While I can't read anyone's mind and can't say for certain whether this person is interested in you romantically, there are some positive signs based on the information you provided. Asking you out for cocktails and giving you the freedom to choose the place and date could be interpreted as a sign of interest. Here are some potential reasons behind this behavior:
He Values Your Opinion: By letting you choose the place and date, he might want to show that he values your preferences and wants you to feel comfortable during the date.
He's Trying to Accommodate You: Some people prefer to take a more passive role in planning a date to avoid coming across as pushy or overbearing. By leaving the decision-making to you, he could be trying to be considerate.
He Wants to Impress You: Giving you control over the date might be his way of trying to impress you by showing that he's flexible and willing to go along with what you like.
He's Nervous or Shy: He might be a bit nervous or unsure about where to take you, so he's leaving it up to you to choose a place you both would enjoy.
He's Testing Your Interest: By asking you to plan the date, he could be gauging how interested and invested you are in spending time with him.
It's important to remember that everyone expresses interest differently, and individual dating styles can vary. While this behavior could indicate interest, it's also possible that he's just being friendly and casual about the date. The best way to find out his intentions is to go on the date and see how it unfolds. Pay attention to his actions and how he treats you during the outing, as that will likely give you a better sense of his feelings.
If you're interested in him, enjoy the date and use the opportunity to get to know him better. If the chemistry feels right, there might be a chance for a deeper connection. If not, it's still a chance to have a pleasant time and potentially make a new friend.