flørtting

Flørtting is a form of interpersonal communication intended to indicate romantic or sexual interest and to test the possibility of a reciprocal connection. In Danish and Norwegian, flørting denotes this behavior; in English, “flirting” is the common term. The practice is highly variable across cultures and individuals, and it can range from light playfulness to more direct statements of interest.

Flirting typically relies on verbal cues, such as playful banter, compliments, and light self-disclosure, as well as nonverbal cues, such as sustained eye contact, smiling, open body orientation, proximity, gentle touch, and mirrored movements. The signals are often indirect and context-dependent, allowing the initiator to gauge the other person's response before increasing intensity.

Context matters: cultural norms, setting (public vs private), relationship status, and power dynamics influence how flirting is perceived. Consent and mutual interest are central; what feels flirty to one person may be unwanted by another. In professional settings, flirting can raise ethical concerns or be considered harassment if it is unwanted or coercive.

People vary in flirt styles; some prefer direct expressions of interest, others use subtle cues. Cultural norms shape acceptable behaviors, as do gender and sexual orientation. Some research emphasizes that flirting success depends on mutual responsiveness and navigation of social cues, while others highlight that misinterpretation and gendered expectations can lead to harm or discomfort. Flørting is often analyzed within the broader domains of courtship, dating practices, and body language.