You like this new guy, so far, and are looking forward to the V day date. This ‘dating as friends’ thing is BS. A date is a date. I guarantee he is picking up the check, right? You are doing a push/pull with him. But take a breath, it’s ok. Take you time getting to know him. Enjoy the date. Listen to what he says. Let HIM do most of the talking. Just be yourself and don’t overthink anything. It’s perfectly alright to kiss him good night and thank hm for the date— and that’s it for now.