To know if is it a hanging out or a date, first, consider how you’re dressed. If both of you are dressing up more than you normally would, then it could be a sign that it is dating. Additionally, take note of any flirting that’s going on. If there’s lots of eye contact, physical touch, and romantic interest, you’re likely on a date. Finally, if the location is somewhere special or out of the ordinary, it is probably a date.
The difference between hanging out and going on a date
There is a big difference between hanging out and going on a date.
When you go on a date, it is usually to get to know someone better with the possibility of starting a relationship. On the other hand, hanging out is more platonic (absence of romance or sexual attraction) and is often done with friends or people you already know. There is no pressure to make things romantic or serious when you’re just hanging out.
Dates are usually more formal while hanging outs are more relaxed.
How to know if you’re on a date or just hanging out
There are seven key signs to help you determine if you’re on a date or just hanging out.
1) Is it a planned invitation?
First, if you’re on a date, there will usually be some level of planning involved. This could be as simple as one person asking the other person what they’re doing later that day and then suggesting they meet up. If you’re just hanging out, there’s usually no planning involved and you’ll just meet up spontaneously.
2) Did both of you dress up more?
Second, if you’re on a date, both people will usually dress up a bit more than they would if they were just hanging out. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit or a dress, but you may find yourself wearing nicer clothes than you would otherwise.
3) Is the conversation deeper and more personal?
Third, the conversation on a date is usually more focused and directed than when you’re just hanging out. On a date, both people are usually trying to get to know each other better and will ask each other questions about themselves. When you’re just hanging out, the conversation is often more general and surface-level.
4) Are you doing something interesting and unique together?
Fourth, dates often involve some sort of unique activity together which you normally wouldn’t experience alone, whereas hanging out usually doesn’t. Hang out could be just something as simple as going for a walk or grabbing a coffee. The point is that there’s usually something to do on a date, whereas hanging out is often more low-key.
5) Are you trying to impress each other?
Fifth, on a date, both people are usually trying to impress each other. This could involve telling funny stories, talking about your achievements, or even just making sure you’re looking your best. When you’re just hanging out, there’s no need to impress each other since you’re already comfortable with each other.
6) Is Any flirting or physical intimacy involved?
Sixth, dates often have a bit more of a romantic overtone than when you’re just hanging out. This doesn’t mean that every date has to be romantic, but there may be more hand-holding, flirting, and physical contact on a date than when you’re just hanging out.
7) What happens at the end of it?
Finally, the seventh sign that you’re on a date is that both people usually expect something more to happen at the end of the date. This could be a kiss, sex, or even just a promise to see each other again. When you’re just hanging out, there are usually no expectations for what happens at the end.
What can you do to make sure it’s a date and not just a hangout?
There are a few things you can do to make sure it’s a date and not just a hangout.
1. First, you can ask if it’s a date.
This can be done in a light-hearted way to avoid any awkwardness. For example, you could say something like, “I’m not sure if this is a date or not, but I’m hoping it is.”
2. You can also try to flirt or up the physical intimacy level.
If you’re not already doing so, you can start by making eye contact with your date and smiling. This sends a clear signal that you’re interested in them and helps to break the ice.
From there, try to find ways to touch your date throughout the night. A light touch on the arm or hand can be flirty and inviting without being too forward. If your date responds positively to your touch, you can gradually increase the level of physical intimacy as the night goes on.
Finally, be sure to keep the conversation flowing by asking your date questions about themselves and sharing stories about your own life. If you can make your date laugh, that’s always a good sign that things are going well!
3. Go for things that would typically be considered a “date” activity.
Instead of grabbing a coffee, you can suggest doing something together that would typically be considered a “date” activity. This could be something like going to a movie, grabbing dinner, or going for a walk in the park. Doing something that is already considered a date will help set the mood and make it more likely that your hangout will turn into a real date.
4. You can also try to create an opportunity for some alone time.
Another thing you can do is to make sure you have some alone time together. This means avoiding group events or other people who might interrupt your time together. If you can, try to plan your hangout for a time when you know you will have at least an hour or two to yourselves. This will give you a chance to get to know each other and have a real conversation.
Here are the things you can do to create some alone time:
- Ask your date if they wouldn’t mind taking a walk with you in a nearby park or nature trail. This gives you a chance to talk and get to know each other without the distraction of other people or your surroundings.
- Suggest you grab a coffee or a drink at a quiet cafe or bar. This way you can chat and focus on each other without any outside interference.
- If you’re both into sports or other physical activities, suggesting you play a game of tennis, go for a hike, or go to the driving range can be a great way to get some alone time while also doing something you both enjoy.
- If you live in a larger city, asking your date to take a walk with you through a less crowded area of town can be a great way to get to know each other without the hustle and bustle of everyday life getting in the way.
5. Be direct and ask if the person wants to go on a date with you.
Be more assertive and bold if you want to have a date instead of just hanging out. This is an attractive trait showing that you are confident and you always know what you want.
To ask for a date, you can say something simple like, “I’ve been having a great time with you and I’d like to take you on a date. What do you think?”.
Don’t be afraid of rejection. If they can’t make it this time, you could try asking again at a later date. However, if they continue to reject your advances, then at least you know they are not interested and you can move on faster instead of dwelling on a relationship that won’t work.
How can you tell if someone is interested in you as more than a friend?
There are a few key things to pay attention to if you want to know if someone is interested in you as more than a friend.
First, see how much eye contact they make with you. If they can’t seem to take their eyes off of you, it’s a good sign they’re interested. They may also lean in close to you when talking, touch your arm or shoulder, or find excuses to be near you.
Another clue is if they bring up things you’ve said you’re interested in or things you have in common. If they go out of their way to do things for you or make you happy, they probably like you more than just as a friend.
In addition to that, pay attention to their body language and see if they mirror your movements. This could be a subconscious sign that they’re trying to connect with you.
Finally, listen to the things they say. If they constantly compliment you or talk about your relationship, they likely want something more.
If it’s just a hangout, is there anything wrong with that?
There’s nothing wrong with just hanging out. It can be a great way to get to know someone better. You can spend time together without the pressure of a relationship, and you can see if you have any common interests.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re just hanging out with someone. First, make sure that you’re both on the same page. You don’t want one person to think that this is a date while the other person is just trying to be friends.
Second, don’t get too attached. It’s easy to do when you’re spending a lot of time with someone, but remember that this is just a casual relationship.
Finally, be prepared for things to end abruptly. If the other person gets into a relationship and stops hanging out with you, don’t take it personally. Just move on and find someone else to hang out with. You might eventually find someone who has a romantic interest in you.