It depends on if I know the traits of the Sim that my Sim is going on a date with. I like to choose the place with that knowledge, for example I made my Sim take Catarina Lynx to a cat cafe and she loved it. ;)
The later dates are usually in the restaurant, park or movies but I like to vary the places. I don't care if the Sims get distracted by other Sims, it just makes the date more fun and challenging, it doesn't have to be perfect. They can mingle with other Sims too and be social even on their dates, because if my Sim will end up together with his date they'll have enough time to be alone together later. I don't mind if they don't get gold dates every time.
