Flirting and dating go hand in hand. Flirting is enjoyable and indicates one or both people are interested, and is usually the beginning phase of many successful relationships. Flirting entails offering someone your complete attention combining smiling, touching and friendly affection. In the right situation, flirting sends a significant message, in the wrong situation it can turn into embarrassment or even harassment.

To avoid that horrible feeling of being embarrassed, the flirter needs to be able to read the other person's intentions via their body language. If you're getting signals – which can range from the subtle to the obvious – that they're just not that into you, it's time to retreat. But if you're getting the vibe, here are some fabulous flirting tips for singles.

Eye contact is one the bedrocks of flirting. A quiet look in the direction of your target can be very sexy indeed – but don't stare, it can make the other person feel uncomfortable.

Touch your flirting target gently on the arm during conversation. But keep this to a minimum, two or three times over an extended conversation is more than enough. Smile and laugh, but make it look as natural as possible.

Find your inner sex god. Be confident. Lack of confidence is a turn-off. In fact, flirting, especially for women, is a great way to build confidence. Be approachable. Let your body language invite someone in, not chase them away. When you're talking, lean forward (without going overboard), don't fold your arms and look like you'd rather be somewhere else.

Give your flirting target your complete attention – you want them to feel good about themselves. It's not what you say but the way you say it – be friendly and upbeat. Flirting is all about lightness of touch.

There's a fine line between being friendly and flirtatious. If you like someone and you want to flirt, use the subtle flirting signals above, like eye contact, body language and touch, to indicate you're being more than just friendly.

Complement him or her, but again, remember this is an art form and you don't want to shower them with compliments. If you have something nice to say about them, and it's genuine, do so!

For the nervous and inexperienced flirter, the best and by far easiest way to start and gain self confidence is to join one of the free dating websites and join in on a live online singles chat .

If you're intended flirting target is not responding, move on…and quickly! Don't overdo flirting behavior. There's a fine balance to be struck and the last thing you want to do is look desperate.

Pick up lines - flirting can be a numbers game - a law of averages. Here's a few tried and true openers and one liners to test if your intended target has a sense of humor...

* I was wondering if you have the time? Because I have lots of energy.

* Are you available at the moment or will it cost me?

* At the photo copying machine "Reproducing?" "Need any help?"

* Hey there, I'm an American Express romantic....you shouldn't go home without me!

* Brrr! Geez my hands are freezing. Can I heat them up them in your heaving bosom?

* Are you looking for a slave tonight? Where shall I start.

* Would you mind if I inspected your tan lines?