I got culture shock from the LA dating scene, atleast from Hinge. Back when I was living in other cities (ATL/ St. Louis/ Phoenix), you could schedule a coffee/drinks date, and depending on whether the bird was down, would let you know how likely you are to smash. Nowadays, I try proposing the drinks thing, and they start sliding in a dinner date.
I'm probably being cheap af, but if you're going on multiple dates per week, blowing $50 for something that might lead to being ghosted doesn't seem like a good investment. I'm going to phase out the dating apps, and take to the streets again on the weekends. Too much good nightlife out here not to.