You don't have to do anything you aren't comfortable with. I think you'll have a much easier time not getting too close too soon by being prepared. The trouble comes when you're alone with a guy. People who don't want to have sex until marriage find doing things as a group of people helps. In a crowd, while doing other things, you have a chance to get to know someone without all the expectations.

I don't know if you're a member of a church, but joining a church youth group may be the solution. It doesn't guarantee safety, but you're more likely to find others who feel like you do.