What would dating be without flirting? The art of flirting is the art of making someone else feel attractive - in a tasteful, understated way. Flirting is fun. It signals that we're interested in someone. And flirting can be the beginning of a wonderful relationship.

5 Keys:

1. Eye contact. 
Your first contact with someone attractive will probably be a glance, so eye contact is extremely important. You can convey interest, confidence and non-sleaziness all in a glance. 

When you're letting someone know you like them, look into their eyes just a fraction longer than you normally would, then look away. Don't overwhelm the moment with emotional weight. But keep looking. Look back; look again; be caught gazing when they've looked away. Show interest, but don't ogle. 

There are some gender differences here. Women - you can be pretty obvious. Men - by "gazing," we mean gazing at a woman's face. If she catches you looking southward, particularly while she's talking to you, you may be done.

2. Smile. 
That's it. Smile a lot. Everyone likes smiling.

3. Touch. 
Careful. Establish interest before you move into this step. Men especially need to be careful. If you're subtle, touching can be extremely effective. 

Men, brush hands. Touch her arm or her back when you get her a drink. Stand a touch closer than you normally would - but just a touch. Don't back her into a wall. 

Women, you can be more obvious. You can touch his arm or his hands. Quietly touch your own face, your neck and your legs. Subtly indicate your sexual interest is being aroused.

4. Talk. 
You do not need an opening line. In fact, a bland, general comment can work better. You can show interest in a non-threatening, non-committal way. From there you can build on a mutual topic of interest. 

Be sure to listen as much as you talk. Show a great deal of attention to what your interest has to say.

5. Practice. 
Practice makes perfect. Perfect your own style. Flirting is like a muscle. Use it or lose it.

Social scientists will tell you a woman crosses her legs when she's sexually interested and that men stand taller and lower their voices. Maybe that's true, but it's also true that flirting is not a science. 

Be sensitive to your interest's signals. They may not align with your flirtation manual. Be flexible and change course as needed.