Two activity; Two venue

First of all, you gotta understand that what you choose to do with a woman on a date reveals a lot about your personality. So, if you fall back on "ordinary" activities, you will be seen as - well - ordinary.

Before we completely bemoan the classic "Dinner and a Movie", let's at least see why it is effective, if not completely ordinary:
1) It has TWO different activites;
2) It has TWO different venues.

As principles, these are very good and useful.

three guiding principles in formulating a date:
1) It must be FUN;
2) It must involve more than one activity;
3) It must happen in more than one venue.

What makes this so effective is that it is COMFORTABLE for her and for me.
Women are also reluctant often to go for a dinner date (unless they are more familiar with the guy) because they don't want the discomfort of being stuck at a dinner table with someone they don't really know.
By having the first section of our date together be with an activity helps us both to relax, and open up.
Then, we sit down and share some conversation - which is much easier now.

1) FUN - try to plan an activity at the beginning of the date which will automatically break the ice, and help you both relax. Galleries are great places to go, for example.

2) More than one activity - two things "to-do" at least. Dinner and a movie are two different activities. Step out of the box and show her that you see the world differently than the average chum...being adventurous is attractive.

3) More than one venue - By going to different places, not only do you both relax, but you also get to see more than just one side of someone.