I'm a bit stuck on the options there too. I've been single for most of the last ten years and one thing I've noticed is that it's alot easier to get into a relationship than it is to get out of one.
When you're 20 you can go out, kiss, hold hands and break up a few weeks later and noone gets hurt.
When you're in your 30's you go into relationships with alot more intention. If you then realise that you're no longer interested, in the person who you have been holding hands with and kissing, then it is likely that they will get hurt.
I prefer to get to know girls in a group setting first before asking them out on a date. The last few girls I've liked didn't even know I was interested in them and so naturally weren't hurt when I decided that they weren't the ones for me.
In saying that though, I did take a friend out just this week. I had taken her out previously with a group of friends, and I've known her from church for a couple of years.
We didn't kiss or hold hands.. well we kissed on the cheek and hugged hello, but she is Colombian so we always have. We went to see a movie, then had a hot chocolate after. We had great conversation and I really like her. I'm not sure if she likes me, but that's half the fun of dating. I'm sure guys will agree with me that it's unattractive when girls make it too obvious that they like you too soon.
I hope to take her out again, but I don't intend to kiss her on the lips for quite some time yet. Kisses to me never seem quite finished and so I think it's better left for marriage, but each to their own there, if I slip up once or twice it is a much safer bounday than sex. Holding hands is fine.. probably a safe place to keep ones hands