Irrational fear of dating

Dating is nerve wracking. This is by far the hardest topic for me to write on because I hate dating, I think that dating doesn't really show you who a person is at the end of the day. Now I'm not saying that moving in with someone you just met is completely rational (because I'm not), I'm just saying that simply going to dinner, or drinks, or desert is not going to tell me anything about you. Dating is meant to create an impression of who you are, now after a few dates, you really get to know who a person is, and what they're all about. It's just the first three or so dates that are just really awkward. Maybe it's just me, I am enough awkward woman for all of America and some of Europe, but I don't think it is. I've asked a few other ladies on their takes on dating and everyone is on the same page. It sucks. You get all fancied up, go somewhere nice and spend a few hours with someone you turn out not to like so much, or have that much in common with. Now I'm not saying it's just unpleasant on the lady side of it all, I'm sure we all have disappointed a fair share of guys. But I also think the expectations of a 'date' are different between men and women. So here's a challenge then, someone come up with a way to by pass all the awkward first-few dating scenarios. Now I'm not talking online dating or anything like that, just someone please make this not awkward. Also I would like some male opinions on what they're expectations of a first date or so are...

On a second note though... maybe when we find 'the love', dating won't be so awkward... and it will be enjoyable. Just a thought...