LoDolce tells us that “a date implies that theres a future potential for a relationship, hanging out is merely for hooking up.” Examples of a date may be going out for drinks or coffee, being taken to dinner (regardless of who pays) or going out to see a movie, whereas a hangout is staying in to watch Netflix or

What makes a date different from hanging out?

dating is mostly about determining the intentions behind why youre meeting up. If someone wants to hang out, then they are not interested in you romantically. The flirting is a sign that they are thinking of you in that way. If the flirting is present, then its a date.