Like a number of posters have said, I find just saying I grew up in a cult, doesn't work, that always leads to more and more questions and a more puzzled and holy crap that's wacked look on the guy's face. LOL
I am still curious as to why anyone feels that it even needs to enter into the conversations. Yes, it should be addressed, but in my opinion, not until it would take a turn into becoming something serious. First off, being raised as we were, is a very traumatic experience that leaves you emotionally and mentally scarred. That's like telling your date, "Hey, btw, I was an abused child and I have ISSUES". No one wants to hear that and it's no one's business. Secondly, even by bringing it up, most people start getting very negative and bashing the religion. This is not attractive. I would liken that to telling your date, "I am divorced and my ex did this, that, and the other and made my life a living hell!" This is a DATE, not a therapy session. Only when your date would enter into a s/o status should these things even be entered into the picture. At that time the person cares enough about you to want to learn more and help you heal.