10 Ways To Tell If Someone Is Flirting With You Or Just Being Friendly

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell where friendliness ends and flirting begins. To avoid an awkward mix-up, it helps to recognize the signs that someone is genuinely flirting rather than just being nice. After all, some signals can be tricky to read!

Everyone expresses attraction differently. One person might blush the moment you enter the room, while another could act aloof despite feeling the opposite inside. That’s what makes decoding intentions so confusing.

But if you know how to spot the difference between flirty and friendly behavior—and pay attention to subtle cues—you can usually figure it out.

Here are some ways to tell if someone is actually flirting with you and not just being kind:

# Do they act this way only with you?

If they reserve compliments or extra kindness just for you, it’s probably flirting. If they treat everyone the same, they might simply be naturally friendly—or very flirty with everyone.

# How do they react when you flirt back?

Give a little flirt and see what happens. If they respond positively and seem interested, chances are they truly are. But if they look uncomfortable or pull back, they were probably just being friendly.

# Are their actions backing it up?

Pay attention to what they do. Do they find excuses to get close, touch your arm, or lean in while talking? That’s a strong sign of flirtation. If they keep their distance, it may just be friendliness.

# Eye contact matters

Intentional, lingering eye contact is one of the biggest giveaways. If they keep locking eyes with you—even from across the room—it’s safe to say it’s more than just casual friendliness.

# They dig deeper

Instead of a passing compliment, they ask questions about your life, passions, or the meaning behind your tattoos. That genuine curiosity shows they’re interested in you, not just making small talk.

# They drop hints they’re single

Casually or directly, they make sure you know they’re available. Why? Because they’re signaling interest—plain and simple.

# You get their full attention

If they go out of their way to focus on you—maybe even pulling you aside to talk without distractions—it’s a strong sign of flirting. They want you to feel special.

# They tease you playfully

Just like childhood crushes, playful teasing is often a way of showing interest. If they’re joking around with you more than others, they’re likely flirting.

# They show ongoing interest

If they seek you out at gatherings or ask mutual friends about you afterward, it’s more than friendliness. That follow-up effort reveals genuine attraction.

# They invite you to hang out

Sure, friends hang out—but context matters. If they go out of their way to plan a one-on-one meetup, especially in a more personal setting, it’s a clear sign they’re flirting.