If someone was sneaking around trying to get info on me I'd find that gutless and dumb.
If someone likes me they damn well better have the confidence to say "Hey Raina, I like you". Then I can shoot them down and say "I'm not single and you couldn't begin to compare to my man". When they start crying I hand them a tissue from my purse.
You can make a little joke about it to lighten things up. Example: There's a hot chica in the men's cologne section at a mall....you make eye contact and smile, say something to break the ice...then throw it out there like, "So...you're out cologne shopping for your brother, huh..." then flash her a quizzical look. If she at least smiled at you to begin with, the worst that can happen is you'll get a laugh out of her if it is for her bf. The best......well the door's now wide open. Step inside bro...step inside.
Walk up to her, and say, with a suspicious look on your face, "Are you single?"
Most likely she will give you an honest answer. Just don't say, "Do you have a boyfriend?"
You will get dogged.
I always ask women that I am attracted to if they are single. Right up front. A "yes" means the coast is clear. Anything else means stay the fuck away.
'I would like to ask you out but I imagine you already have a boyfriend'. And please don't turn around to me and say 'I don't want to ask her out, only want to to find out if she is single'.. Bull!!!!! You would'nt be asking in the first place if you was'nt after one thing.