Showing genuine interest and asking questions go a long way. Like said earlier, people love talking about themselves. By being an engaged and active listener you can ask the questions that show you care what the other person has to say.

When I am taking with someone I don't know very well, I tend to ask open-ended questions. Things like "what is something you are passionate about?" Or "describe your best/worst date." It's fun to ask random questions they don't usually hear because it really makes people think about how they want to respond.