I've been in very similar type situations/dynamics and completely understand your feelings.
To me it depended a lot on how the gent viewed the line of work proportionally to what else the person had going on in their life. Meaning was the work intended to be a long-term career goal, a mid-term solution for cash flow while they pursued something else, or a fleeting hobby as they explored their sexuality or psychology?
In more than one case i was asked specifically to compare and contrast our experience with others (not named/identified or anything like that. Just generalities), and also my understanding/opinion of standard market rates.
I believe that every situation is unique at any particular time and evolves and isn't fixed. I'd say to you that if you're spending that amount of time together you should get a sense as to how the other person characterizes and values your time together such that it's alwyas mutually agreeable, beneficial and satisfying.