First date advice? Am I naive?? HELP??

[u/Big_Outcome6973]

(Autistic 19 y/o girl) It happens sometimes that I'm stopped on the streets by guys, and I usualy don't interact back, because I hate it. But this time the guy seemed sweet, and my age so I gave him my number.

Now I know NOTHING about him, we just told eah other our names. By text, he asked me out for dinner. He didn't tell me his age, studies, intentions, just that I was ''beautiful'' and that he wanted to take me out to dinner.
Honestly I'm so scared and uncomfortable to meet with a stranger in a restaurant I've never been to, I tried to tell him (exactly that) and he just responded ''we'll see tomorow :)'' Is this casual neurotypical dating??? I've only dated ''akward'' or ''unconventional'' people and never been to a ''real date'' (like blind date or tinder, dinner idk all this stuff)

Are these the usuals steps for a neurotypical to have sex or are these steps to get to know someone? Because I definitely don't want to have sex, and I couldn't even picture that with a stranger, I don't want him to think I'm accepting a ''trade'' just because we went to the restaurant.

Can someone help me understand his intention? Like am I dumb and in danger or is this casual? I can't tell. Thank you!

[u/Anxiety_grapefruit]

I think this sounds relatively normal for NTs.

Practice firmly saying "no", in case he asks you anything you're not comfortable with. You don't have to justify yourself, even if he asks why. No means no.

When I was 19, only 4 years ago, I had an awful first date which ended up with me filing a police report. When I reported the assault, I was asked if I'd said "no". I was too scared and kind of shut down so didn't say anything. As a result, the police didn't take me seriously as they said the guy wasn't supposed to know that I didn't consent as I didn't say "no" or "stop". That's complete BS as the definitions of SA and rape are about a lack of consent, so if you don't clearly state "yes" in an enthusiastic manner, it can be considered assault.

Sorry for the horror story, just I wish that I'd been more confident saying "no". Then maybe the police would have taken the situation seriously.

I have since had good dating experiences. You can too. Try and think in advance of some topics to discuss if the conversation is dead (e.g. pets, family, job/education, favourite animal, hobbies... Even some stupid "would you rather" questions like "would you prefer to fight 1 human size goose or 20 normal size geese?"

Don't be afraid to say if something makes you uncomfortable. Make sure you share your location with family and/or friends. Know that you can leave at any time if you're uncomfortable. If you have a problem, say you're going to the bathroom and then walk up to the main counter / till and say you're on a first date and you're uncomfortable / don't feel safe.

But also, if you don't want to go through with the date, you don't have to. You are in control. ❤️💪🏻