DESPERATE for help re: "Waiting for the host to sign in" - when I AM the host!

Hi all. I'm having the weirdest time with Zoom lately. If I'm the organizer of a meeting, aren't I automatically the "host"?

For several months, but only about 30% of the time, when I'm the one to organize a Zoom, and invite others, I see a notification, "Waiting for the host to sign in." MOST of the time, there's no place for me to sign in. Recently, and only once, was there a link for me to sign in.

Thanks in advance for your help!