OOmis -“As to hotel lobbies, personally as a Modern Orthodox Machmir, I think that those are TERRIBLE places to go for a date. Do you have any idea what pritzus goes on in hotels, that could be happening in front of our young people’s very eyes or even just the knowledge that it might be going on??? I am not being sarcastic. My daughter was taken on such a date, and witnessed what was clearly a pickup. THAT’S where we want our kids to date, rather than to go out for a slice of pizza, if they cannot afford dinner in a restaurant? And do you really believe we need a heter for someone to go out to a restaurant, sport event, etc. if they are not on a date? OK, I respect your opinion.”
While you make some good points in your posts -I’ll address this part which I strongly disagree with.
I do think going to a hotel if you’re Not Chassidsh (home dating)is a good place to start. Yes it’s possible to see Untzinus things, but I don’t think that is as bad as starting a date in a casual mode. While maybe having a fun date is good for later on in a relationship -It Is Not good at the beginning. I feel you should not be Heimish with the date on the first few times. This IMHO is Pritzus. I don’t agree with what the MO crowd does! Esp. since many dates end after 1 or 2 times (in a decision of – not for me). A hotel setting is much more formal.