Confession! And ghosting discussion, please!

Okay. I'm one of them. I've ghosted someone. It was several months ago. I feel awful about it, and have managed to navigate a couple dates that didnt pan out without ghosting them. But I've been seeing a lot of talk about ghosting in this sub lately and I want to know how you ladies handle rejecting someone without commiting this atrocity of modern dating.

Obviously every person and situation is different, so please give some background on your nature and maybe what situation you believe your solution could be applicable/not

TLDR how do you end casual dating/flirtation without ghosting/being a total dick?!