I am 18 and I am going to university next year.

There are some girls in my extended social circle that I interested in. I know that escalating with girls in your social circle isn't a good idea if you are a bit older and this is your main friend group. It doesn't seem like a problem to me in my situation as I will be going to university soon and will meet a lot of new people and form new social circles.

How does escalating with someone in your social circe that you have known fairly well for a while differ from escalating with someone who you have just met?

How do I tell if they are interested in me or are just going along because we are acquaintances/friends?

Basically, how should I go about this in general? I go to house parties with them often so that might be my best bet.

I am asking because I have been spending a lot of time improving my SMV and I feel that I have a shot with these girls now.

Thanks for the help.