There is no stupidity in your question, rather it is a valid one. Of course, Allah Ta'ala has ordered the believing men and women to lower their gazes, so how must one find a marriage partner.
After all, there must be some form of physical attraction between a couple for compatibility reasons. For this, we must search the Sunnah of Rasoolullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam, in which we will find that for the purpose of marriage, one is permitted to view a prospective partner.
However, it must be remembered that this doesn't give a man or woman the license to walk on the streets wondering with the excuse of searching for a prospective match. It means that if there is a person who you have been informed of for marriage, then you can see that person when you seriously consider approaching the family.
Also, viewing means a short glance and not a complete view of head to toe in detail, or in seclusion.
When you take the word of marriage to the other persons home, then you may briefly view the girl, but not sit there staring at one another for hours on end. The most ideal way to do this is for the girl to walk into the room to present them with some food and then leaving, allowing the male to briefly see her.
