I have a pretty good grasp of what works with me but I think it would be interesting or maybe even helpful to share what someone you actually dated said or did to get the date?

"yes"

I think it's a bit different for men and women.

I've only ever been asked out once in my life and I was that surprised I just said yeah ok

I tend to do the asking is what I mean, I'd be surprised if most men don't do the asking.

I was sorting through emails (back in the day, when I
tried to reply to them all, 200+ a day) and one stood
out above all the rest for it's simplicity.

It said something like 'I hope you have a wonderful New
Years' (it was a few days before) and then he spelled out
his name most formally.

It held no flatterings, no wasted words, no promises, no
entreaties, it was uncomplicated and glaringly so in a
sea of 'Hello pretty's'..and got the reply that mattered.

It lasted til we met :-)

I tend to agree that men who do get dates are the ones who actually get up and ask I do think women probably do something that gets you across the floor to ask?

I think it I'd kind of tacky but I have seen women who tell at least some of the men they go out with what to ask them to do or to show up with their wallet. Don't know how well that goes over.

This kind of approach rates highly with me. Desperation never is inviting.

Erm... he PMed me to say he was interested but the distance was too much, but he wanted to wish me luck.
I replied along the same line. Said it was indeed a shame, cos his profile appealed to me as well. Wished him good luck too.
2 PMs later he said he wanted to meet me and asked if I wanted that too.

Ummm...did you meet in the middle?

Doesn't it kind of insult the invitation to counter it with an alternative like offering to meet in the middle?

The guys I have dated both on and offline, started a convo with me , asking about how my day was going and my interests, which led to a sparkling conversation and ultimately, a request for a date by the guy.

The few times I initiated was a situation of me striking up a convo in a similar manner , and consequently inviting them to a dance party or the movies, but i did it in a casual , unromantic way so the guy doesn't feel stalked lol

Well okay...but then you're obligated.

I vaguely remember dance parties. I don't know if they are just that uncommon now days or housing has gotten smaller or what maybe the whole liability thing or people crashing parties uninvited and out of control guests trashing the place but you don't even see that many "Parties with a purpose" anymore. Sad used to be great fun.

Nope. First date a man comes to me, or there is no date. I drive as far as the restaurant we agreed on, which is anywhere between 0- 12 km max from my house. I do not drive further than the nearest town, which is 12 km from me.

Mmmm..."they come to you." ...
very Goddess like.

Innit :) I like to be treated like a goddess, feel all woman.

No objection here.

Pushing the "Girls" out there...
HELLO( • )( • )O!!

Every woman and every situation has been different and that covers A LOT of ground. All I can really add to this is honesty, simplicity, and no bull$hit have always dictated my approach and what is/was attractive to me.

Weapons of Mass Erecion.

Ummmm...