I think you should do what you did when you were twenty-odd - go with your instincts.
There is no rule bok for dating no matter what age you are, so just go along with what feels comfortable for you - which will be a sight easier than it was because you have a degree of life experience to draw on now, which means you won;t be naiive about undying love and all that on your first date.
Relax, stay sober, have money for cab fare home, let someone know where you are if you do decide to 'stay out', and just enjoy yourself.
Good luck.