The Five Flirting Styles
Communication researcher Jeffrey Hall and colleagues published research in 2010 describing five ways people communicate romantic interest. This quiz uses the same five styles with original statements written by PrismaTest.
| Style | How it shows | Typical line |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Body language, closeness, touch | (A lingering look says it all) |
| Traditional | Classic roles and courtship | “May I walk you home?” |
| Polite | Respectful, rule-following, careful | “I hope this is not too forward…” |
| Sincere | Emotional connection and interest | “Tell me more about that.” |
| Playful | Fun, teasing, banter | “Is that really your best joke?” |
How It Is Scored
You rate 20 statements, four per style. Each style gets a score from 0% to 100%, and your highest is your main style. Many people have two strong styles, such as sincere and playful.
What The Research Found
Hall’s studies, involving thousands of participants, reported several interesting patterns:
- Sincere flirting was the most common style and was linked with forming meaningful, emotionally connected relationships.
- Physical flirters tended to develop relationships quickly, with strong chemistry.
- Playful flirters often flirted for fun or self-esteem and reported shorter relationships.
- Traditional and polite flirters were more cautious and sometimes had trouble signalling interest, so others missed it.
- People are often poor at noticing when someone is flirting with them, especially with subtle styles.
Why Your Style Matters
Mismatched styles cause many misunderstandings. A polite flirter’s interest can go unnoticed by a physical flirter, while a playful flirter’s banter can be mistaken for serious interest. Knowing your style, and recognising others’, helps.
| If your style is… | Try… |
|---|---|
| Traditional or polite | One clear signal, such as suggesting a second meeting |
| Physical | Checking comfort before moving closer |
| Playful | Being clear when you are genuinely interested |
| Sincere | Adding a little lightness and fun |
Consent And Comfort
Every flirting style should respect the other person’s comfort. Watch for signs of interest, such as returned eye contact and engaged conversation, and step back if someone seems uneasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most successful flirting style?
In Hall’s research, sincere flirting was most linked with forming meaningful relationships.
Can I change my flirting style?
Yes. Styles are habits you can stretch, especially by adding clarity.
Why does nobody notice when I flirt?
Polite and traditional styles are subtle. A clear invitation helps.
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For fun and reflection. Not dating advice. See how we build our tests.