Dating here is similar to dating elsewhere in many ways; people are people and people all over the world are looking for love. And in the same time “Rules” are quite different.
The main difference is chivalry – Russian admirers are very romantic and they lavish objects of their affection with flowers, small and big gifts and romantic events. Men will be very polite, will open doors in front of women, help them into coats and do all other similar things.
Flowers are a must, not only for important events, but also for everyday dates. Make sure that you give odd number of flowers, since even number is for funerals only. Also, try to avoid yellow flowers – they are a symbol of separation or break-up.
Girls are never expected to plan the date – it is a man, who thinks, plans and surprises his princess. Typically, men date younger girls.
Good idea for a date with a Russian – to dress up a bit more than you would typically do for going out regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. For a man – wearing a jacket, for a woman – make up and high heels (if you feel comfortable wearing them) are most appropriate.
In the US – there are plenty of rules, especially regarding appropriate topics for conversations at a first date, duration of the date and the progress (what is allowed and considered appropriate at each stage of the relationship). In Russia – there are much less rules, barely any rules. People act as they wish and are rather emotional than rational.