OK so what is dating etiquette these days??

[tennisballsinsocks]

Haven't dated since never. Was with H for 17 years, now single for a year.
I have been asked out by a guy I met. and w have been texting for the last few days, due to go out next week.

So what is normal for a first date?
Really feel out of my depth here

First of all good luck! Perhaps arrange the date for a location where there's not too much pressure if it doesn't work out. Walk in the park and a coffee somewhere? Nothing worse than being stuck somewhere you can't escape from easily if the date isn't going well. Have a back up plan as well if it really isn't going well such as an emergency phone call or the like.

The main thing is to relax - I find this the hardest thing and then end up talking nineteen to the dozen out of nerves!

Thank you, I definitely need the luck, as am a bag of nerves.
Good tip about the relaxed date as well, may suggest that.

FFS don't get an "emergency" phone call set up in case you don't like they guy. If you don't like him your both adults just say you don't like him. I have no respect for people that feel the need to lie just to avoid some awkwardness, your not 18 any more you're meant to have matured.

Personally depends on how well you know him as to what you do.

a) Agree to meet for a drink, coffee somewhere. Have loose plans for a meal later in the evening.

Guarantee you'll at least stay for a coffee but either of you can decide to leave after the coffee with no hard feelings.

b) Arrange a meal with you and another couple you know. If you are getting on ok then go to bathroom to powder your nose where you inform other couples female half to "do one".

She then drags her DP/DH away and you to can go for drinks etc alone. Obviously inform other couple this is the plan.

Think I will arrange to meet for coffee/ drinks and see how it flows.

I really don't know the guy at all, just met him 2 weeks ago and subtle flirting later he asked me out

I agree with the emergency phonecall being unecessary, I can understand it in internet dating where you have no idea about the person you are meeting, but I already know I can have a conversation with this guy so hopefully it will all be ok.

Part of the reason for the emergency phone call with internet dating is so you can relay to your caller (if necessary) the fact that you think you're in danger from your date.
If you met the bloke socially before agreeing to a date, this is probably a little safer than a random off a dating website (though don't be completely incautious, TBIS - if he does do or say things that make you uncomfortable it's OK to get up and walk out.)
Meeting for coffee or a drink is fine, see how it goes, relax and enjoy