How much physical contact is appropriate for a first date?

The physical contact is your decision and don't just try to please him because you are afraid he won't like you.
This is just my opinion but due to this incident I am scare and don't trust men. I am trying to put this behind me with counseling. Please listen to what your inner self is saying, it could cost you your life and possible happiness if you don't., this goes for men and women.

Umm...maybe for some men, but certainly not for me. I've had a woman go right up to the very instand before we'd actually be having sex....and say 'no'. Even at that point there is no way I'd 'go ahead' without her consent. I certainly wouldn't advocate women going that far if they don't want to actually engage in sex... but it isn't the case that all men become out of control maniacs as soon as they get a little physical contact from a woman. If anything, I'd think it's more likely to be the men who are repressing their sexuality who are likely to lose control once they get a little bit arounsed.

I've met 4 people on EH so far, and I've struggled with this every time. Both for when you first see eachother, and also throughout the date. If demographics matter for the answer, I'm 23 looking for people my age, and living in the suburbs outside Chicago.

For first meeting, I would never assume that a handshake is appropriate, that just seems weird. A kiss seems like too much too, so the other options I can think of are hug, or no contact. I've been 2 and 2 so far, and I questioned myself every time.

During the date, I have the same problem. I'm a big snuggler and there's nothing better than physical contact for me, both sexual and nonsexual (for the first date, I'm referring to the nonsexual). On one date after we'd talked for a few hours on the phone, we felt comfortable going to a movie right away. I went to put my arm around her, and I'm not good enough at reading reactions to know what she thought of it. She didn't fight against it, but she didn't really lean into me at all either. On another date, we got on the farris wheel and I put my arm around her too, she did lean in a little, but that was more because the only thing to hold onto was in the middle of the 4 person car (we were facing her friends) and she was terrified of heights. She didn't move in our out at all when I put my arm around her.

What do girls think about this on a first date?

I don't believe he was talking about losing control, personally...just about the effect it has on a man.

Umm...maybe for some men, but certainly not for me. I've had a woman go right up to the very instand before we'd actually be having sex....and say 'no'. Even at that point there is no way I'd 'go ahead' without her consent. I certainly wouldn't advocate women going that far if they don't want to actually engage in sex... but it isn't the case that all men become out of control maniacs as soon as they get a little physical contact from a woman. If anything, I'd think it's more likely to be the men who are repressing their sexuality who are likely to lose control once they get a little bit arounsed.