Are We on a Date?

We've all had those ambiguous male-female relationships, where it's hard to tell if it's friendship or romance. You probably know where you stand with regards to the relationship, but what is he thinking? When he asks you out for drinks, dinner or to a movie, is it just as friends, or is it a date? Here are five questions to help you figure it out. If you can answer "yes" to three or more of these, then chances are the you are on a date-- at least in his mind!

1. Does he pay for you?
Although friends often pay for each other when they go out, in a male/female situation where the relationship is somewhat ambiguous, him paying for you is a sign that there could be romantic interest. Should you offer to pay? That's up to you. I always offer to pay, even if I know it's a date, just because I don't expect anyone else to pay for me. However, I graciously accept someone's offer pay for my meal after I've already communicated that I don't expect it. Don't automatically assume that you're on a date if he pays-- but it's one indicator that he has more on his mind than just friendship.

2. Did he seem to put extra effort into his appearance?
It's not just women who want to look good on a date. Men often put thought into their clothing, their cologne and their hair. Does he look nicer on your outing then he typically does? Does it seem that he took a some extra time to make a good impression with his appearance? Maybe he's wearing a nice shirt, and it's well-ironed. Maybe he's wearing khaki pants when he typically wears jeans. Maybe you smell cologne on him that he doesn't typically wear. These are all signs that he could have a romantic interest in you.