Asking someone who has invited you out to dinner to pay for their own meal can be considered impolite and generally goes against traditional etiquette norms. When someone extends an invitation to take you out to dinner, it is usually assumed that the person extending the invitation will be the host and will cover the expenses for the meal.
However, there are some exceptional circumstances where it might be acceptable to address the issue of splitting the bill:
Clarify the Intent of the Invitation: If you are uncertain about whether the person intends to treat you or if it's a casual gathering among friends, you can politely ask for clarification in advance. You might say something like, "That sounds great! Are we each paying for our own meals, or will you be treating us?"
Offer to Split the Bill: If you feel uncomfortable with the assumption that the host will pay for everyone, you can politely offer to split the bill before the meal starts. You could say, "I'd be happy to split the bill with you if that's okay."
Reciprocate with Future Invitation: If you are unable to cover the cost of the meal at that moment, you can express your gratitude and let the person know that you'd love to treat them to a meal in the future.
In general, it's essential to be gracious and considerate when discussing matters of payment. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to address the issue, do so with sensitivity and respect for the other person's feelings and expectations. If you can, try to gauge the context and tone of the invitation beforehand to avoid any awkwardness during the meal.