Date Invitation #1: He offers you a ticket on the 50-yard-line next to him for his alma mater’s big football game

What the expert says: If he’s dusting off his foam finger and calculating how many hot dogs he can scarf during halftime, it could go one of two ways. “On the one hand, he could be inviting you into his world, which is a mature way of showing his attraction to you.” Or… “He may be selfish and be expecting you to just do everything he’s interested in, without regard for your tastes or preferences.”

Date Invitation #2: He asks you to enjoy some high culture by inviting you to a museum, opera performance, or the ballet

What the expert says: Just because he knows where the museum is, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s ever been inside. “Since every man is different, as a woman, you have to assess his maturity first. There are guys who will naively assume that a museum date will impress you, which will likely result in you both having a bad time.”

Date Invitation #3: Movie time! Nothing fancy, just the two of you and a big screen somewhere nice and dark

What the expert says: Since a first or second date should be spent getting to know each other, a movie invite — complete with its lack of eye contact and conversation — might clue you in to his real intentions. In other words, he’s probably not really up for establishing a deeply connected relationship with anyone right now.

Date Invitation #4: He suggests enjoying a low-key evening at the local jazz club

What the expert says: “Early on in dating, men need to make an effort to put their best foot forward. Quite simply, this man isn’t trying too hard.”

Date Invitation #5: Instead of a one-on-one outing, he wants to go on a double date with another couple

What the expert says: “If he takes you on a double date early on in the relationship, he’s expressing a lack of interest in you. A double date may also be an ‘easy’ out in his mind.” Be especially wary if your companion couple is a pair of his friends whom you’ve never met before. That may be a clue that he’s not sure how he feels about you just yet — and wants them to help him make that decision.

Date Invitation #6: You’re asked to show up on his arm at a party thrown by his friend

What the expert says: “If it’s a few dates in, this is a mature, welcome sign that he isn’t codependent or doesn’t think of you as just a way to pass the time. He wants to assess the ‘fit’ of you both as a couple by introducing you to his friends. Friends are an important part of life, so this is a fairly big step.”

Date Invitation #7: Reserving a table for two at a much-hyped, expensive new restaurant

What the expert says: Get ready to gag on your lobster tails, ladies. The expert feels it’s the lazy man’s way to dazzle a woman (albeit one with a big price tag). “Unless he’s a master chef out to teach you about food and learn what you like, I wouldn’t be that impressed.”

Date Invitation #8: No glitz, no fuss, just a night of kicking back at his favorite hangout after work

What the expert says: Deep-fried buffalo wings and a few rounds of darts? There is absolutely nothing wrong with that! “If he is a lively, sociable person, this very well may just be him being himself around you. A small, neighborhood spot can be intimate, and it’s a setting in which he’s more comfortable. He’s looking to impress you in a healthy, playful, flirty way.”