How do I ask my friend to start dating?

Keep It Casual Be straightforward in your request but be sure you ask them out in a way that is no pressure. You can do this by approaching him or her and simply asking, “Would you like to have lunch with me?” Make sure this person is aware that you want to do this as a potential couple and not simply as a friend date.

Is it OK to ask a friend out?

Deciding to ask your friend out is a big decision, and it requires a decent amount of forethought before just jumping in. A friend should never be asked out on a spur-of-the-moment impulse, or on a whim, as this is a relationship you might lose if your date or romance goes sour.