Yes, for the most part you're right. Just enjoy your time with her and get to know her. If the attraction is there she will give you signs to move in for more.
But you need to keep your guard up and pay attention. This will allow you to see any subtle hints about her character, her past, and any subtle manipulation attempts.
This allows you to react to the manipulative attempts to get power over you quickly and successfully, instead of falling for it like a chump.
For example, a girl may say that she is mean to people, but she doesn't know why she is so nice to you. In this case, she is trying to make you feel special so that you let your guard down and become attached, and then manipulate you even more. The harsh reality is that once she has her hooks in you, it is only a matter of time before she treats you mean like everyone else.
No matter what anyone says, past is the best indication of future behaviour. Pay attention to her past. If she slips hints of infidelity, emotional instability, or promiscuity in her past, then be wary of this, especially if it seems recent. These things guide you in the beginning to eventually determine whether the girl is quality relationship material or not.
Overall, the aim to the first few dates is to have a good time, but it is also a grafting process. Pay attention to who you are letting into your life. From there you can decide to leave them, or if you keep them you decide what role they will play in your life.