Don't agree to go out with anyone unless you have a genuine interest in them and the proposed activity!
Try to have some phone calls or interaction with them BEFORE agreeing to go out! Most companies have phone interviews before having face to face communication. No chemistry? Why bother going out?
Have FUN! Dating is not a JOB! nor a life and death mission! No one is asking you to decide on whether to cut the red wire or the blue wire. It's a date!
The number one reason why people don't get a second date is because both people didn't have a great first date!
Keep things light and encourage the other person to relax. The best way to get to know someone is when they let their guard down. Ask questions to establish rapport and find common interests. "What's your favorite thing to do on weekends?" "Who is your favorite singer/actor/band?" "Where would you like to go for a vacation that you have never been to before?" "What movie could you watch over and over again without getting tired?" What is your favorite meal to cook?" "What is the funniest thing you ever heard or saw?" Do you consider yourself to be a stress eater or non-eater? "What are 5 of your (bucket list) items?"
Those are all first date questions designed to make conversation, relax, have fun, and build rapport. You can work in other more serious questions on a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th date, even through phone calls and emails. Don't look at every date as a possible spouse!
Last but not least: Be Yourself! No one wants to go through a "bait & switch" scenario. If you're not into a certain activity don't pretend that you are just to go out. The goal is to find someone who has common interests!
Too often people bend over backwards to "impress" someone and then once there is an "emotional investment" they reveal their "authentic selves". It's not uncommon to hear someone say, "He/she is not the same person I fell in love with."
