TS... Some ladies are slow-warm and a bit shy in actions.
In first date they probably hide their passion for a guy even they're quite interested. Some might be nervous in constant eye contact during conversation.

For this kind of ladies, you couldn't expect them act proactively in dating sessions, such as leaning towards you, touch you etc.. They just can't.

If she gave first signal already, then instead, you could test water by none harmful touch, such as lightly tap her arms or hands while talking.

You may also directly ask how she feels about you, then listening to her answers while observing her reaction, and if she would blush.

If after a few months you're comfortable with her, then you may advance such as try holding her hands or simply hold her tight but gently see if she would resist or not.

If she feels comfortable, remember your confession to her.

It's a balance of staying relatively alert vs trusting a person to some extent when you first meet the person . And then if you're lucky enough to continue with a person for first few mths, time would tell the trustworthiness of the person.

In fact we could gauge whether a person is trustworthy or not to certain extent by observation when our heart and mind are crystal clear enough.
And it takes practice.

If you're in balance mode, your gut feeling is your best compass while without overwhelmed by fears.

Your gut feeling could be right. But this specific experience shouldn't stop you from continue to find love from dating apps or other social circles.

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