and it's not great to think folks "should" do things or not. but personally, if someone asks you out, then i think it is a nice gesture for them to pay for the first date. if we went out again, i'd offer to pay for my meal/movie or whatever. the next one, i'd offer to pick up the tab. i would never expect someone to continue to treat me on dates, but i think it is a nice way to start. i guess, that is now considered a more traditional approach to dating. if you like a to pay at the start, then you want to find more traditional men, or men who are romantics. i think it is fair to think someone might treat you the first time, but not to assume anything after that. and always money on you, because you never know.