How to ask for their number at the end of a date

The end of the date tells you more than the middle did. If they stood close, suggested the walk, or talked about the next thing they want to do, the number ask is a natural step. If they checked the time twice, kept their coat on, or gave you a quick 'well, this was nice,' they are signalling that they are done for now. Asking for a number in that moment forces them to make a decision in public, and many people will just give it to you to avoid awkwardness, which is not a good sign for you.

Also notice how they talked about the future during the date. If they mentioned something you could do together, or asked you a question that assumed you would see each other again, a number ask will land well. If the conversation stayed in the present with no hooks, you can still ask, but keep it lighter and let them set the tone for the next message.

The strongest version of this ask attaches a specific idea to the request. Saying you want to keep talking is fine, but giving them something concrete to respond to makes the ask feel purposeful. This could be a thing you talked about, a place you both mentioned, or simply the idea of planning something properly once you are both home. The reason this helps is that it gives them a reason to text you, not just a reason to accept a phone number.

Keep the specific idea small enough that a yes is easy. Suggesting a full itinerary makes the ask heavy. Mentioning one thing you would like to try together lets them say yes without committing to a plan. Say it while you are still physically together so the context is fresh and they can answer right away.

Once you have the number, the first text is the next test. Send it within a day, and keep it short and tied to the date, so the other person can place it immediately. A reply that comes within a few hours is a clear yes. A reply the next day or two is still normal. If you hear nothing for three or four days after a reasonable message, send one follow up that makes it easy to respond, then stop unless they reply. Two unanswered texts with no reply is the point to let it go.

Do not interpret every delay as a message about you. People get busy, and some are slow texters. What you are looking for is whether the conversation moves forward when you give them room to respond. If it does, keep going. If the replies are one word and never include a question, take that as your answer.