Choose a location that gives you options the second you walk out the door. Depends on what the energy is like.
Booze helps a little bit for some of us, as it lowers inhibitions (uh - what should I say next to her?) but also may cause you to say or do something stupid... er, correction - if you go for a drink, make it a wine or something that tastes good and its only 1 or at worse - two glasses.
What determines the date is the level of attraction, the energy and if you don't fuck up. ie: don't bring up politics or religion unless you both know you're on the same page. Don't show her your dick pics.
I've had dates go meh, some that were fun, but still results in nothing. I've dated some women for weeks and no spark, even thou we had very good times. Had dates go to shit too.
When energy and things are *clicking*, then you should feel comfortable to do anything.
I kissed my future wife for the first time within an hour of meeting her, it was fireworks going off in our heads.
My first words were "May I get you a drink?" as I had just walked in the door in a minute before, we danced and talked. We turned each other on.
Two hours later, we were making love. Two months later, we are married. Two years later we're parents.
She was out to pick up girls that night, as she would tell me later on our first real date and was dressed like a girl that time. I had dated two different women over two weeks before I meet her that didn't pan out even thou I had sex with them.
So you never know when cupid will get you. You hope for the best, but its a matter of meeting the right person at the right time and place.
In the end Yogi, don't over-think and plan everything. I've been there and done that. Go with the flow. I consider every date a lesson, learning how people are different, etc.
Good luck, have fun!
