You might have a hunch that a man likes you but still feel unsure. One moment he is chatty and attentive, the next he is strangely quiet or joking around. Because many men are not very direct about their crushes, understanding how guys flirt can feel like trying to decode a secret language. When you know what to look for, however, those small gestures and awkward conversations suddenly make a lot more sense.

This guide walks you through how guys flirt both face to face and over text. Every sign described here comes from everyday behavior – the tiny changes in how he talks, looks at you, or messages you when he is trying to impress you. As you read, think about the men in your life and notice where their actions match these patterns. The more you learn how guys flirt, the easier it becomes to tell the difference between friendly behavior and genuine romantic interest.

Understanding subtle flirting from men

Before looking at specific behaviors, it helps to understand why so many men flirt indirectly. A lot of guys worry about being rejected, looking silly, or coming on too strong. Instead of saying openly that they like you, they often hide that interest behind jokes, playful teasing, or “casual” questions. That is why how guys flirt usually shows up in small, half-hidden ways rather than in obvious declarations.

Many men also feel pressure to appear confident and relaxed, even when they are nervous. This creates a funny mix – nervous energy wrapped in a cool or sometimes aloof exterior. Once you see that pattern, the clumsy jokes, sudden quietness, or random questions start to look less confusing. They are often signs that he is trying hard to connect with you without risking too much all at once.

Reading his in-person flirting cues

When you are together in the same space, his body language, voice, and behavior around you can reveal a lot. Below are some common ways men show interest when you are face to face. These clues are a big part of how guys flirt in everyday social situations.

1. He keeps asking about you. A man who is intrigued by you usually wants to know what makes you tick – your hobbies, your opinions, where you grew up, what you do for fun. Instead of talking endlessly about himself, he encourages you to share. Pay attention to whether his questions feel personal and thoughtful rather than just small talk about the weather or work.

   

   Sometimes he will ask one question after another because he is nervous and does not want the conversation to fizzle out. That constant stream of questions is one of the easiest ways to notice how guys flirt when they are unsure of themselves but very interested in you.

2. He looks for common ground with you. Another classic sign of interest is when he tries to find things you both enjoy. You might casually mention a favorite show, sport, or hobby, and suddenly he is very enthusiastic about it too. Even if he was not obsessed before, he may quickly learn more so he has something to talk about next time.

   When a man repeats back details you have mentioned – like your love of a certain band or weekend activity – he is not just making conversation. He is quietly checking whether you could connect on a deeper level, and this is yet another example of how guys flirt through conversation rather than bold statements.

   

3. His body language leans in your direction. The way he positions his body tells you a lot. If he consistently stands or sits a little closer to you than to others, angles his shoulders toward you, or leans in while you speak, he is probably drawn to you. People naturally move closer to what they like and further from what they do not.

   Light, respectful touch can also appear – maybe a brief touch on your arm while he laughs, or a gentle brush of your hand when he makes a point. He usually does not plan these tiny touches, but they slip out because he feels comfortable and attracted. Watch these patterns closely when you are trying to figure out how guys flirt without saying a word.

4. He takes the risk of approaching you. If a man comes over to start a conversation when you barely know each other, it is rarely random. Walking up to someone is a small act of courage, especially if he worries you might not be interested. Unless he is asking for something practical like directions, it is often his way of saying that he finds you appealing and wants an excuse to talk.

   This is a more direct example of how guys flirt in social settings – he notices you, gathers his courage, and simply appears in front of you with a comment or question to spark interaction.

5. His behavior changes when you are nearby. Some men suddenly become louder, more energetic, and a little showy when their crush walks into the room. Others go quiet, stumble over their words, and retreat into shyness. Either extreme can be a sign that you affect him more than other people do.

   If you see him acting one way with everyone else and then noticeably shifting when you join the group, it suggests that he is more emotionally invested in how he appears to you. That contrast is an important clue when you are studying how guys flirt around their friends.

6. He playfully teases you. Gentle teasing is one of the most common flirtation styles. He might joke about your coffee order, your obsession with a TV series, or the way you always arrive five minutes late. The key is that his teasing is lighthearted, not cruel, and usually followed by a smile or a warm look.

   Humor helps him feel closer to you, and making you laugh gives him a sense of success. In terms of how guys flirt, playful teasing is often their way of showing affection while pretending they are “just joking.”

7. Sometimes he is oddly mean or too sharp. Not all men handle their feelings well. A guy who does not know whether you like him back may react with defensiveness. He could make harsher jokes, poke at your flaws, or act dismissive. It is not a healthy approach, but for some, it feels safer to act tough than to admit they care.

   If his behavior swings between kindness and slightly harsh comments, it can be a sign that he has a crush but is afraid of being vulnerable. In these cases, how guys flirt can look confusing or even hurtful when they are really struggling with their own fears.

8. He acts like he is ignoring you. It sounds strange, but deliberately keeping his distance can also be a strategy. If you usually get plenty of attention from men, the one guy who seems uninterested might stand out. Some men know this and try to appear aloof to spark your curiosity.

   He might avoid direct conversation while still listening, or look away the second you glance at him. This “I don’t care” act is often a disguise for how much he actually does care – another tricky part of how guys flirt when they are determined not to look obvious.

9. His eyes keep finding you in the room. Eye contact is one of the clearest signals of attraction. If you repeatedly catch him looking at you and he quickly looks away or smiles, that is not a coincidence. He is drawn to you and keeps checking where you are, what you are doing, or whether you noticed him.

   A shy wave, a quick grin, or a raised eyebrow across the room are all small invitations. In the language of how guys flirt, sustained eye contact followed by a warm expression is like saying, “I see you and I’m interested,” without using any words.

10. He gives you gifts or buys you things. When a man spends his money on you – a drink, a small treat, a funny little present related to something you said – it usually means he values your connection. He may remember an offhand comment you made and surprise you later with something related to it.

    This thoughtfulness shows that he has been paying attention and wants to make you smile. Offering a gift is one of the more straightforward ways how guys flirt, especially when they hope the gesture will lead to more closeness.

11. He connects with you on social media. Adding you on a social platform or sending a follow request is his way of staying close to your life. It allows him to see your photos, watch your stories, and find reasons to reach out. If you barely know each other and he still makes that digital connection, it usually means he wants to build something more.

    Likes, comments, and reactions to your posts can then become part of how guys flirt online – a light, ongoing trail of attention aimed only at you.

12. He lights up whenever you are around. A man who likes you often cannot hide his happiness when he sees you. His smile is wider, his eyes soften, and he seems more alive during your conversations. He might hold your gaze for a moment longer than usual, as if he is soaking you in.

    That bright, genuine smile is one of the most heartwarming parts of how guys flirt. It shows that your presence changes his mood in a very good way.

13. He casually checks whether you are single. At some point, he may slip a question about your relationship status into the conversation. He might ask who you live with, whether you are “seeing anyone,” or what your last relationship was like. On the surface, it sounds casual, but underneath he is simply trying to find out whether he has a chance.

    This is one of the more direct signs in how guys flirt. He wants information so he can decide whether to ask you out or keep daydreaming from a distance.

14. He acts protective around you. Many men express affection by trying to keep you safe and comfortable. He might guide you through a crowded space, walk on the traffic side of the sidewalk, or step slightly between you and a pushy stranger. These actions are not about controlling you; they are about quietly looking out for you.

    When you notice this gentle protectiveness, you are seeing how guys flirt through actions rather than fancy words – he wants you to feel secure when you are with him.

15. He remembers the smallest details. Not everyone remembers that you hate mayonnaise or that your birthday is in a particular month, but a man who likes you usually does. He stores away tiny facts about your life and brings them up later, sometimes in sweet or funny ways.

    This careful attention to your preferences is a softer but powerful form of how guys flirt. It tells you that he really listens and that what you say matters to him.

How guys flirt when they are texting you

Flirting does not end when you say goodbye in person. Messages, apps, and social media conversations have become a huge part of how guys flirt today. The clues are slightly different, but the same nervous excitement is behind them.

16. He sends you repeated compliments. If his texts are full of comments about your eyes, your laugh, your style, or how fun you are to be around, he is not being neutral. Compliments are his way of highlighting what he likes about you and hoping you will feel good when you think of him.

    In the world of digital messages, warm praise is one of the clearest signs of how guys flirt when they are brave enough to sound a little romantic.

17. He uses emojis more than usual. Many men do not naturally sprinkle their messages with hearts, winks, or flirty faces. So when a guy suddenly starts using lots of expressive emojis with you, he is letting his guard down. Those symbols add emotion and playfulness to his words.

    He might send heart eyes when you share a selfie or a laughing face when he is joking with you. Emojis become part of how guys flirt in texts – a visual layer that says more than plain words.

18. He keeps trying to make you laugh. Online humor is its own little language. He may send memes that remind him of you, respond with witty comments, or tease you playfully in your messages. If he puts time and creativity into making you smile through your phone, it is because your reaction matters to him.

    The effort to be funny and light is a big clue in how guys flirt over text. It shows he wants talking to him to feel enjoyable, not boring or routine.

19. He answers very quickly. While everyone gets busy sometimes, a man who really likes you often responds faster than he does with other people. If your messages rarely sit unread and his replies come back almost right away, he is prioritizing your conversation.

    Speed is not everything, but frequent, quick responses are another piece of how guys flirt – he is eager to keep the connection going and does not want the chat to fade out.

20. He talks about being there with you. Late-night messages about wishing you were there, wanting to cuddle, or imagining how fun it would be if you were hanging out together reveal a lot. He is not just chatting; he is imagining physical closeness and a more romantic scenario.

    These dreamy, hypothetical comments are a softer but still clear example of how guys flirt, especially when they hint at wanting to move beyond pure friendship.

21. He is the one who starts most conversations. If he is usually the first to say good morning, send you something funny, or ask about your day, it shows he is thinking of you even without a specific reason. He does not need an excuse; he just wants to talk.

    This habit of initiating contact is a central part of how guys flirt in messages. It proves that staying in touch with you is not an accident – it is a choice he makes again and again.

22. You end up texting all day. When a short exchange turns into a conversation that stretches from morning until night, something special is happening. He may check in during breaks, reply during lunch, and send a final message before bed.

    No one keeps that level of contact with someone they do not care about. Long, ongoing chats are one of the most obvious signs of how guys flirt when they are really hooked.

23. He sends you messages when he has been drinking. Those late-night texts saying he misses you, wishes you were out with him, or cannot wait to see you again are usually more honest than he realizes. With lowered inhibitions, his true feelings slip through.

    Drunk messaging is not always ideal, but it often reveals the deeper feelings behind how guys flirt – what he says then is usually what he has been thinking all along.

24. He gives you affectionate nicknames. Instead of using your full name, he might start calling you something cute, sweet, or playful. These pet names create a little world that feels just between the two of you, more intimate than ordinary conversation.

    Using special names is another emotional layer in how guys flirt over text. It signals that he sees you as someone special, not just another contact in his phone.

25. He texts you first thing in the morning and last thing at night. When his day starts with a “good morning” message to you and ends with a “sleep well” or something similar, it means you are on his mind at both ends of his routine. Those moments are personal and meaningful.

    This habit ties together many aspects of how guys flirt. By reaching out at the bookends of his day, he quietly shows that you have become part of his everyday life, even if he has not said those words out loud yet.

Once you start recognizing these behaviors, you will see that how guys flirt is rarely random. Every small glance, message, joke, or question can carry a little piece of feeling inside it. The more you notice patterns – in person and on your phone – the easier it becomes to tell when a man is simply being kind and when he is secretly hoping you will like him back.