I've had lots of people tell me recently that they have stopped dating because it is just too expensive now during tough economic times.

Well, that's just silly.

Most of these folks are people stuck in the worn out "dinner-and-a-movie-date" that can easily set you back a hundred dollars.

So here are a few random thoughts and suggestions on dating in tough economic times.

• The quality of the date is not determined by the amount of money spent on the date. We have all had lousy dates in which we spent a lot of money and great dates in which we spent little.

• You can do a "dinner-and-a-movie-date" at home for much less. Rent a movie or watch one you already have. Make dinner at home. Split who brings what.

• A variation on the above is to get several couples together and split the costs.

• In my grad school days many years ago, going for a drive on a pretty day was a nice way to talk and get to know someone. Your driving may be somewhat limited with current gas prices, but it is an option. Stop and get some ice cream.

• Go to one of the bookstores that have a coffee house inside or attached. Find a book or magazine you both like, get a cup of coffee and actually talk.

• There are these things called parks. You can go there and walk in them. Some people will even have a picnic there.

Am I saying you can never go out and splurge? No, of course not. What I am saying is you do not have to do it for each and every date.

Here's a strategy to be able to afford occasional "splurge dates:" Take the difference between what you would have spent on the traditional "dinner-and-a-movie-date" and your creative inexpensive dates and save a portion. Use that savings to fund the occasional splurge date.

For more tips and tools for creating great inexpensive dates, check out www.GreatDatesDoneCheap.com.