a restaurant date with a woman.

If someone else is paying, how does it impact what consumers order?

Half (50%) of consumers say they typically order something less expensive at restaurants if someone else is paying; 11% typically order something more expensive while 39% say it makes no difference. On the flip side, 1 in 5 consumers get annoyed if the other person orders something too expensive (23%) or if they purposely order a cheaper menu item (21%).

What are the biggest pet peeves on restaurant dates?

The No. 1 pet peeve on a date is when the other person is rude to the restaurant staff, as voiced by 65% of consumers. Other pet peeves include cheap tippers, light eaters, and lamenting over menu prices.

• If the person is rude to the restaurant staff - 65%
• If the person doesn't tip the server well - 45%
• If the person is making a big deal about high menu prices - 42%
• If the person doesn't eat much - 18%
• If the person doesn't take home leftovers - 14%

Which bad table manners are deal breakers?

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In addition to pet peeves shared, there are certain violations of proper table etiquette that may cause consumers not to see someone again. The most egregious? Open mouth chewers, texters, food thieves, and personal critics.

• Chews with their mouth open or talks with food in their mouth - 58%
• Talks or texts on the phone - 58%
• Grabs food off my plate without asking - 50%
• Critiques what I'm eating or how much I'm eating - 48%
• Consumes too much alcohol - 43%
• Blows their nose - 37%
• Licks their fingers - 35%
• Dips something they already bit or a utensil they already used into a shared dish - 28%

What type of restaurant is ok for a first date?

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Most consumers prefer casual dining for a first date, though they're open to a wide range of dining experiences.

• Causal dining (ex: Applebee's, Chili's) - 74%
• Bar and grill - 46%
• Fine dining - 46%
• Fast casual (ex: Chipotle, Panera) - 39%
• Pizzeria - 38%
• Diner - 36%
• Café/coffee shop - 31%
• Buffet - 25%
• Fast food - 25%

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