At its core, The Big Bang Theory's primary focus was on the group's dedication to science. But as time went on, Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Raj all found partners. Relationships soon became part of the characters' storylines and added new faces to the group.

RELATED: The Big Bang Theory: The Characters' 10 Most Impractical Outfit Choices, Ranked

While some dates ended horribly, others were incredibly wholesome and heartwarming. Fans never thought they'd see Sheldon out with a woman, but lo and behold, he had an endearing first date with Amy (and Penny). Likewise, Raj had a bunch of first dates over the years that were as adorable as the last. But which dates were the best?

Amy & Sheldon (With Penny)

Sheldon and Amy's first date with Penny on The Big Bang Theory.

While Sheldon and Amy's first meet-and-greet was at the cafe, it wasn't their first date. Their first date was actually at a restaurant with Penny by their side. Penny reminded Sheldon that if he was thinking about procreating with a complete stranger like Amy, he should get to know the future mother of his children. She joined the future couple on their first date because Sheldon had never been on a date before. Watching the three of them converse (with Penny at the head of it all) was a sweet moment in the friendship between Penny and Sheldon.

Stuart & Penny

Penny and Stuart in TBBT

When Penny went to the comic book store for the first time, she was taken back by Stuart's charm. Penny didn't typically date men like Stuart, but it seems like Leonard opened her eyes to a new world of available men.

RELATED: The Big Bang Theory: The 10 Best Scenes In Penny's Apartment, Ranked

For their first date, Penny and Stuart went to the opening of an art gallery before going back to her apartment. Adorably, she invited Stuart in for coffee and he literally thought she meant coffee... He thought it was too late for caffeine, which Penny found sweet. It seemed like Penny would have been fine with spending the night with Stuart but he took her hint too literally.

Leonard & Penny

Penny and Leonard's first date on the Big Bang theory

When Leonard first asked Penny out, he had every intention of wining and dining her. The only problem is that she thought the rest of the guys were coming along. It was a charming moment when Penny asked Leonard what that night meant to him. Later on, Leonard finally had the nerve to ask her out and the two went on their first mutual date. They enjoyed dinner together and then came home with ice cream. Instead of getting too serious, Penny wanted to take things slow with Leonard, which was a first for her.

Raj & Emily

Rajs first date with Emily S on TBBT

Raj and Emily could have had a smoother first date but his shyness prohibited that from happening. He had Amy try to pick Emily up for him, which wasn't attractive to Emily. After Raj scared her away, he somehow managed to convince her to give him a second try. Sadly, that date wasn't any better but it was as wholesome as it could get.

RELATED: The Big Bang Theory: Raj's 5 Best Pieces Of Advice (& His 3 Worst)

While at dinner, Raj felt like he was living a double life because he was still semi-involved with Lucy. He told Emily all about his moral dilemma while on their first date and instead of running away, she was drawn to Raj. She appreciated his honesty.

Raj & Lucy

Raj and Lucy on their first date on TBBT

After meeting at the comic book store, Raj and Lucy grabbed a coffee to get to know each other better. Sadly for Raj, Lucy's social anxieties were too strong and she escaped through the bathroom window.

Lucy eventually apologized to him and the two went on a real date. This time, Raj created the perfect date to assuage Lucy's anxiety: a text date. He set up a picnic for the two of them in the library and only communicated via text message. For once in Lucy's life, she was able to enjoy a date that was totally catered to her.

Amy & Dave

Amy and Dave on their first date on TBBT

Fans didn't get a chance to see Amy and Dave's first initial meeting at the cafe but they did get to see their first dinner date. At dinner, Amy and Dave got to know each other more on an intimate level. She learned that his ex-wife cheated on him and he learned that her ex-boyfriend used to be Sheldon Cooper. Dave spent a majority of the evening talking about Sheldon's advances in science but there was something charming about the date. It was obvious that they were both nervous around each other and wanted to make the connection work.

Raj & Emily (With Howard)

raj and emily on their first date with howard - tbbt

Before Raj and Emily Sweeney began dating, he dated Penny's friend from the gym who was also named Emily. Penny set the two of them up because Raj was terrified of talking to women and Emily was deaf. This meant that Raj would feel comfortable enough to be himself around her.

The two had their first date with Howard in tow because he understood and spoke American Sign Language. Together, Raj and Emily got to know each other with Howard mediating. By the end of the date, these two were smitten and agreed to see each other again. Although things didn't end well between them, their first date was sweet.

Stuart & Denise

Stuart got a tan for a date with denise on The Big Bang Theory

When Denise said yes to a date with Stuart, he was beyond nervous. She was the first girl that he liked in a long time and he didn't want to mess things up. And while fans didn't get to see their actual date, they saw how Stuart prepared for it, which was as wholesome as it got.

To get ready for the date, Stuart turned orange from a spray tan but decided to go through with the date anyway. He delightfully came clean and told her he turned orange because he wanted to look his best for her. Denise adored his honesty. It was the start of Stuart's best relationship.

Raj & Anu

Raj and Anus first date on The Big Bang Theory

In the 12th season, Raj realized he was ready to be set up in an arranged marriage. He met a woman named Anu and the two shared their first date at a restaurant where they got to know each other better. As always, Raj was nervous and said things like "Sweet thang," but Anu was smitten with him. They both realized they could become each other's potential partner. It was the start of one of Raj's most serious relationships.

Leonard & Penny 2.0

leonard and penny second date - tbbt

After years of being exes and friends, Leonard realized that he and Penny were wasting too much time. It was clear the two loved each other, respected each other, and wanted each other, but no one made a move. He eventually asked her out on a date and called themselves "Leonard and Penny 2.0."

Their second first date was better than their first one years prior. They were smitten and excited to be in each other's lives again. Regardless of the issues they've had in the past, Leonard and Penny were ready to try again.

NEXT: The Big Bang Theory: The Male Characters, Ranked By Their Romantic Partner Potential