I prefer not to even call the coffee meet a date. It's a chance to get acquainted, to discover what you have in common, to feel each other out as potential friends. My personal (admittedly old-world) belief is that friendship is the platform from which all other potential relationships, from business to romance, should be launched.

The trouble with jumping right into dating is that dating is a terrible way to get to know someone. You're both too caught up in impression management to show your real selves.