Is dating this hard?

I think I have a decent build and somewhat decent face for a dude but beggars can't be choosers.
Everyone has standards and expectations for a potential match but when I lower my standards just a little I still struggle to find someone. I have been out of the dating pool for a while so I just got back into it and man let me tell you something, it sucks.

Low effort: If I match with someone I start off by asking something about their profile and they give a one word response. Bro I'm not chasing after you we are too grown to be doing little kid shit. Why did you even match with me if you are not even going to ask questions back

Bots: I don't even have to explain this one

Ghost: Land a date for them to not even show up, brutal

Now I have fear and anxiety when it comes to trying to approach women because I don't want to be labeled as a creep for trying to put myself out there.
(Is this all women that will do that? No it's not)

I don't fear rejection or anything like that but with the kind of labels that can ruined someone life, that is what I fear. (Yes I know I can happen to anyone)

It's kind of off putting when you try to put effort into dating just for a bird to shit on your face

I don't want some Gandolf to tell me I still have time to get myself out there. Time flies fast you know