Dates are social encounters. That's what dating is for, to figure out if you're attracted to someone enough to want to make things more serious. Asking someone out on a date doesn't mean much, really, especially at your age. So you don't have to have a crush on someone to ask them out. That's too much pressure, anyway. Maybe try some dating sites. Ask out every girl who responds to you, even the ones that aren't your type. You could really use the practice. I bet it would help you get used to being around females.
And you say you want a "friends first" scenario, so how many times have you ever even initiated friendship with a girl? Nothing is going to happen for you if you sit around waiting for it to fall in your lap. Get out there.