15 difficult etiquette questions your parents never had to ask

"I prefer for phones to be out of sight during a date," dating expert Meredith Golden told Business Insider. If something comes up, like an emergency or childcare issue, it's polite to explain to your date the reason why your phone is out, she said.

"Other than this, the date is the time for the two people to connect. It's not the time to for catching up on your texts," she said.

A professional email should be acknowledged within 24-48 hours, even if it's only by an automatic message, Smith said. For social emails, you can wait up to a week, unless it is time sensitive.

"The first time you are corresponding in writing, you should default to the more formal manner of address," Smith said. "Then, watch how I sign my return email. If I sign 'Jodi,' you may use 'Jodi' in the next email. If I sign 'Jodi Smith,' you should continue to address me as 'Ms. Smith.'"

"The volume should be muted. Calls, if any, should be excruciatingly brief. Music or videos should be listened to via headset or earbuds. Texting is ideal for commuting," Smith said.

"Generally, pictures and video may be taken during the processional and recessional. Phones should be away during the ceremony," Smith said. "Unless the couple specifically requests no pictures."

"There are those who really need to know in person or at least by phone. Once those who would be truly hurt or insulted if they read about your news online are aware, you may turn to social media," Smith said.

"If the office is casual, you still want to be one or two notches above what the employees are wearing," Smith said. "It is better to show you cared too much as opposed to not enough."

"With the ubiquity of social media, you are your own press agent," Smith said. "Is it a formal event where you are dressed up, toasting with champagne glasses? Or it is you in your bathing suit doing a kegstand at the beach?"

"If you would be OK with your colleagues from work seeing the picture and they would still regard you professionally, it's fine," Smith said. It's also easy enough to put down your drink or hide it for a photo.

"An emailed thank-you note shows you cared enough to do the very least," Smith said. "A handwritten note is still the standard for any gift, being taken out for a meal, or hosted overnight," Smith said.

Dating apps create opportunities for people to connect, but dating happens offline. The point of talking is to decide if there’s interest in meeting, not if you're soulmates.

"Chatting for under a week is optimal. At this point, a plan for a micro-date (20-45 minutes) can be made," Golden said. "Stop chatting after the date is set and save the conversation for when you meet."

"Do a quick Google search to make sure that there are no red flags," Golden said. Many dating apps don't provide a last name, so it's socially acceptable to ask for one after the date is confirmed.

"Tell a friend who and where you’re meeting. Check in after the date. Stay in public, and don’t let them walk you home," she said. "Carry the emergency $20. If something feels exceedingly uncomfortable on the date, it's easiest to throw down the money and exit."

"If one party is interested and the other isn't, an ideal response would be something along the lines of, 'It was great to meet you, but unfortunately I don’t think we're a match. I hope you meet someone great,'" Golden said.

"If seeing your ex on social media sucks up hours of your time and leaves you feeling dysregulated, then perhaps unfriending or unfollowing may benefit you," Golden said. "If seeing your ex in a new relationship makes you feel happy for them, feel free to stay connected on social media."

Do remove pictures of you and your ex from social media, because whoever you date in the future will see them. "It's better to keep those memories private," she said.

"The three-day rule is too long. Once there's been a good date, the suitor should keep the momentum going and reach out the next day," Golden said. Once you do reach out, make a plan! "No one likes a text buddy," she said.