Is it a Date, or are you “Hanging Out?"

It's hard to tell sometimes whether or not you're on a date. If a man calls or texts to ask you to "hang out" does that mean he's romantically inclined, or is it a friendship-based thing? Sometimes we are even afraid to ask what's going on.

If you find yourself hanging out a lot with guys, but unsure of whether this constitutes a date, following are some ways to tell the difference. After all, if you're interested in a man, there should be dating involved, or else you're both just wasting time. Hold him to some standards.

He makes plans in advance. If a man calls you and asks if you can get together in the next half hour, this is not a date. You are a Plan B because his first choice fell through. Same thing if he texts you at midnight to come over and hang out. This isn't a chivalrous gesture to romantically seduce you, it's a booty call. If he schedules with you in advance and has a place to go, this is indeed a real date.

He doesn't include his friends. If he calls and asks you out only to meet up with four of his best buddies, rest assured that this is not a date. It's great that he wants to introduce you to his friends, but if you find yourself without any alone time when you're together, it's likely that romance isn't on his mind.

He compliments you and flirts. If a man is interested, usually he tries to show it. He will tell you how attractive he finds you, or how pretty you look. If he doesn't express his interest, he may think of you only as a buddy.

He reaches out to you. If he makes a point of calling and texting you to get together, likely he is interested. When you find yourself doing all the work, you may want to reconsider your relationship.

He pays for the date. If he reaches for his wallet to grab the check for dinner or drinks, then likely he sees you as a date rather than just a friend. So if you're not interested, let him know.

The best strategy is to be honest with yourself and with your love interest. If you're afraid to ask him directly if you are dating or if you're just friends, then you will drive yourself crazy trying to read into all of the signals he may or may not send. Do yourself a favor: ask him if it's a date. After all, you're worth it.