With all the recent price increases, do you think it's OK to ask to share costs on a first date?
(I'm asking for a friend)

It might be, especially if your first date is Disneyworld/Disneyland.

If you can't afford the price of a cup of coffee, maybe you shouldn't be dating.

Other than that; he who invites pays.

He who accepts the invite; offers to reciprocate in some way.

Yes, if the invitee wants a second meeting.

And that's why you don't max out the CC on the first meeting.

First meetings shouldn't even last that long. Half an hour to an hour, so basically 1-2 cappuccinos.
If there's mutual interest you got something to look forward to on a first date.
But if the guy is a cheapskate there will be no first date.
It's like how Anubis weighs: the heart against a feather. Cheapskates won't get through as their heart is too laden with greed, bitterness and whatnot.
I'm not interested in such a bloke :)

I agree with Motown: if you can't afford something then don't date.
And there are plenty of things you can do on a date that don't cost much.

If a guy would ask me out on a first date or to dinner and then asks to split the costs he's out, permanently.
I will pay for what I ate but it'll be the last he'll ever see or hear from me.

If you'd be dating the same woman more often then it's different. But if things are okay she will then offer to pay her share or all every now and then.

If you want to split the cost on the first meet, be upfront about it. I met someone and when the bill came he put some cash down. I didn’t realize I was expected to pay for half until the server came over to get the cash. It was a bit embarrassing. He then asked me on a date. I thought ok, it was a first meet. Guess what happened on the first date…

Dating has become a slippery slope, some women expect the man to take the lead, plan and pay for the date while others think it's mysogenistic for you to do so. 🤷‍♂️

tell your friend ..if by date he means first meet .. keep it simple and inexpensive .

There are no rules ., only preconceived , old fashioned societal norms and he should discuss it with his date (before the date) and come to an understanding of what works best for both . Furthermore , If a woman is more focused on money than getting to know him or is selfish and does not give any consideration to his financial situation .. he should take that as a BIG red flag .

Personally ,I would never assume that a man is going to pay for me .

Hope your friend’s date goes well

I'd choose not to date. I actually live somewhere that offer free things. This week in town at the outdoor Interpretive Center a gathering will take place, about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, with a well-known speaker. Completely free. I'm going alone.

good way to meet men who share your interest/passions cat .. enjoy

Thank you Blondey. I will enjoy.

This is a little off topic but I think germane to some of the comments. My rule of thumb is if I meet a woman in public and we've established some chemistry than I'm asking her out on a date. If I meet her online and I ask her out then I'm inviting her for coffee. A lot of women online perceive that as being cheap and even put in their profiles "COFFEE IS NOT A DATE"

If I feel excited about having a first meeting with the tall pretty young lady I'm hopelessly looking for, then I will be willing to pick up the tab for even a dinner and much more.

Thanks everyone for the help and advice, I have passed it on to them, and they were saying it's probably going to be a walk in the park and maybe a small picnic if the weather is nice.

Personally I always don’t mind splitting the cost of a meal.

Asking to split the cost on a first date is a bit much. It's not like you're taking the person to a five-course dinner. A first date should be very low-key. I'd be wondering what is in store for us down the road if he can't even foot the bill for a first meet.

I’d never expect or assume that anyone is going to pay for me . Wether it’s just a drink or a meal .

Same here on both counts.