What does it mean when a guy says he wants to "hang out"?

I think either is a possibility, and it’s his sorta-shy way of wanting to make contact. If you’re amiable, give that first “hangout” a try and see how it goes. It’s probably the way I’d ask, if I were in an askin’ mode these days.

I think he is casually asking you for a date,and if you turn him down he won’t be to devastated if you say no asking this way.

Yeah – it’s a testing the waters, chill kind of way to say he’d like to spend time together. “Hanging out” is easier than asking for a date. However, it does not necessarily mean he is romantically interested in you; I had a long period of misunderstanding with someone who hung out with me a lot. Go with it casually and see what signs you pick up from him.

It’s a step below a formal date. More like grabbing a bit to eat, but at a place more casual than a restaurant.that takes reservations. Maybe go see a movie, or watch a movie on DVD or Netflix together. But not go to a performance where you need tickets.

Maybe, go hear some music at a bar or a club, but not someplace where you need to buy tickets in advance.

It means he wants to hang out. Men aren’t as complex as women. He likes you.

What @SQUEEKY2 and @Apparently_Im_The_Grumpy_One said.

I would take it as “let’s spend some time doing things together .”

I think it means, we are on a date but going dutch. Also nothing hugely formal. Maybe pizza, movie or bowling. It’s obvious he likes your company. Now how far he wants to take it probably depends on how well the date goes or if you seem receptive to taking it further.
If you’ve been sending signals that you would like to push the relationship further than he may simply be bad at picking up cues or simply bad at asking for dates.
Or it could just simply mean he likes your company and simply would like to let it develop into being a good friend. Growing up, I remember guys who had plenty of girl friends, They were usually the players. I always thought of them as the guy who would have that one or two girlfriends and surround themselves with bench warmers just in case they were ever left out in the cold.

He apparently likes you and wants to get to know you better. Maybe he has a thing about women in orange wellies.

The intent is different from one human to another. Everyone has their own feelings about how to used common expressions.
He probably means spend some casual time together, no pressure.

You should say yes, but bring us all along, so we can figure out his intentions before we let you date without a chaperone : )

If you like him, just say yes.
Hanging out is the two of you spending time together.
He’s saying, “Let’s separate from the pack and see if we can be “mates”.
(Buddies or partners.)

Think of it like a pre-date, or an informal date. Probably he likes you or is gay and actually wants to just hang out.

Let us know if you choose to hang and if it was fun!

OMG! I saw this Q and first thought it was a teenager and then loved to find out it’s you! Who knows exactly what he is thinking. I’d say if you are interested in him in a possible romantic way don’t worry about defining it the first few times you hang out with him, but don’t wait too long to let him know what you want. If you only want it to be platonic I think you need to let him know up front.

He wants to get closer hoping the horizontal mambo will manifest itself.

Going out tomorrow. Will report back

Yeah. That was most definitely a date. Thanks, guys!

Oh good, I’m glad you figured it out and that it went well. I hope you had a nice time.