Asking a guy out as a friend?

I’ve known a guy from a local LGBT Social Group for about 3-4 years now, and I want to ask him about meeting up as friends outside of the group. However, a few years ago, I asked him twice about meeting up. The first time, he said it would be cool, but then when I asked him about dates and stuff (I also gave him my number), he said he’d let me know, but then never did. A few months after that, I casually mentioned that I broke up from

College that week if you still want to meet up, and he just said that I was lucky that I was breaking sooner than he was at Uni, without referring to what I’d said about meeting up. I’ve always found it weird, because we still message each other on social media, and keep up to date on how the other one is doing etc, and for example, he wished me luck for a college music performance. I know he is very busy at Uni, and also has a part-time job as well. However, if he wanted to meet up to, would he have messaged me another time when he perhaps did have more time on his hands? Should I message him about meeting up again, or is there no point?

  • I'm a little confused - the guy - gay or straight?  Are you male or female?

    There may be some confusion between you both about what the other actually thinks - is 'asking out' a romantic evening or a few beers down the pub?

    Where are you hoping this might 'go'?

    The simplest solution is fairly obvious (assuming just 'mates')  - Hi - I'm want to see (anything) at the cinema and I don't really want to sit there alone - do you fancy coming with me?  

    There is no questionable 'relationship' part to that -off doing a neutral pass-time together.

    That gives you the time before the film starts to see if you're on the same wavelength.