How to Tell If You're on a Date or Just 'Hanging Out'

You go out to a boozy brunch, and your friends bring their friends. A few of the other guys seem cool. You all exchange numbers and say you should hang out sometime.

Four days later you get a text from one of the guys, asking if you want to go to the beach. Of course you do. You just spent half your rent check on a new speedo, and you need to bust it out. He says he’ll see if some of the other guys can come. In anticipation, you start to lube your body up with sunscreen. A few minutes later he sends you a text saying, “Looks like it’s just us. I’ll pick you up in 30! :)”

Now what? Is this a real date or are you just hanging out? It wasn't supposed to be just you two, and you didn’t meet on OkCupid. You're not heading out for drinks. For all you know, he has a boyfriend. 

He may do things that indicate you're on a date, but don’t be fooled. Some people are just flirty. 

1. Did he pick you up?
Well, yes, but it would be silly to drive to the beach separately.

2. Is he nervous?
He is, but making new friends makes some people nervous.

3. Is he dressed to the nines? 
Do a tank and speedo count as dressed up?
 

4. Did you split the bill? 
When do you not?
 

5. Is he touching you excessively? Some guys are touchy. They’re always grabbing your arm or stroking your back. Yes, it's confusing as all hell when you like someone who frequently touches you. You'll never know if he’s touching you or TOUCHING you.

Giveaways that this a full-on, nerve-wracking, painfully awkward first date:

1. Is he talking about past dates and how ridiculous they were? 
Then he probably thinks that this date is going differently.

2. Are you having a good time? I’m having a good time. 
Friends don’t ask or say they’re having a good time. Friends just have good times.

3. You are so beautiful/hot/sexy. 
While friends do compliment friends, it’s typically more on a single feature. "Your hair looks great," and "those jeans fit well," are not a blanket statements for "you're sexy."

4. Is he trying to ram his tongue down your throat?
Wouldn’t it be great if you could make out with your friends more often? Sadly, that’s typically not the case. If he's waiting at your doorstep while fidgeting his car keys, building up the courage to kiss you, then yes, he most definitely thinks it’s a date.