The first rule of the Gay Slut Club ("gay slut" not used as an offensive term, more like a pride term) is:
TRUST YOUR GUT!!!
Even if your mind tells you that there is nothing to be afraid of, even if your cock is hard and needs another guy desperately, your gut feeling is the only thing you should always listen to. It doesn't matter if it has to do with hookups, dates, cruising, or anything else. If you have a feeling that you shouldn't go, then don't. If however you don't have that gut feeling but you still can't manage to hook up with a guy:
arranging a meeting in a public place helps a lot and will ensure safety (cause most of the time the said "gut feeling" comes the instant we meet for the first time irl)
do not trust people who won't share pictures, their first name, their age, etc. Secrecy on those basic things is always fishy.
having a drink and a bit of chit chat with someone before you do the do takes some of the anxiety away. No need to go fancy, it's not a date after all, but you can still have a beer and talk a bit. Also, if you know the other person at least a bit makes the sex better.
last but not least, do not trust your boner: if you are horny, you are willing to have sex with anyone no matter if it seems fishy or if the guy is a creep. Don't go out of your league unless you are feeling comfortable (i.e. do not go with a guy much older than you unless you are comfortable with the idea and it's not making you feel nervous or scared).
I hope I helped you at least a little bit 🙂 🙂