Skype for one two then meet is a good idea, long term like they did no good.
Boy to cancel after agreed to date is wrong so held R Aron Kotler zt”l once you agree to meet you can’t retract, better to date and say not for you.
Regarding boy calling himself, I’ve had this issue and was told by a chashuva Rav whom is accepted in all circles that once you make dates on ur own u have to tell the girl urseld If you don’t want to continue.