According to Happen Magazine, there are some coffee house rules you should follow to ensure your next date at Starbucks brews into something more than just a casual encounter:

Try to appear laid-back. It's just coffee so remember to dress a bit more casual than you would on a dinner date. "You shouldn't arrive looking like you're about to have a job interview. Nothing about this should feel transactional," says Nancy Slotnick, founder of Cablight.com.

Stake out the joint. If you're the person who suggests the meeting place, make sure it's someplace that will set the right mood you are going for. Instead of just heading to the usual Starbucks, do an online search for some funky coffeehouses around town that have things like poetry readings or music so you can do more than just talk over java.

Order what you want. If you are one of those people with a rather complex drink order do not be afraid to request your usual venti triple-shot no-whip light-water extra-foam vanilla latte in front of your date. Be yourself. If you are concerned with looking high-maintenance, go with making a joke out of it.

Don't let her pay. Most experts feel the man should foot the bill no matter what and the good news for you is, a coffee date is affordable. David Wygant, author of Always Talk to Strangers, suggests avoiding the whole money shuffle by having your date sit at the table, asking what she wants and then getting it for her. Another slick move? Have a pre-paid coffeehouse card--one swipe and payment has become a non-issue.

Don't freak if you can't find a table. If you do have to wait for someplace to sit, don't let it throw you. "It's not like 'Oh my God, we don't have a table so we can't have a date,'" says Slotnick. "You can have a date standing up and be relaxed about it!" Another option is getting "to go" cups and going for a walk or seeing if you can find a bench outdoors somewhere, weather permitting, of course.

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