[dekeguy]

OK, I'm begining to think I am more than a little out of date. I'm told that I'm a bit old fashioned and traditional - but that's just me. My thoughts on a first date generally run to drinks, dinner, and maybe a piano bar where I can get to know the lady and find out something about her personality and interests.
I will of course tell her a bit about myself to see if anything clicks and most importantly to draw her out to see what she has to say for herself. I will choose a fairly upscale place which calls for me to wear a suit or coat and tie. In arranging this first date I will call and ask her out, suggest dinner, and ask if she likes such and such a place or such and such a cuisine. If so great, if not I ask for her suggestion.
Assuming I have met her at some function or other I have already found her to be interesting and attractive. The key point of her attractiveness is her eyes. Dull and lifeless and I'm not interested. Alive and inquisitive and I'm interested. Sparkling and bewitching and I'm in trouble already.
If she is up for a date I will call for her promptly, if she lives at home (less now than a few years ago) I will ask to meet her parents - I want to size them up too.
For the date I'll suggest a drink as we wait for our table and continue the conversation begun in the car. For dinner I will ask what she would like, offering suggestions if I know something they do well there. I ask 'shall I order for us or would you prefer to order for yourself?' I'll chose the wine to go with the meal. I rather do multi course meals to give us time to get some talking done. Major point: if she is a likely candidate for further dates I listen carefully to see something beyond the first impression appearances. Even if not, I'll listen anyway.
After dinner I will suggest a place where we can continue talking with music in the background.
By this time I will have figured out whether this one seems to be a keeper and I figure she has me pretty well pegged also. If this is a one time date I will take her home, tell her that I enjoyed her company, say good night, and maybe consider her for the role of 'friend'.
If this looks promising as I am driving her home I will ask her if I may see her again and suggest something she will have mentioned that interests her.
If the body language is right I would kiss her good night but not push the issue.
Next date might be anything from another dinner, a cocktail party, sailing, movie and a light meal, theatre, whatever. If she asks me to dinner at her place I will bring wine. If at home with parents then wine and flowers as a house gift.
On the very rare occasions of a blind date it is my job to see that she has a nice time and good memories of the evening no matter how good or horrible she turns out to be.
Being traditional I consider that I cover the evening and if there are subsequent dates I cover those as well. If this develops into a relationship then she might ask me to go somewhere with her on a 'her treat' basis. As things develop I would include her in my interests if she enjoyed them herself. Flyfishing in a mountain stream may or may not appeal to everyone. Riding is generally OK and shooting sporting clays is less likely. I row a fair amount but that is generally single skulls. Sailing is usually OK.
When I ask someone out I put my best foot forward and offer to take her somewhere and/or to something interesting. What I expect in return is the pleasure of her company and a modicum of effort on her part to be interesting.
I look at it as a simple expression of good manners.