Hi,
I'm looking to find a girlfriend, and I haven't done much talking to anyone in about 10 years (including my family), but someone at work is interested in me and we went for dinner/coffee 2 nights ago and are going to a show on Friday. I think she thinks it's dating because she brought a little gift to dinner. I just didn't know so since I paid for dinner and will pay for the show, I guess I'm reenforcing that idea, but I really was hoping for some companionship and getting to know her. The problem is I don't have friends at all so I just reciprocated her approach rather than talk to her much.

In general, should I figure out how to have fun and friends and then, only then, go for a girlfriend? Or is it ok to date this woman for practice, essentially? I don't see a future with her as a partner but it would be fun to do friend things occasionally with her if she wanted.

Thanks,
bb