Hey I'm 21/m and I haven't really been in a relationship. I was out of shape in high school and had low self esteem but I've recently gotten into a lot better shape by working out and I've changed my mind set a lot but im pretty new to the game. I don't feel like I have much trouble talking to women and approaching has become a lot easier. I always feel like I can at least sneak away with a # the trouble is, how do i escalate from there?

here's a specific example I'm in right now: I've known this girl since high school and I've talked to her on multiple occasions but only at parties/events where she would be with her group of friends. Recently she started working at a place I frequent so i see her pretty often and say hi. I got into a longer conversation last time I saw her and i ended with something like "i want to see you outside of work sometime whats your #?" of course i didn't have my phone so I gave her mine and she sent me a text and i sent a witty one back which she laughed at Then i told her i'd hit her up with plans soon and ended the text game then since i've heard text game can be bad.

I'm thinking of texting her at some point and just saying "you work tommorow? lets hang out" but I don't want it to be coming off as buddy buddy hanging out. Should i make intentions more clear on text or just try to escalate in person? Any tips for escalating on a "hanging out" situation?