OP I sympathise, but I think pps have given good advice and can't add much.
One of the reasons I'm on MN is that it gives me an insight into the way people think - outside my own bubble and this has made interesting reading.
I love having people over for a meal - nothing fancy - no fillet steak (we're veggies anyway) or Beef Wellington, so not expensive. But I love planning and cooking a meal for friends. It's very, very informal though - more like a kitchen supper - but the food is good (honestly!). My friends are the same and there's usually a battle to host next time and no pressure on the one couple who clearly don't enjoy it as much.
All the people here suggesting restaurants! They are so expensive (even the cheap ones) once you start adding in wine and 'side dishes' (often things that used to come with the dish anyway. Then there's the service charge and the tip (not begrudging waiting staff their tip - just irritated at the system - I always tip well).
Just as many pps have said they hate hosting, my heart sinks when someone suggests a restaurant meal. I cannot remember the last time I actually enjoyed my meal out - I find them so disappointing, as well as expensive. I was out last night at a Thai place and my dish was average at best. Also, just as some people hate hosting, I hate the drama of restaurants - all the fussing with menus, ordering, 'is everything OK for you?', then catching the waiter's eye and paying. And it wouldn't make any difference if someone took me to Le Manoir and Michel Blanc cooked specially for me - I'd just die of embarrassment at all the fuss!
I know this is irrelevant to OP's AIBU and I apologise for rambling on, but I wanted to put another perspective. The prevailing view that restaurants = fantastic experience and dinner parties = crap doesn't chime with my experience!