When someone asks, "How have you been?" they are inquiring about your general well-being and current state. It's a common and friendly way to show interest in your life and to check in on how you've been doing since the last time you saw or spoke to them.
The question can be interpreted in a few different ways:
A general greeting: Sometimes, "How have you been?" is used as a standard greeting, similar to saying "Hello" or "Hi." In this context, it might not require a detailed response, and a simple "I've been good, thanks" or "I've been doing well, how about you?" would be sufficient.
Catching up: If it's been a while since you last spoke or saw the person, they may genuinely want to know what's been happening in your life during that time. They are interested in any significant events, experiences, or changes that might have occurred.
Expressing concern: In some cases, when someone notices that you seem different or perhaps not your usual self, they may ask "How have you been?" as a way to express concern and to open up a conversation about how you are feeling.
Overall, it's a friendly and caring way to engage in conversation and show that the person is interested in your life and well-being. You can respond with an honest and appropriate update on how you've been feeling and what you've been up to since your last interaction.