When it comes to asking someone out, regardless of their gender, it's essential to respect their response. If a woman says no to your invitation, it's crucial to accept her answer gracefully. There isn't a specific "correct" number of times to ask someone out after they've declined, as persistence can quickly turn into pushiness and make the other person uncomfortable.
If you ask someone out and they say no, it's best to take their response at face value and move on. Continuing to ask them out repeatedly after they've declined can come across as disrespectful and may even be considered harassment. Remember that everyone has the right to make their own decisions about their relationships and dating life.
As for determining if someone is playing hard to get, it can be a tricky situation. Some people may indeed play hard to get as a way of flirting or testing your interest, but it's essential to be cautious about assuming this is the case. Sometimes, individuals may genuinely not be interested, and persisting in pursuing them can be unwelcome.
To differentiate between someone playing hard to get and someone genuinely not interested, pay attention to their communication style and body language. If they seem genuinely engaged and interested in spending time with you but are a bit coy or playful, they might be playing hard to get. However, if they consistently show disinterest, give one-word responses, avoid making plans, or actively avoid spending time with you, it's more likely that they're not interested.
Ultimately, it's essential to respect the other person's boundaries and decisions. If you're unsure about their feelings, you can try to have an open and honest conversation to clarify things, but once again, do this with respect and sensitivity. If they still express disinterest, it's time to move on and find someone who is enthusiastic about being with you.