Are you worried about having very little money? Are you finding it hard to date, or even to think about dating , in these tough economic times? Does a movie and dinner sound like it would break the bank? Even if you have enough money, maybe you want to save most of it. If any of the above are true, it's time to get creative.

Five great dating ideas are needed in these tough times, when the news is grim and the economy is uncertain. You need to dig a little deeper in your idea bank. Find some inventiveness; some pluck. If you're single, you don't give up on dating-you just find better, cheaper ways to do it. Here are some low-cost or no-cost dating ideas:

*Home Movie Dates

Dates at home cost very little money. Meet at the video store to choose your favorite two movies. This should inspire some great conversation about what movies you like. If you can't afford to rent a movie, get your local newspaper or TV guide and pick a show you would both enjoy watching. Don't forget to pick up some microwave popcorn, Milk Duds, or Diet Coke if you want it to be a real movie date. Once the show is over, turn off the TV and talk about what you watched, why you did or didn't like it, and relate it to a personal experience if appropriate.

*Arts in the Park Date

Simple arts cost very little money. Plan a picnic date. Decide who will bring what. Don't forget a vase and a few flowers. Following brunch or lunch, unpack your simple art materials. Pads of paper, crayons, colored chalks, or watercolors along with a big shirt (artist's smock) and hat can have you in the mood to sketch or paint. Stick figures are acceptable since grades will not be given.

*Las Vegas Date

Money is not an issue because, this date requires what you probably already have: cards or games. Get out your cards and poker chips. You are in for a treat, whether you play Canasta, Bridge, Gin Rummy, Crazy-Eights, or Go Fish. Any of these card games will get you laughing together. What's the prize for the winner? It depends on how much you like your date.

*Board Games Date

You can find old board games in your closet, attic, or at a Thrift store. Almost everyone has at least one board game they love and one more they will love once they learn how to play it. Checkers, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Chutes and Ladders and more are waiting for you. If this doesn't suit your date, try a jigsaw puzzle. That idea could turn into several dates.

*Drama Date

Money is not required on this date. This is fun drama, as in going to see a high school or college play, or your community's little theatre. Another kind of drama date is for both of you to get dressed up in costumes and go to the local coffee shop, library, or museum. Dress up like your favorite character and "be" that person for an hour. That will either get you and your date talking-or it will get a lot of people talking about you. Either way, it's dramatic.

Have fun on any of these five great dates--and save money at the same time.