Hopefully an answer from a dude is acceptable...

If you're not sure, you're not being flirted with. And even if someone is flirting with you, it doesn't necessarily mean anything.

Good answer, DannyO!

But I want to ask you Caleb, are you talking about online or real life?

Flirting is fun, and harmless. Even if she wasn't intentionly flirting with you, a little flirting back can only get you in practice and lift her spirits for the day!

As long as it is fun and innocent - go for it. Now taking it that one step further...to a come on...well the best way to judge that is to innocently flirt until you are really sure she is interested in the advance.

Lynn's advice is good, Caleb. Being bubbly and smiling isn't necessarily a flirt. But it could be. ;-)

Good luck!

For some people "flirting" is so natural, they are not even aware (most of the time) that they are doing it and that someone could be interpreting their flirting and trying to read a special message... Some others in the other hand, "try" to flirt so unnaturally that it's just plain funny... (like me)

I've pondered this question too.

I've read into this by watching what women do when they're interacting with guys other than myself. First off I isolate which of their behaviors I identify as potential flirting. Then I watch how the same women interact with other men. If they only exhibit said behavior when interacting with myself or a small number of other men, there's a good chance it's flirting. If, on the other hand, if they behave this way around every man they interact with, it probably isn't.

I'm a huge flirt and it's just the way I am, but if I touch you or prolong eye contact, then I'm interested. If it's just banter and silliness, I'll still keep a distance between us.