Tips for experimenting?

So I feel like I'm finally at the point of wanting to experiment. I'm not really ready to have full on sex with a guy but I want to try kissing and cuddling.

I know you don't have to have experiences to be bi but I feel like I won't be confident until I do.

I'm really scared and I'd like to go on a date before doing anything physical. I'm fine with doing stuff at the end of the date if we are vibing well.

I know there are a bunch of gay guys who are into helping confused "straight" guys experiment.

But here's my question. So from what I've heard from my gay friends, grindr is for hookups and then the more mainstream apps are for dating.

Which app is ideal? I'm in a big metro area so any of the big ones are popular. Would it be bad to just use my standard dating apps that I use to find girls? For what I'm looking for? So like Hinge and Bumble?

Also like, with women I'm never really worried about physical safety, but the same is not true for men. Any safety tips? I'll definitely bring some pepper spray also.