We met a couple at an off-premise club and exchanged numbers. They asked us to meet them for drinks about a month later. The night we had drinks, we made a "date" to go to their house for dinner. (We actually invited them to our house but they couldn't because of allegies.)
Both couples decided on the "no expectation drink date" to make sure we all clicked, and to check everyone's comfort level. It was the first experience for all of us, but I think that if we had met them later (when we/they weren't Newbies anymore), we probably would have been fine playing after drinks the first night!
We all have a date for tomorrow night too....also at their place. We're bringing dessert!
Like everyone else said, it's about comfort level and trusting your gut feelings. If it feels right, go for it. But if not, it's perfectly fine to have a "no expectation" meet-up to get to know a couple better. Good luck!
Trixie