Asking for a first date can be intimidating, but it's not the end of the world if the answer is no. To better the chances of getting a yes when you ask for a first date, stay flexible, keep things light, and use these tips:
Ask for a Wednesday or Thursday night. Never ask for a first date for a Friday or Saturday night (too big as date nights) or Monday (everyone hates Mondays).
Offer a specific opportunity (as well as alternative days). If you say, "Would you like to go out sometime?" you leave yourself absolutely no way out if the person says no, and if the answer is yes, you still have to ask the person out.
Offer options. Options can include the day, time, activity, and transportation. Options make you sound organized without being rigid.
Ask for a first date a week to ten days in advance (but you can break this rule with impunity as the need arises).
Go for it when you're having a good day. You're cuter when you're happy, and self-confidence is sexy.
Think KISS (Keep It Simple, Sweetie). All you want to do here is send a clear, gentle, but important message: I'd like to spend some time getting to know you better. Are you interested?