Nope. Have to disagree, though you are the guy and may know better. I say, don't be timid, don't be subtle. It's too easy to be misread. Tell the guy you would like to take him out. Be specific. "John, I'd like to take you out to a great restaurant I found." "Oh, really, prettydarkhorse? What's the restaurant?" "Blah, blah blah restaurant downtown. Great food. How's Saturday?" "Oh, sorry dark, I'm not free Saturday." "How's Friday?" If he says no again, say, "OK, maybe another time, then." You've now been humiliated. Smile, turn and walk away. Do not look back. Do not lower your head as you walk. In fact, put an extra swivel in your hips. He'll be watching you walk away. If he is interested, now he knows you are and will ask you out. If he says yes to your invitation, you better have a plan and yes, you absolutely pay the entire bill. Don't have less than $100. on you or a credit card in case you want to extend the evening. It would even be good if, whether he says yes or no, to give him one of those guy pats on the bicep before you leave saying "pick you up at 7".