How to Flirt With a Girl​ in Person and Over Text: 20 Tips

Flirting—it can feel like a mix of excitement and nerves all at once, right?

Sometimes, you’re just not sure where to start. You want to show interest without coming on too strong, to be charming without trying too hard. There’s this delicate balance between confidence and letting things unfold naturally, almost like a dance where every step counts.

When it comes to figuring out how to flirt with a girl, it can feel like a puzzle, each piece needing just the right touch. Whether it’s in person, with all the subtle smiles and glances, or over text, where words are your only tools…the goal’s the same.

You want to make her feel special, to create a spark that’s genuine.

So, where does one begin?

According to Dionne Eleanor Reid, a relationship & empowerment mentor:

Flirting is a glimpse of sincere affection wrapped in playfulness.

With the right mix of playfulness and honesty, flirting becomes less of a mystery and more of a natural flow.

What role does flirting play when you like someone?

Flirting is a way of showing interest, a gentle nudge that says, “I see you; I’m drawn to you.” When you like someone, it’s often how you break through the ordinary, hinting at something more. It’s a way of testing the waters, seeing if there’s a shared spark.

Whether it’s a playful comment, a lingering look, or a thoughtful text, flirting creates a moment just for the two of you. It’s those small gestures that make things feel special like there’s a secret only you share.

And when it comes to flirting with a girl, it can be the start of something real… or just a sweet memory.

How to flirt with a girl in person: 10 tips

You may often think, “I don’t know how to flirt!”

Most men make mistakes when it comes to how to flirt with a girl face-to-face. They may still follow the old age of tradition, try to act smart, and make a fool of themselves.

Flirting is an art. Let’s have a quick look at ways to flirt with a girl​ without being silly and pushing them away.

1. Don’t be cheesy

A lot of men might follow the age-old tradition of being cheesy. They may believe girls would like it when they try to woo them with cheesy lines. Well, no.

When you start a flirty conversation with a girl, you must act normal and be yourself. The only genuine conversation goes far. Fake ones suffer an untimely death.

2. Approach her in a gentlemanly way

How to subtly flirt over text with a girl​?

Many might think that chivalrous gentlemen flirting is an art that not many have mastered. If flirting is done correctly, no one gets hurt, but it backfires. The flirt or the receiver can end up with a bruised ego or an emotional setback.

Girls can be quite sensitive and may try to determine other people’s intentions faster than we can imagine. How to flirt with a girl is every guy’s concern. They don’t want to push away girls by doing something wrong and don’t want to invite trouble as well.

3. Don’t be predictable

The best thing to remember when looking for how to flirt with a girl is ‘don’t be predictable.’

Being predictable is quite boring. You have to entice her to continue the conversation with you.

By keeping the text minimal and predictable, you won’t be helping yourself at all. The only way to avoid this is to have a conversation that would make her think. This way, she would enjoy the conversation.

4. Avoid seriousness

How to flirt with a girl?

One of the answers is to avoid seriousness. You’re flirting, and the last thing you would like is to get into serious topics that would put her off.

So, joke about things, talk about light topics, and don’t get involved in serious matters.

If she shares some things with you, lighten up her mood. She would love it and surely would remember you for months to come.

5. Avoid stupid or confusing references

It is quite natural to make references. We often do it when we speak with our peers or someone with similar interests in our regular lives. However, this is a complete no-no in the “how to flirt with a girl” rules. 

You don’t want to sound excellent or stupid by making references that may confuse her.

She would like to talk to you only if she feels comfortable. The moment she starts getting references that don’t make any sense to her, she will go.

You surely don’t want that to happen, do you?

6. Have them pay attention to your lips

It might seem like an insignificant idea, but try it out as one of the important tips on how to flirt with a girl. Ensure your lips are always moisturized, and before you see them approach, apply some lip balm to draw their attention to your lips.

The more attractive your lips will look, the more they will think about you because there’s nothing more pleasant than well-cared-for lips.

7. Subtly ask if she is seeing someone

Not all girls are out and open about their personal lives. Some prefer to keep it hidden and refuse to share information with most people.

If you want to know how to flirt with a shy girl, please make sure that you don’t rush into things and ask her personal questions instantly.

She might get offended and would avoid you for sure. So, ask her subtly if she is seeing someone. Treat this as one of the most important flirting tips.

8. Don’t just talk; listen to her

Don’t be like those who tend to share things, but when listening to others say, they doze off. Well, this only applies if you’re looking for a better solution on how to flirt with a girl.

Dionne Eleanor highlights that:

Listening is the most powerful and seductive act you can offer because it shows you care about her inner world and gives you the opportunity to learn how to build something more with your love.

You want her to know that you’re one of those good listeners. You want her to share things with you. So, listen to her when she is saying something.

Remember, your text and how you express yourself will define your feelings. She would judge you on this.

9. Bump into them

It’s a scene straight out of the movie!

Whenever you both are in a crowded place, bump into them and make it look accidental. Once you both find your balance, flatter them by saying something like, “Oh, I am so sorry. I lose my balance seeing someone pretty like you.”

10. Show it sometimes

When you are flirting with someone, it is important not to be subtle all the time. 

At times, show it to them. Say things straightforwardly, or let them catch you looking at them. You could also leave them a note with some cute words.

How to flirt with a girl over text​: 10 tips

So, since we are in the digital age, let’s look at how to flirt with a girlfriend over text. There is an art to these texts, as you must ensure that the other person stays interested, especially if you are getting to know each other. 

How to flirt over text with a girl?

Here are 10 tips that can help you if you are looking into flirting with women:

1. Don’t start abruptly

Always set the pace of the conversation. Starting the conversation abruptly is equal to barging into someone’s house without knocking on the door.

The first thing that they would do if you behave like that is to block you instantly. 

2. Open up

If you’re thinking about how to flirt with a girl online, then this is the best solution.

While texting, the words you use to express your feelings are important. They can act in your favor or otherwise. So, ensure you are behaving properly and not forcing her to chat. That is one of the flirting ideas that misfire by making her averse to you.

Coach Eleanor Reid adds that:

Words build bridges when they come from a place of truth and some authentic vulnerability, not tactics.

Even in couples therapy, opening up is an important aspect of the relationship’s health, as it allows the other person to get to know you and feel closer to you.

3. Use emojis wisely

Emojis have simplified texting a lot. Everybody uses them to express their feelings easily, so make sure you make the most of them. What most people neglect when they look for answers to how to flirt with a girl is that texting has evolved and is constantly evolving.

Today, GIFs and Emojis can be wisely integrated into texting to make conversation smoother and clearer. So, use them often, as they are one of the best ways to flirt with a woman​. 

4. Don’t mis-text her

We all have done this: send a text and pretend it was sent by mistake or meant for someone else. However, this sounds wrong these days. 

So, if you are looking for ways to learn how to flirt with a girl, tick this off your list. Don’t ever mis-text her.

5. Don’t take time to respond to her text

Girls like it when men are prompt in their replies. This shows that they’re being attentive to them.

Dionne Eleanor Reid mentions:

Timely attention is a quiet declaration of interest—delay too long, and the moment fades.

So, one of the ways to flirt with a girl is not to take forever to respond to her texts.

The long delays will create a bad impression, and things might not end well.

6. Compliment her

Complimenting is one of the best ways to flirt with a girl over text without being obvious.

Complimenting a girl for her character only shows you respect her standards and values. Compliments beyond looks have a far deeper impact, especially if you send them in written form via flirty texts.

7. Send pictures

Pictures are more thoughtful than words, especially when texting the girl. Pictures tend to be more personal.

You can start by sending pictures of the food you are having or selfies. When you both are only friends, pictures will help strengthen the bond.

8. Get personal

You should gradually get personal with the woman. You can give her a cute nickname or start referring to you both as ‘we’ and ‘us.’ 

Ask her how her day went and ensure you empathize with her whenever the situation demands.

9. Text first

Don’t leave the burden of initiating the conversation on the woman. Avoid sending mere Hi or Hello. Give them something to talk about.

Put in extra effort to think of topics that could interest them and that you could participate in.

10. Send an equal number of texts

Be mindful of not sending fewer texts than she does. This will show your disinterest. Also, ensure you don’t send more texts than she does; otherwise, you will look desperate.

Find the balance and ensure you are not the only one initiating the conversation all the time.

Watch this TEDx Talk where Social anthropologist Jean Smith talks about the science of flirting:

What are the mistakes to avoid when flirting with a girl?

Flirting can be exciting, but it’s easy to misstep if you’re not careful. Sometimes, trying too hard can come across as insincere or even a little pushy. Remember, less is often more!

Coming on too strong, like texting nonstop or overloading on compliments, might feel overwhelming rather than charming. And, of course, honesty matters—pretending to be someone you’re not just to impress her only leads to awkwardness later on.

Flirting should feel light, fun, and genuine. So, relax… be yourself; a simple smile or a thoughtful comment can often say more than over-the-top gestures. Flirting, after all, is about connection—not perfection.

Takeaway

At the end of the day, flirting is all about showing genuine interest in a way that feels natural to both of you. It’s less about grand gestures or perfectly crafted lines and more about creating a light, playful connection that lets her know you care.

The key?

Be authentic, have fun, and don’t worry too much about getting everything “right”—it’s those small, real moments that truly make an impression.

So, whether you’re smiling across the room or sending a thoughtful text, remember that the best flirting comes from being yourself and making her feel seen. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to spark something meaningful.