Stop worrying about dating and concentrate on just meeting new people. Once you get good at that you will start to meet women you like and then you can ask them out.
If you want to practice, go places where you know you won't ever see the people again and practice approaching women. Start with just saying hi to people as they walk by, or maybe even holding eye contact for a little longer than you feel comfortable. Then work your way up to a short conversation. Make it about having a small conversation not about asking someone out. Half the problem when you approach a women is you're already thinking about how she is going to turn you down or worse yet become a chain around your neck.
Practice confidence, good posture, eye contact and minimizing nervous gestures and such.
Remember dating in the real world doesn't automatically equal a permanent relationship. As long as you are honest about what you want up front then you should be fine. Don’t expect a woman to change what she says either. If she says she wants something casual believe her. Thinking she will change her mind once she gets to know you is a great way to get hurt.
Do expect to be hurt now and then.
Don't waste one second or one penny on "dating doctors". You know those guys that train you how to pick up women by being mean. Thats all BS.
The most balanced advice I heard on sex was to only sleep with women you have some affection for. And of course you need to respect her boundries in that area as well. Again honesty is key here.