Because dating is simply an agreement to spend a specified period of time with a person for the purpose of getting to know one another, there should really be no difference between that, or striking up a conversation with someone next to you on a long flight. The circumstances leading up to the encounter are certainly different, but the safety net is, no one has committed to anything but conversation.
Building relationships is healthy. It prevents isolation, provides opportunities to witness, gives you a chance to practice socializing, and sometimes creates long lasting friendships. If you always begin dates with the expectation of meeting Mr. or Ms. right, you may continually set yourself up for disappointment because you fail to see the value of simply surrendering to the moment, enjoying the other person for who they are, appreciating the potential they may have, to make a significant contribution to your life. It's not necessary to instantly measure how close everyone comes to being your ideal mate.
I believe it's important to take the pressure off at the start. When someone finds a good mate it's often said 'he/she's a good catch'. This gives me the impression of someone with a net patrolling the waters in a boat only big enough for him/herself, until they reel in a prize fish. If you begin with a friendship, making that known from the start, there is little room for inappropriate or unwanted advances. This might also make it easier to simply part ways in the event you determine that neither a friendship or a romantic relationship is desired, but until then, it's just dinner!
