I also used to think that it was easier to pay for an evening than to waste time on dating. After all, everything is fast, without obligations - convenient, but empty inside. After several such experiences, I realized: no service can replace real communication. I started trying another way - I registered on the dating site
https://www.uniformdating.com/en-gb/ . At first, I just corresponded. Then I realized that people there are really looking for something real. I have already met a couple of times - and these were normal live conversations, without games and expectations. Much nicer, honestly.