Other possibilities exist, but you shouldn't be surprised by the generally-accepted standards or you're going to continue having "bad experiences."
That's ridiculous. Here's a real source:
http://blogs.chapman.edu/press-room/2013/08/12/research-on-w...
The self-reported study indicates that around 40% of women split the costs of dating, and 44% of men say they would end a relationship if the costs were not shared. This is increasingly true of couples in their 20s. Your statement that "anything else is just two people hanging out" irks me and is not true for 2/5 of couples (in the US, I presume)
I'll relate my own situation. I am an American living in Cambodia. I started dating a local girl about a month and a half ago, and we split the expenses for everything. She has a relatively good job by Cambodian standards, but I have to be very cognizant that she has less money than I do, so we choose restaurants and activities that both of us can afford. She is clearly proud of being able to pay for herself, partially I think to distance herself from the stereotype of Cambodian girls marrying for money and/or being prostitutes.
If we decide to get married, then sure, my money is her money and vice-versa (and who knows maybe she'll end up being the breadwinner). But as far as dating is concerned, I will forever take a hard line on splitting the costs (or at least contributing in amounts proportional to our income) and if a girl isn't down for that, I'll find someone else.
I don't know why women feel entitled to my money. I was on one date, and when the waiter brought our two separate bills, she looks at me like I'm retarded for not paying for her meal, an $80 steak dinner. She then proceeded to lecture me on the "rules of dating" and the role of Men in society. I threw $100 down and left mid conversation. If you're looking for some chump to be your chauffeur in exchange for your pussy, look elsewhere.
Dating sites give women the illusion that they are superior and guys should be fighting for them. One girl literally said to me "If you're not paying for me and picking me up/dropping me off, I have a ton of other options that will". Wow, so you're in it for the free ride instead of meeting another person with shared interests, thanks for letting me know!
Guess I should probably apply to YC, get some funding, and start funding dates!
