Flirting or coquetry is a social and sexual behavior involving spoken or written communication, as well as body language. It is either to suggest interest in a deeper relationship with another person or, if done playfully, for amusement.

It usually involves speaking and behaving in a way that suggests a mildly greater intimacy than the actual relationship between the parties would justify. This may be accomplished by communicating a sense of playfulness or irony. Double entendres may also be used. Body language can include flicking the hair, eye contact, brief touching, open stances, proximity, and other gestures. Flirting may be done in an under-exaggerated, shy or frivolous style. Vocal communication of interest can include, for example,

• Alterations in vocal tone (such as pace, volume, and intonation),
• Challenges (including teasing, questions, qualifying, and feigned disinterest) that may serve to increase tension, and to test intention and congruity
• Adoration, which includes offers, approval and tact, knowledge and demonstration of poise, self-assurance, smart and stylish, a commanding attitude.

Flirting behavior varies across cultures due to different modes of social etiquette, such as how closely people should stand (proxemics), how long to hold eye contact, how much touching is appropriate and so forth. Nonetheless, some behaviors may be more universal. For example, ethologist Irenäus Eibl-Eibesfeldt found that in places as different as Africa and North America, women exhibit similar flirting behavior, such as a prolonged stare followed by a nonchalant break of gaze along with a little smile.