I know we need to be upfront, and some women simply won't be up for casual relationships, but at the early stages, how do you tread this line. It seems extremely old-fashioned to say sex is somehow indication of commitment or a woman giving you sex is her "placeholder" on you. We're not living in those times anymore.

I'm seeing a girl soon and will likely have this conversation. I'm happy to escalate sexually with her but can't hand on heart say I want to commit and want to be exclusive. What is the best way to manage this? Need some advice from experience here. Is it simply having the conversation and if she says "no sex without commitment", I'm done for. Go home with blue balls?