Sometimes it can be hard to tell if you’re on a date or just hanging out with friends. Here are some tips to help you figure it out.
Pay attention to how they treat you when you’re together. For example, if they open the door for you or act chivalrous, it could be a sign that they’re interested in you more than just as a friend.
1. They ask you out.
If someone invites you out without anyone else, that normally means it’s a date. However, if they bring someone else along that usually signals it’s a hangout.
Pay attention to their body language. If you’re good friends, physical boundaries may blur and hand holding could be normal. However, lingering stares and finding ways to touch could be signs of attraction. Also, watch their texting behavior. If they text you differently than their other friends, it’s a big sign they’re interested in you. Adding extra emojis to the mix could be another indication of interest.
2. They ask for your number.
When it comes to dating, the best way to make a connection is through conversation. If you’re talking about your personal life or a shared interest, this will help her connect with you and lower her fear of rejection.
However, it’s important not to ask for her number too quickly. You should always feel her out and exchange a few conversations before asking for her number. This will increase your chances of her being receptive to your texts. It also allows her time to decide if she’s interested in you.
3. They ask you out to a movie.
A movie night is a good date idea because it can be an intimate one-on-one time. Plus, you can snack and get to know each other better!
If they ask you out to a movie alone it means they are probably interested in dating you. However, if they invite you along with their friend group it might be a hang out.
You can also tell if they are interested in you by seeing how they treat you during your movie date. For example, giggling together at a dad joke is a great sign that they like you!
4. They ask you out to dinner.
When it comes to dates, dinner is a pretty standard place. If your friend invites you to meet up for a nice dinner, it likely means they’re interested in taking things further than hanging out.
Look for signs of interest, like open body language and subtle touches. Also, consider the location. If they’re inviting you to dinner and the usual hangout is with a group of friends, it’s probably not a date. It could be a slow build. However, if it’s a one-on-one event, it’s definitely a date.
5. They ask you out to a party.
When someone invites you to hang out with them in a casual environment, like brunch on Saturday or attending a mutual friend’s party together, it could be a sign they are interested in more than just friends. “An invitation to a fun activity that reflects your shared interests can be an easy way to transition from a casual conversation into a date,” Freidus says.
But if they bring other people, be careful. They may be planning a double date instead of just hanging out. Pay attention to how they dress when they’re with you too.
6. They ask you out to a bar.
When you go on a pre-planned date, there’s usually a clear understanding that it’s a date and not just a hangout. This could be a good sign because it shows that they’re serious about you and are trying to make the connection stronger.
Avoid being too vague when asking them out, and always be sure to invite them for something that’s personal and suited to their interests. That will leave no room for misunderstanding.
7. They ask you out to a club.
Sometimes it’s difficult to know if something counts as a date or not. But, over time, you’ll eventually learn to read the little clues.
One big tip-off is how many people go along. If they ask you to hang out with just them and no one else, then it’s probably a date. Also, check how they look. If they are wearing nice clothes and smelling good, it’s a good sign that it is a date.
8. They ask you out to the gym.
If they’re usually meeting with you in groups, but suddenly ask to go one-on-one for something out of the ordinary, this could be a sign that they are interested.
Also, if they use the word date and are very clear about location, time and activity, this is a good indicator that they want to make it a romantic event. As neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez, Ph.D tells Bustle, “persistent planning a date shows a commitment to a relationship.” This is flirty.
9. They ask you out to a concert.
If they plan on going to a concert with you alone and aren’t inviting any other friends along, this is likely a date.
They might even open the door for you. This is something that isn’t always done, so it may be a sign they are interested in you more than just as a friend.
It’s also important to note how they act after the event. If they tell you it was a great time and want to meet up again, this could be a sign of a date.
10. They ask you out to a concert.
If they mention how excited they are to be going to see a certain band play, it’s likely that they have dates on their mind. You could ask them out by saying something like, “We’re going to the concert Tuesday night. Want to join us?”
Similarly, if they’re dressed up and looking good for hanging out, it may be a date. This is especially true if they open the door for you, which is a sign of their interest. They don’t normally do this for friends.
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