Initially at least, dating is not just learning about the other person. It's also about dropping your guard.
I think I'm very guarded on a first date. I'm hesitant to "break loose" for fear of turning the other person off or scaring them away. I think most people are like that on a first date. For this reason, the few first dates I've had have been relatively stale, even interview-ish.
Seeing as I may have a second date on the horizon, if/when it occurs, I think I shall endeavor to drop my guard a bit and speak more of myself than about myself.