I've been lurking on the male RP sub for a couple of years and the most prominent advice I see when it comes to dating (especially online) is to get her phone number and arrange a meeting as quickly as possible. I believe that helps them escalate faster and thus gain the control over what happens with the particular woman (since women are generally the gatekeepers of sex and men are the gatekeepers of relationships).

As women interested in a serious relationship, I believe most of the times it is in our best interest to opt for the opposite; with moderation of course. I have found that having already established a pattern of communication before you even go on a first date has a number of benefits:

  1. You can vet better and not waste your time with someone you are not compatible with
  2. You can get to know the other person a bit better and thus feel more comfortable and have a better time during your date
  3. The guy will see you as more important because you made him wait a bit and he had to put some effort. I have found that men (and many women) appreciate something more if a potential partner is not too eager from the beginning
  4. It is easier to gain comittment if you are already talking everyday because you will be connected more. Trying to establish a communication pattern AFTER a few first dates is a more tedious task. EDIT to add: it will also make you seem more selective which is a plus.
  5. Men will be more eager to text you and bond with you, if they feel like they will get rewarded (with an IRL meeting) if they are successful

I am not saying that you should string along people for months. Setting a date in a week (because you are busy these days) after talking 2-3 days (and talking until the day of the date comes) is ideal for me.

Thoughts?