Men have a thicker skin for rejection that women. They usually keep asking although many women give up after a few rejections. Thank goodness for those of us who do keep trying. Don't lead someone on by saying you are busy when you aren't or that you will call back when you won't. However, I'm gong to decline because I don't feel we have much in common.
Dutch treat is the option of the person who is asked.
What Do I Talk About Some people have a gift of gab and can talk to anyone, anywhere. For the rest of us, it is wise to have a few things in mind to discuss before the date. It is hard to be creative when you are nervous. Movies, current events, sports, music make good neutral topics. Politics and religion do not.