Wait, you mean I shouldn't have been asking about salary ranges and for a letter of recommendation?

As cliche as it sounds, just be yourself. Have a conversation like you would with anyone you're not on a date with. If it flows organically, it's a good fit for continued dates. If it feels uncomfortable, it's not.

Use active listening, ask questions about their responses, and try to understand what their viewpoint is.

Most people tell you who they are, if you listen to them long enough.

If you want to learn something specific instead of asking them a direct question, give them a fun story from your life that's around the topic. And let them organically contribute. It feels less forced, and you get to see what they think is important