How to Flirt Over Text

Flirting is an art form. Flirting over text is the Louvre on a lock screen. 

Those who have mastered flirting over text (or just envy the skill), know it’s part charm, part timing, and a little bit of knowing your way around a funny meme. When it’s done effectively, it can be fun and effortless and invite an exploration of chemistry between two people—the kind of chemistry that has them each checking their phones every few minutes. But when it’s done wrong? That’s when ghosting happens. 

If you’re on the digital dating scene, here are a few fun pointers on how to flirt over text without risking the ultimate cringe.

Start Light and Low-Pressure

A good flirting approach is to keep things warm, teasing, and effortless. Try opening with something short and sweet. Invite a smile but avoid asking a question that will require a lengthy response. 

For example: “Be honest…how many hearts did you break today?” Want a little extra cheese? Try, “I just remembered something that made me smile. You.” Acknowledging that you’re being a little sappy is part of what makes it charming.

It’s simple, silly, and effective.

Use Specific Compliments 

Demonstrate that you’re actually interested in getting to know the other person. Everyone’s heard “you’re cute” a million times whereas meaningful flirting will show you’re paying attention. Compliment something real like their humour, creativity, or something you’ve observed from their dating profile. 

If they like music, try “You have dangerously good taste in music. Can I follow your Spotify?”

Specificity = sincerity, and sincerity = irresistible.

Master the Flirty Question

You can trust that the very best flirty texts are the ones that spark conversation. You don’t want to let something hang in awkward silence. Instead, ask something fun that reveals personality (plus most people love to be asked about themselves and bonus points if you make it cheeky):

• “What’s your biggest weakness… besides me?”
• “If we were on a date right now, what would we be doing?”
• “What do you think is your most charming quality? I’ll tell you if it’s one of the many I’ve noticed.”

These questions open the door to playful banter without forcing conversation about anything too heavy.

Tease (Gently)

The best flirting thrives on a sprinkling of light teasing, but you have to keep it sweet, not mean. The goal is to make them laugh, not spiral. You could try something like, “You seem like a bad influence.” or “I didn’t expect to find someone as dorky as me. I bet you rehearse your good texts before sending them.”

This gentle ribbing will add a spark without crossing lines.

Don’t Overthink the Timing of the Rapport

Even if you’re excited, the worst thing you can do is refresh messages in a panic. Flirting works best when you’re relaxed. So take a deep breath and text back naturally, but not instantly every time, and not after three days either.

Keep the vibe light, not needy.

Maintain a Bit of Mystery 

Nobody needs to reveal their entire life story in one night (sorry but you’re not that interesting). A little mystery can be magnetic. Remember to share enough to connect, but leave them wanting more.

Bonus: Use Hushed for Private, Confident Flirting

When you’re chatting with someone new, using a Hushed secondary online number keeps your real phone number private while you figure out whether the sparks are real. You can text, call, flirt, banter, and keep boundaries intact.