I think the question about who's paying on the date is the stupidest topic to discuss ever. IMHO, it doesn't matter much. If a guy pays for the girl -> he's being a gentleman. If he offers to split the bill -> there is a chance he respects women's independence and feminism in general. Sure, he may also be cheap, but that's why you have to go out with him again to figure out who he is.

Now, for someone like me who HATES eating in the evening, and most dates happen during evenings... I usually end up eating 25% of the food and the guy eats the other 75%. And if he asks to split the bill then... Hmmmm. I don't think I'd be super happy, as I would feel like he primarily met me to get me pay for food. So far, I haven't paid for dinner on the 1st date even once in my life, because the guy would do the eating, lol.