I love finding an interest you both share and then, “A (new horror movie) came out I was thinking about seeing it this weekend. Would you wanna come?” Shared interest is cool like play, band, hike. But the key thing is saying I’m planning to go this weekend. Bc then he can just say I’m really sorry but I’m busy next weekend (which may or may not be why he’s saying no) it’s just less pressure but if he says yes it’s more clearly a date. I do not really like giving or receiving confessions
order tip: if you don't want to hide the relationship but haven't come out you can tell your parents that you're dating a man and they'll accept it as a straight relationship. if they want to meet him, have him call you a pet name (babe, darling, sweetie, etc.) so he doesn't have to deadname you