Dating again after a LONG Break

I find myself in a strange situation inside the dating world. I have just started to date again (or trying to date again) after years of being single and not wanting to date. I have been getting all sorts of advice as: go to a bar to meet people, dating websites, network with friends, just date a lot of people to sort of "get your feet wet", that sort of thing.

I find it really hard to approach people because I am afraid that I'd offend or something of that nature. While that is less of an issue now than before since I have approached a couple of people and got rejected, it was not the horror that I had imagined it to be. Everyone seems to be pleased that they got asked out, even if they rejected (or so that smile would seem).

Then, I hear all these "Rules" on dating. Do not kiss on the first date. Do not talk with them more than once a week. Do not ask out a person at work. Basically, a "Don't do this" and "Do that" thing, and it makes me nervous to even date because of that. And, I know I must date if I am to find someone to spend my life with or just spend time with. There seems to be all sorts of advice out there, and a lot of it contradicts each other.

I guess I have a general anxiety on dating and how to act, ask, and continue to develop a relationship or friendship through dating. And I am wondering what is ok and what is not ok.