Be prepared when the right guy or girl comes your way! In order to truly succeed in dating, here are ten things you must know in order to be a successful dater.

1) Where the coffee shops are in your neighborhood.

When you meet online dates or set-ups from friends, you should do it at a place you feel comfortable. Coffee shops are the perfect place to meet someone because you can go there by yourself, wait by yourself without feeling out of place, and easily leave. Check out a few places in your neighborhood ahead of time so you have an immediate answer when your date asks, "Where should we meet?"

2) Movies currently playing at the cinema.

Movies are still one of the most popular dating activities, so keep up on the new flicks that come out each week. Know which shows you definitely want to catch and which ones you absolutely don't want to see.

3) Quaint little restaurants in your area.

If you're getting to know someone, you don't want to take them to a place where you can't hold a conversation, where the food is horrible, or where the wait staff treats you poorly. A great experience at dinner can ease tensions on a first or second date. Frequent a few restaurants in your area and get to know which ones would be perfect the next time you're planning a date.

4) A romantic bar to grab a drink.

Know where these types of places exist so you'll have a ready answer if you're at a point in your date where you could spend a bit more time, and yet aren't ready to have someone come back to your place. This is when you'd take someone to that great little bar on the corner where you can have a drink and chat some more before you complete your evening.

5) Events going on in the upcoming week.

A great way to end a date is by asking for another one. If you have something readily in mind, it's much easier than if you just ask, "Want to go out again?" Read the paper and keep a mental note of various activities going on in your area. This could include bands, museum exhibits, lectures, or theater performances.

6) Local parks.

If you're meeting your date on a nice sunny day, you may want to just stay outside and enjoy the weather. Know where the local parks are in your neighborhood and the best place to take a walk, have a picnic lunch, or sit in a cozy spot and chat.

7) Conversation topics.

Learn the art of dialog. If you're able to chat easily on a variety of subjects, you'll be able to meet new people without issue. You also won't get as nervous when meeting blind dates. Being able to speak intelligently on different issues will not only make you appear more confident and attractive, you will also end up finding out more about your date as well.

8) Where the local cash machine and gas stations are in your area.

Meeting someone for the first time can make people forget things – like getting money before a date and having enough fuel to drive to a restaurant. Things will go a lot smoother if you're able to point them to a nearby place to get what they need, so you don't waste your entire date driving around unprepared.

9) What you like to do.

There's nothing worse than being asked what you want to do and then responding, "I don't know. What do you want to do?" If one person always has to decide where to go it will put undue stress on your relationship. It's okay to express your opinion. Be able to intelligently make suggestions so you both can quickly come to an agreement. Know the things you like to do, and which of those hobbies might be of interest for your date as well.

10) What type of partner you are looking for.

Don't think in terms of physical qualities. Picture the kinds of things you'll do when you're in a great relationship. Think about how you want a partner to treat you, the types of conversations you'll have, and how you'll spend your time. Have a good sense of what you're looking for so you know whether to continue on to a second date, or move on to someone else.