IT was the default until the rise of apps like CashApp and Venmo, which made transfering money between people much easier. Now, it's pretty typical among 20-somethings and 30-somethings in cities for one of them to cover the bill at a restaurant when they go in large groups just for ease and convenience and then request money from the others via Venmo or CashApp. Often people feel awkward sitting there trying to tally up who exactly owes what, so they just decide to split the bill evenly.

I hate this BTW. But it is extremely common now. In any group of 5+ people I've gone out to get food or drinks with for a few years now, this is always how it goes. I know I've overpaid some, but I've probably also underpaid some. I'd prefer to get my own bill and keep things separate, but if you're the only person who feels that way in a group of, say, 8 people, it's awkward to make a fuss about it.