WASHINGTON — Whoever said the dating game was logical?

A new Associated Press-WE TV poll turns up all kinds of contradictions when people lay out their thoughts on dating, especially when it comes to money and gender roles.

Seven in 10 of those surveyed say it's unacceptable to expect a date to pay for everything. But most still say it's a man's job to pay for the first date.

Most say it's OK to ask someone out because he or she seems successful. But even more say it's unacceptable to turn down people because they haven't had much success.

One-third think it's OK to search for online clues about a potential first date's success in life. But very few say daters should pay attention to each other's finances before they are exclusive.

Overall, the traits that men and women rate as important hew to traditional gender roles.

Men and women agree that personality is the most important trait to consider when deciding whether to go on a first date with someone, and very few overall say money is a top consideration. Yet men are more apt than women to prioritize looks, while most women place greater emphasis on a suitor's financial situation and career ambitions.

It's not just older people who feel that way: The differences are amplified among younger singles. About half of single men under age 45 say looks are a priority; 70 percent of single women under 45 call career ambitions key.

There's a clear gender gap on finances.

Men are less likely than women to say they're comfortable dating someone who makes significantly more money than they do — 71 percent of women would be comfortable in that situation compared with 59 percent of men. Women are more wary of dating someone who earns less — 43 percent of men would be OK dating someone with a significantly lower salary; just 28 percent of women would.

More broadly, uncoupled Americans are squeamish about dating those whose financial situations may not equal their own.

A shaky financial past is generally acceptable (more say they're comfortable dating someone who grew up in a poor family than in a wealthy one), but a questionable present inspires doubt. Just 16 percent say they would be comfortable dating someone who is unemployed, 23 percent someone with significant student loan debt.

Once dating turns to commitment and love, money is a bigger consideration for women when deciding whether to wed. Among men who aren't married or living with a partner, 84 percent say they'd marry someone they love regardless of whether she or he could provide financial security. Women are more cautious — just 61 percent would choose marriage for love without regard to financial standing.