Flirting: meaning, definitions and examples

When engaging in playfully romantic or sexual behavior to show interest in someone. It's often casual and doesn't necessarily lead to a serious relationship.

• She caught him flirting with her from across the room.
• They spent the evening flirting and laughing at the party.

When making playful or mocking remarks to someone, which can be friendly or mean-spirited. It can be romantic if there's a hint of intimacy, but it doesn’t always have to be.

• He was teasing her about her new hairstyle all morning.
• Their relationship is full of playful teasing and inside jokes.

When someone is pursuing a romantic relationship with the intention of finding a long-term partner. It is often more formal and serious than flirting.

• They spent months courting before deciding to get engaged.
• Courting practices have changed significantly over the years.

When someone is trying to gain the love or favor of another, typically in a romantic and often persistent manner. It's usually more intense and genuine than flirting.

• He spent months wooing her with flowers and love letters.
• In many cultures, wooing can involve elaborate gestures and rituals.

This word is used in casual or social situations where someone is showing romantic or playful interest in someone else. It can be lighthearted and is not necessarily serious.

• She was clearly flirting with him at the party.
• He enjoys flirting with new people he meets.

Banter refers to playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks. It's often used among friends or people who are comfortable with each other and doesn't necessarily have a romantic context.

• Their banter made everyone at the table laugh.
• They engaged in some light banter at the office.

Flirtation is similar to flirting but often implies a series of actions or a state of interaction rather than a single act. It can be used to describe a brief or casual romantic interest.

• Their flirtation was obvious to everyone around them.
• The flirtation between them didn’t lead to anything serious.

This term is more formal and archaic and refers to behavior of a woman who is trying to attract a man by behaving playfully or flirtatiously. It often has a negative or insincere connotation.

• Her coquetry was evident in every gesture she made.
• He found her coquetry both charming and suspect.