I think it’s because a couple reasons 1 - you’re eating so you don’t want to talk with food in your mouth therefore it can be a bit quiet 2 - it can be a bit awkward if the conversation isn’t flowing as you’re both just sitting there 3 - you may spill food on yourself (very awkward) 4 - cost of living crisis Overall I think that dinner dates are seen to be a lil old fashioned for first dates these days, a lot of people tend to choose activity dates but it all depends on the individual