Before anything, read this news report about what this woman did to men: News Report
Now that you've watched that let me share some personal experience. The last girl I went out with payed for everything in my penultimate date, even though I insisted in splitting it. We split the check in my most recent date. OP: I see your concern. I used to think about this a lot when I began going out with girls. What I usually do ask " so where are you taking me?" You will be surprised at how many will just appreciate your balls & pay for you. If they playfully decline, I make it clear we're hanging out as friends.
"Alright, since we are just hanging out as friends, let's split the check in half. Just cause we're going out doesn't mean you get to take me home after, though so don't get any ideas " I get a positive response with that more than 90% o the time. Why should you spend more than $10 on a girl that you barely know? You don't even know if she meets your standards yet.
On the other hand, if it is something inexpensive (less than $10 for both), then I would have no problem paying(have acuity around this or you'll end as a broke college student). Stating you are only friends & that you aren't paying sets you apart from other men immediately & it makes her wonder "friends? I thought he liked me? Did I do something?" You would have to cold approach of course & make it obvious that you are interested in her when you first meet her to avoid being friend-zoned. I just did this naturally and then realized it works because she is thinking about you & raises her IL before you two even go out.
I find it interesting why people behave the way they do. After I am seeing a girl for some time, the topic of what we liked about each other initially comes up. About 75% of them mentioned in their own words: " I like how confident you are & the way you carry yourself. You don't try to impress me by paying for stuff or flooding me with compliments." One even said "my mom asked if you paid & I said yes (even though you didn't) and my mom said she liked you already. I liked you a lot and I wanted you to like me back."
This is what works for me. Try it out and see how it works for you and make your own tweaks. Good question!