Who asks should expect to pay, though, if the invitee prefers dutch, that is fine... Once dating regularly, dutch, taking turns, or the one with enough income pays, whichever approach works. I like dutch or turns if I really enjoy his company as we can get twice the number of dates that way! (:

I might add. I have had the guy absolutely insist on paying, despite my being able to, only to have him resent it later, or hold it over my head, or demand access to my body (usually a first or second date) because he paid for my dinner. That might explain why some other ladies feel strongly about paying their fair share (or not).

Yes, always. Now that I'm married and we share all accounts, whoever has the wallet closest pays lol

Whoever asked should pay for the date. Once a relationship starts, I prefer to alternate paying rather then split the bill each time.

On a first meeting I offer to pay my own tab. In a dating relationship I either contribute towards the bill if he accepts it. If not i will cook very nice meals for him. My last relationship we went out one week and the following week we would stay in and I would cook. It worked well for us.

If it's a first meet and greet, I don't mind splitting the check. That being said, just because my date has a penis doesn't mean he HAS to pay. That's a bit archaic.

I'm gay. Generally, my experience, at least in the "gay world", is that the bill is split unless otherwise determined before the date.

If I ask them I pay. If they ask me and do not ask me if I want to go Dutch Treat then they pay and I leave the tip.

I agree that, preferably, who asks should pay, but the recipient should buy the popcorn, or pay for dessert, or for the tip. Offer to pay th next time. Try to reciprocate so as to establish one's independence and consideration for the other person. Reciprocity doesn't have to be financial, if not possible. General rule: Good people do not exploit other people.

I always go into assuming I will pay my own

If the topic does not come up, I pay. I grew up where manners were stressed. If the woman offers, then it will depend upon the conversation we have had.

Yes. When we get the bill, that's when I split.

I usually offer to pay my portion, and let my "date" decide whether to go for that or say "you can get the next one" or whatever. The last fellow I dated pretty long term, would generally eat and drink more than me (I'm a fairly cheap date) and would usually turn down my offer to pay my portion, but would allow me to get the tip. That way he could earn points on his card, and the wait staff would get a cash tip. That worked well for us.

I offer to pay, but don’t insist.

I’m a millennial but reading this makes me feel super old-fashioned. My husband always paid for everything when we were dating. It never occurred to me to pay for anything on our dates. I just thought that’s what men do.

I always feel embarrassed when a woman offers to pay, even when it's only half the bill. If it is a person I know well, then we may agree to do so sometimes, but I'm still inclined to say I insist on paying for the wine.
I don't expect anything in return, other than, perhaps, a friendly good night kiss on the cheek.

I don't go on dates.

depends on our situation at the time

If I'm dating someone, I fully support splitting the check or alternating who pays.

If someone from a dating site asks to meet for the first time, I generally suggest something simple... maybe a drink or a cup of coffee... and I always offer to pay my share. But it kind of surprises me that they almost always take take the money. If I'm borderline about seeing the guy again, the fact that they can't pop for a cuppa coffee on a first date leaves me with a negative impression.

Relax until either he mentions it or when the waitress asks. State ‘separate checks’ to the waitress, or say, “Thanks, but I prefer dutch.”

It’s weird and a red flag for anyone to press further, as though you’re unable to make up your own mind. It is a nice gesture, but I’m with you. A dude paying just because he’s a dude sets up a dominant/submissive hierarchy in the relationship off the bat.

It is also good to get to the point where you cook dinner for each other before going out.
Ability o cook and not just microwave frozen things is an asset.

This says it best

I've not been on a date in decades. But yes, I'd split the bill.

I don't like a culture which expects men to pay for everything.

If we have been going out for a while, we almost always split the bill. On a first date, the person that invited the other person usually pays for it.

I am willing to, it's been a while since I've been on a date.

Men always paying is obsolete. I assume that a woman is getting just asmuch out of date asI am, whether that be conversation , entertainment or pleasure. in today's world finances should not be involved .