What does a good date consist of?

I don't think I'm very efficient when it comes to dates. I'm not always sure what to talk about, and what's even worse is the awkward exit. So here are my questions:

-What are good conversations to discuss on the first dates?
-How do you part ways?
-If you're interested, when is the best time to tell them... and how?
-Are there any tips to avoid awkwardness as a whole?

Thank you :)