If they want to. Sure, why not? I expect as women achieve higher incomes they are more likely to foot the bill. Paying for a date is supposed to be a kind gesture, not an entitlement.

So I think about this kind of a lot.

Men obligatorily paying for things weirds me out, especially early in a relationship. Multiple potential subtexts have occurred to me and I don't really like any of them. To preface, I don't think most people are consciously reasoning this through when they buy something or let someone buy something for them. It's just a symptom of a general attitude that I don't think is great for anyone, regardless of role.

One implicit message is that the man is enjoying the woman's company but she isn't enjoying his to an equal degree and needs something to sweeten the deal so the time is worth it to her.

Another is that the man doesn't think he has anything of interest/value, personality-wise, and feels like he can only hold a woman's attention with money or displays of status.

A third is that the man thinks he can obligate a woman to spend some time with him by buying her something because she'll feel like she owes him, even if it's she's not having a good time.

It depends on the point in the relationship.

If it's just starting out, then I think checks should be split, unless one or the other makes an insane amount of more money than the other and wants to, or if one is seriously insisting on it.

Later one in a relationship, a serious relationship, I think it should just switch back and forth. Or whoever has the cash on hand at the time...

I honestly never thought about this kind of stuff to be honest, this is just kind of how it worked out for my relationship and it was fine. Now we kind of share all our money on things like food and dates, unless it's one of our birthdays, and have our own money for our own things as well.

It's not that serious...

Yes, I think it is perfectly fine. After all equality would state that the man might treat one time and the woman can treat the next time.

I take the view that woman should pay on a date only if it isn't her first date with a guy. If she has been going with that guy for some time, and only if he permits no shortage of money would prevent a real gentleman from having a pleasure to show that he isn't in low waters financially. If it is a woman who initiates the date. If the man's resources are not greater than those of a woman.

They should pay if they want to be equals. They should pay if they want to be on friendly terms without being obliged.

But when they love and care, when they seriously think of a relationship, when they want to marry a guy I think No

Only if there is an agreement where both parties want to go "Dutch treat."