Online dating and meeting in person...

Ive been talking to this guy since October 2019. We decided to meet in person. We are going to see a anime movie called. "Weathering with you" i bought his ticket. I told my mom she said it might seem like I'm desperate. Does it make me seem desperate to buy some one a ticket that I've never met. I wasn't trying to seem desperate. I was being kind. And he said he will pay for the meal after.

I also invited my friend. But she decided to invite more people. I don't like groups. I feel left out when I'm in groups. And I told her I don't like groups and I wanted her to be there just in case he was a creep. I've seen pictures of him but you never know. I told her I wanted her to be in the background. But never confront us. Only if there is something bad. But she doesn't want that. She wants us to be in a group. I know groups are safer. But I don't feel comfortable...