IN the bling-bling world of excessive spending, high-priced dating, and the occasional wanna-be baller, the science of romance has become an emotional gamble as well as a financial risk. From the casual to the serious, it's not only good looks that count; but also good credit, financial sensibility and a high net worth, all of which can make or break a relationship. Learn to balance romance and finance, and ask the questions that will help your heart and your pocket.

Who Should Pick Up the Check? It doesn't matter whether a woman pays or the man does, or if a couple decides to go Dutch, as long as there is an understanding between the couple. "Although I don't normally pay when dating, some women do," says Chonne Ealy, a single finance executive from the Midwest. "It depends on your individual dating style and what makes you feel comfortable."

How Much Do You Earn? Unless you've started to plan a future with someone, asking how much he or she makes is an intrusive question. "Questions on budget, credit and earning power should not be introduced when you're simply dating," says Toya Dixon, veteran business analyst in Chicago. "If you are planning a future, you should focus on net worth, not simply how much that person earns. Net worth lets you know how a person prioritizes his/her money, how he or she is planning their financial future and how you fit into that."