When is an appropriate time to start dating

Most people would say “When you feel it’s right” meanwhile nothing feels right because it could be that I grew up with someone and we both have interest in each other then they get attached to me. I questioned everything since I was in about high school. There’s been times where I don’t even date a guy short or long term, go out on a date, have sex with him or it’s not a month into the relationship then I end up getting stalked, manipulated or other things would happen. Obviously I’m not the only one that goes through this plenty of people have had this happen to them and that’s what makes me question what’s up with dating relationships and how would you even get into one or keep one.