When I used to date, what worked for me was paying for the first date if I liked the men, split if I didn't.

From my perspective, spliting meand that no one owes the other anything, so you can have a nice split (pun intended even if it is terrible XD).

If you like the other person, paying is a way to let them know the appreciation, so it works for me. Also the reaction offers me information on the other person. I mean, if they offer to pay the next time, they like you back. If they refuse, depending on the way they refuse to let you pay, it might be a red flag for me. If they want to split, that is also OK.

In the same way, I usually prefered a first date to have coffe or something "low level"/unexpensive but that allow to talk. After all, you are just meeting someone.

Letting others take initiative or pay for you has its trade backs. But that is just me. Some of the most uncomfortable dates I've had the men insisted paying. That is why I reached to the conclusion that it was better to split or pay myself.