Verified answer

Generally, this can be true, but there may be circumstances where they are not fully equivalent. The context really matters.

not like can mean not hate either (the neutral zone).  Dislike means that you are not neutral.  I don't particularly like dry coconut but I can eat it. I really dislike eggplant;  makes me want to barf.

Saying you don't like something could mean you are neutral about it- neither liking or disliking it. Dislike cannot mean you are neutral.