I met a gentleman online - we've never met but have talked on the phone for over a month now. He finally suggested that we get together for dinner. Should I offer to pay or not. Don't know about this online way of doing things.

First meeting - daytime, a very public and busy restaurant or coffeeshop, each pays his own way

Offer to pay your 1/2 unless arranged before time.

He may offer to pay and it is OK to let him. After first date ( if there is more) it should be discussed about sharing expenses.

I just did the first date thing today myself. We meet at a public eating place, med price and I paid, I have no problem in that, but if we continued to date I would talk to them about sharing some of the cost ( or we would not be going out that much on my budget)

As fr-chuck said:

Say you will pay for yours. Most likely he will pay for the both of you.

I've been known to be a charmer, I give them a little grin and say "Your treat, right?"

Offer to pay at least your half. How he handles it would be a good idea of how it might be in the future. Most likely he will say something to the effect of "Dont worry about it... i've got it covered".

It has the added benefit of making him think that things will be equal in the future as well. If you act like you 'expect' him to pay, it might be off-putting.