Plan a first meeting at your own pace
Choose a manageable plan with room for either person to leave.
Agree on a simple public meeting
Choose a public place that both people can reach independently. A short coffee or conversation makes it easier to get to know each other without committing to a whole evening. Agree on the location and approximate duration beforehand, and avoid sharing your home address just to arrange transport.
Keep control of your arrangements
Plan your own way home and consider telling someone you trust where you are going. Keep your phone available. These precautions cannot guarantee safety, but they can help you retain choices. If a plan changes and you feel uncomfortable, you can cancel or suggest another meeting.
A meeting carries no further obligation
Agreeing to meet does not mean agreeing to physical contact or another location. Check in with yourself during the date. You can end it politely without providing a detailed explanation. Afterwards, decide whether you would like further contact rather than assuming that another date is expected.