When someone's just being nice, they'll likely stick to small talk. But once someone starts flirting with you, they'll find ways to get to know you better. According to Schweyer, they'll try to dig deeper into your likes and dislikes, your hobbies, and your point of view.
In common everyday usage, “flirtation” refers to behavior that entails conversation, body language, or physical contact that potentially establishes or maintains a romantic or sexual relationship between two people.
Sincere. This is the most common flirting style, and that's probably for the best. Sincere flirts are direct and honest in their interest, and they aim to build emotional connections from the beginning. They'll strike up a conversation about the book you're reading.
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).
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).
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.
Flirting crosses the line when the actions becomes covert or so emotionally connected that you pursue said behavior over furthering your committed relationship.
If he compliments your eyes, the color of your hair, your laugh, or an admirable aspect of your personality, then he's definitely flirting with you. He may even tease you a bit while flirting with you, like if he says something like, "That's the brightest sweater I have ever seen," but he's still flirting with you.
Use subtle body language
Small, subtle touches like slightly brushing your hand against theirs when you're walking, gently tapping them on their arm when they make you laugh, or touching their arm during a conversation is one way to show someone you're interested.
Deliberately Touching Someone
Yet, frequently and purposely touching someone in a provocative way–like caressing their hand or giving them a tight and lingering hug–is inappropriate flirting, and implies a romantic/sexual interest, particularly when there's attraction between either party.
Eye contact is one big indicator, as well as frequent smiles and laughter. An open posture and facial expression are also signals of attraction. Acting fidgety or nervous, or blushing and getting sweaty palms, is also a sign that someone is attracted to you.
A friendly guy will definitely make eye contact during conversation—it's only the polite thing to do, after all—but if he looks at you randomly from afar, he's interested. If you ever catch him trying to sneak a peek at a part of your body other than your eyes while you do talk, he's definitely interested.
If you are interested in someone, but want to gauge his or her receptiveness, you can flirt without being obvious until you are comfortable. Certain cues in language and body posturing can help subtly reveal your feelings to another person, and create an opportunity to make a move.
Men tend to show their affection through touch, and if he's flirting, he'll find any excuse to touch you: a light brush of the arm. tapping your shoulder. putting his hand on your knee.
Nodding of the head, arching the eyebrows, smiling, or saying things like 'oh, really? ' may be signs of flirtation or interest, Oud explains. While men do this too, women may be generally more obvious in their flirty facial expressions.
Head turned to one side. Chin tilted down slightly. A slight smile. Eyes turned forward to gaze at the implied target of flirtation.
Playful flirting involves teasing and bantering with the other person in a lighthearted and fun way. It may involve making jokes or puns, using sarcasm, or engaging in witty banter. Playful flirting can help to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere and can be a good way to break the ice.
Make eye contact -- then look away
“Making eye contact and holding it just a few seconds longer than a casual glance causes him to take notice of you and start to wonder what you may have meant by that,” says Lieberman. “It's the cool 'silent flirt' that can make him want to know more.”