I'm new to all of this but have scheduled my first date in the coming weeks.  I'm wondering if it's best to hold off before a session or if I should 'release' prior so I'm not backed up?  Any advice to a newbie?

The first is how your body/mind function.

Are you a premature ejaculator or can you go for at least ten minutes of hard core screwing and decide when you want to come?

The second question is what interests you more:

A.  Getting off quickly, then enjoy some recharging time and get a second shot off, or

B.  Stay charged up for the entire session and getting off one big bang at the end?

So, depending on your combination of answers, that would affect how I would answer you.

For myself, when I was in my 20s and 30s, I'd often masturbate an hour  before a session so that I did not come prematurely.  I still have the wherewithal then to get a second shot off after maybe 20-30 minutes of recharging.

Now that I am 60, I need to conserve myself if I want to get off twice in a two hour session.

related to your physical condition. If you are overweight and out-of-shape as well as being an older guy, you may need to save up and not let rosie palm do her thing for a week or so before your date. In addition, regardless of age, get plenty of rest and drink fluids (non-alcoholic) so you can perform better.

h yes, the old tactical wank...

As others have said you just have to get to know your own body. There was a day when I could do anything at anytime. No longer... I usually do my tactical wank three or four days before. A real pain is NCNS, it bollockses everything up.  

I hope I spelled 'bollockses' correctly I had to keep with the British theme.

But it's best to know how your own body works.
I allow multiple pops, which is good for my anxious guys cuz I let them get a quick one off as soon as we start, then we have some relaxing time to get to know each other while we prepare for the big finish.  
I found with many guys when meeting them for the 1st time they are so anxious & nervous at the same time they really have a hard time enjoying cuz they are trying so hard to hold back, & then after they pop they are just wore out & ready to just lay around & relax.....