When I moved out and started dating again, I met several female friends. IMHO, it is a lot easier for us men than you ladies. They had lots of horror stories.

One piece of advice: Make that first date a quicky. Coffee, one drink. Be careful about going out to eat. As you have experienced.

I met my fantastic wife on a coffee date. The starbucks was closed, we went for ice cream. Turned into a drink. Then dinner. Lasted about 4 hours.

About 30 minutes in I was already thinking "this is the one I've been waiting for."