Going Dutch

Last night I was sitting in my apartment with some friends discussing a myriad of things.   The issue of dating and who pays on dates came up.  One couple had the opinion that the man should always pay.  The other couple agreed somewhat that the man should pay only until the relationship is exclusive.  I disagree.  

On the first date whomever asked the other on the date should pay.  If the man asks the woman he should pay for the date and vice versa.  I understand that it is customary for the man to pay on dates if he is asking and courting a woman.  This is simply customary.  But why is it important for the man to cover all expenses all of the time when you are both are working equally hard for your money?  You both want to be together, eat together and watch movies together.  So, both parties are equally enjoying these benefits but only one is taking the financial burden.  It seems unfair and frankly, old fashioned.  Free things are nice of course but it does not make it right for one person bear the entire responsibility of paying for dates.  Why is it that women feel insulted by the idea that they should pay for their own date sometimes?

I realize it is not completely reasonable that a couple will split costs fifty fifty 100% of the time.  However, who pays for dates should be based on factors that MAKE SENSE and not on some antiquated idea that a man has to pay because he is male.