I'm not in an exclusive relationship now. I have a lot of male friends and I do go out with some of them, but it seems more platonic. On the other hand, I'm not sure how I would know. That's what I mean when I say I feel kind of at a loss about what normal relationships are like.
Co-habitating isn't going to be an option due to my children's living at home with me. They are young - elementary school, and I would never want to allow them to get too attached to a man I'm not married to.
I like what you said about how after a good date, a woman should feel attractive, confident and intelligent. That's a pretty good indicator of having been noticed.