While on a date or dining with a group, do not leave your table to wander around the restaurant and visit with others. It’s acceptable to excuse yourself from the table to visit the restroom, but make it a direct trip.
I was dining with a group of people this past weekend, and a member of our party left the table and was absent for a significant period of time. As I gazed around the restaurant out of concern for this person, I saw them at the bar socializing. Several other people from our table also noticed the reason for the absence.
Such an action communicates a message you would rather socialize with people other than the people you made a commitment to dine with. In short, it’s rude and reflects a poor image.