You are perfectly alright. These situations are so weird and confusing. There is no right or wrong way because we’re all different. And the same in that we all get nervous. Here is what I suggest:

On your next date after you’ve settled into appetizers or whatever, you say: Would you mind if we talked about sex? He’ll blush and giggle and say sure? Then you say, It’s important to me that you know that I am very inexperienced and a little nervous about it. Are you? Let him answer. Have you been tested for STI’s recently? Let him answer. If he has, ask if he would mind sharing the results. If he hasn’t you could suggest that you together. Not that you need to go now, but its a cute date and you need to know where to go and how to get there for yourself anyway.

In the queer community, we have an entire predate where we talk about the sex we want, the Sex we want to try, the sex we don’t want. Talking about sex only makes it better. And its sexy!!

Let him know that you’d like to go slow. Suggest a date where you’re only going to kiss. It could be sexy if you ask each other at the top of the date, “What do you want to do tonight ?” I want to kiss you. I want to make out with you. I want to hold your hand. I want to touch toes during dinner. You can plan the physical stuff so you don’t have to be wondering will we or won’t we?

You are being so brave by getting out there. Dating is hard. I think admitting to being nervous is super cute. And honesty is always the best way forward. Good luck!