if it's fun and casual it seems to last a bit longer. there has to be chemistry too of course. i think a lot of people get turned off by hearing too much 'drama' or 'ick' during dating. i REALLY kept things light as possible. and i found i appreciated the same. it wasnt until dating someone for a while that bits of the 'real' stuff comes out. the other think i noticed is boredom! lots and LOTS of boredom is part of dating. LOL. i asked questions and showed interest in stuff that made me want to grit my teeth i was so bored
i dont think there are dating rules, there is just dating....drama, boredom, dumping, dumped, and SOME fun thrown in the mix until you hit it off with someone.
hang in there. OR take a break from it all.
that's what ive done and believe me once i get back out there the first few times WILL be a disaster because im so totally out of practice.