If a Guy Asks You To Lunch Is It a Date?

So that guy you’ve been crushing on finally asked you out. But – he asked you to lunch.

Why didn’t he ask you for drinks? Why didn’t he invite you to dinner? Does lunch even count as a date, or does this put you in the friend zone? What does it mean if he’s your coworker?

Dating can be confusing. After all, you’re not only trying to decipher if you’re compatible with the person, but you’re trying to figure out what their intentions are.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out what exactly it means if a guy asked you to lunch, don’t worry. It’s a good sign – and likely means he’s into you.

Does lunch count as a date?

Being asked out on a date as opposed to casually “hang out” is a great sign. It means the guy is interested in getting to know you.

Although many people may think that lunch is unusual for a date as evening is the most common time, it’s the perfect casual daytime setting to get to know someone.

Lunch is less formal than a romantic candlelight dinner – but perhaps a little more intentional than just meeting for a casual drink.

Either way, the guy asked you to lunch for the opportunity to spend time with you and get to know you more – so take this as a good sign.

Regardless if this is the first or third time you’ve spent time alone together, a guy asking you to lunch counts as a date.

What does a lunch date mean?

A lunch date means a guy wants to make time in his day to see you and get to know you.

This is an intentional move. The guy is setting a specific time where the two of you can sit down, enjoy some food and learn more about one another.

Although you may think dinner dates are the only kind where a guy is seriously interested in you, a lunch date means he wants to see you in daylight and with others around.

You’re sitting across from one another and conversing just the two of you – rather than with a crowd of people gathered around you at a bar.

This is a sign he wants to be able to really hear what you have to say and enjoy your company.

It can also be a great precursor to see if you’d be interested in going on more serious dates or going out again for something like dinner.

Especially if one – or both of you – has a busy schedule, a lunch means the guy wants to carve out time where he can get to know you.

These are all positive signs and show he’s interested in you as something more than just a casual fling.

Meeting in the middle of the day is casual, yet shows he took initiative in making plans to see you.

Does a lunch date mean friend zone?

Although your go-to meeting for dates might be drinks or dinner, a lunch date is a great sign. A lunch date is still a date.

This is a casual yet still intimate social setting where you can spend time getting to know each other over a meal.

A lunch date means he is likely comfortable and interested in getting to know you as more than just friends.

If this is the first date, it’s a positive sign that he takes you seriously and wants to get to know you on a more personal level.

However, if you’ve been on dates with the guy before – whether it be for drinks, dinner, or coffee – it shows he’s comfortable with you and wants to get to know you better in a variety of settings.

A lunch date is definitely not a friend zone – especially if you’ve been out together before, or make plans to see each other again after.

What does it mean when a guy asks you for lunch?

A guy who asked you to lunch wants to get to know you – and in broad daylight, no less.

This means he’s interested in learning more about you – and not just trying to see if he can pull off his moves at the end of a late-night drink date.

If he makes the trip to your neighborhood instead of having you come to him or meet in-between, that’s a bonus. That shows he’s accomodating and wants to put in the extra step.

However, if he asks you to suggest a restaurant, don’t assume it’s him being lazy.

Especially if he meets you in your neighborhood, he probably wants to go somewhere you know is good and that you enjoy. It shows he wants to make sure you enjoy the meal.

Is it okay to go to lunch with a male coworker?

So, you’re wondering: “My male coworker asked me to lunch. Is it okay? What does this mean?”

Just as you would join a female coworker for lunch, it’s completely okay to go to lunch with a male coworker.

However, it can be confusing depending on your relationship with your colleague. Especially if you’re crushing on them or have been flirting with them in the office.

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It can be confusing if you’re not sure if he’s asking you as a colleague, or if he’s interested in getting to know you more romantically.

How do I know if my male coworker wants to have a business lunch or if it’s a date?

A lot of this depends on intent. You could be catching up over lunch, or having a business discussion. This would definitely mean the lunch is more friendly or professional.

Friendly or professional lunches are more than okay with your male coworker. If you’re simply grabbing lunch as coworkers enjoying a break together, this is completely fine.

Just remember to keep it professional, yet casual – especially if it’s with someone who is in a senior role to you or directly managing you, or vice versa.

However, if you’ve been flirting with your male coworker at the office and you think your coworker may be interested in something a little more romantic, be sure to set boundaries.

If you’re unsure of his intentions, pay attention to the conversation. Is he asking details about you and your personal life, or is the conversation on the projects you’re working on together?

If the conversation steers more toward your personal lives, it’s likely more he’s interested in getting to know you as more than just coworkers.

Either way, just be sure you’re mindful of any company policies about dating coworkers if you’re going on a lunch date with your male colleague.

What does it mean if a guy pays for your meal?

If a guy picks up the check, it shows he’s polite and has common courtesy. This is common in dating culture, and it shows the guy is respectful.

If you identify as male, the guy is likely still being kind and picking the check up as a generous move.

Regardless of your sexuality, this means the guy likes you – whether it be platonic or as something more romantic.

However, if you split the check, don’t necessarily write this off as a friend zone move either.

Especially on a first date, it can be common to split the check as you’re both just getting to know each other. So don’t panic if you’re thinking that’s a sign there won’t be a second date.

Lunch dates are generally more casual than dinner, so try not to overthink it or read into anything too much.

 The bottom line is: the guy asked you to lunch because he wants to spend time with you. Enjoy the date, and be yourself!