Clues to spot flirting are body language, such as smiling, leaning forward, and touching, and verbal cues such as compliments or references to being available. You can also ask yourself if the person's behavior is consistent over time and whether they act differently with you than they do with others.
Examples include making eye contact, touching the person's arm or hand, standing close to them, or playful teasing. Physical flirting can be a powerful way to express attraction, but it's important to ensure that it's consensual and respectful.
In his book he examines five key styles: polite, playful, sincere, and traditional. Take the quiz here to see which one you are. There is no right or wrong way to flirt, but according to author Jeffrey Hall there are five different styles.
Some flirting signals are obvious, like touching, and other flirting signs, like eye contact or compliments, are more subtle. Actions that you think might just be friendly gestures can actually indicate romantic interest.
While physical touch can be your language of expression, it might not necessarily be the other person's. Be careful how you present yourself around someone new. Leaning in while conversing, holding eye contact, and even crossing your arm while talking to someone can be deciphered as flirty body language.
Teasing is one of the biggest ways that a man can flirt with you. If he makes fun of you lightly for your clothes, for how you walk, how you laugh, or for any of the other things about you that he actually just thinks are really adorable, then he's definitely flirting with you.
“Open body language is inviting and sends the right message so he knows you're into him,” says Allison. “Subtle openness like loose arms (never fold them), lots of eye-contact, smiles and giggles to his comments are all good. Just don't take it too far, like leaning in showing cleavage, or not sitting like a lady.”
Women take a passive role, receiving attentions warmly but without taking on any risk of rejection or making a bad impression. Their flirting is limited to indulgences like prolonged eye-contact, and "other nonverbal behaviours" (think twirling your hair and pretending to laugh).
Innocent flirting is a lighthearted and playful form of social interaction that involves casual, friendly banter, compliments, and teasing without any serious intent or expectation to pursue a romantic or sexual relationship.
Physical cues are subtle signals that you can use to flirt with someone. This could include things like playing with your hair, twirling your ring, or crossing your legs. These cues can help to create a sense of intrigue and can be a powerful way to draw someone's attention to you.
One expression emerged as being almost universally recognised by men as a flirting sign: Head tilted down and held on one side, eyes turned towards the man, and a slight smile.
Harmless Flirting
This can mean buying a drink in a social setting, freely giving compliments, side arm hugs or other non-sexual touches, a platonic friendship. The term “harmless” is only applicable if you are willing to disclose this behavior (without shame or concern) to your partner.
They listen: Flirting is not primarily about yourself. It's about making the other person feel like a God/Goddess, even as you convince them you're the next best thing since sliced bread. Good listening skills and a couple of sincere compliments can be a lethal combo.
Another clear sign he likes you is if he is actively trying to hang out with you, or help you, or find out more about you. There are also indicators like eye contact or compliments, and showing that he's interested in your physical appearance, or who you are as a person.
Giving compliments, using suggestive body language, maintaining eye contact, and perking up when you are around this person are all subtle signs of flirting.
They are interested in what you have to say and ask you lots of questions. They laugh at your jokes, even the lame ones. They initiate physical contact. They try to find space where you can talk more privately (this does not always mean sex, but it often means they wish for more quality time with you).
If Your Conversations Feel Deep & Personal, They Might Be Flirting. Barrett says you should also pay attention to the nature of your conversations. “Friendliness is more surface-level, but a flirter wants to go deeper and get more personal, finding out about your life, your feelings, your past," he explains.