My friend can’t tell if this was a date...

My autistic friend recently met someone at a local board game night. They connected quickly and spent most of the evening talking between games. Afterward, they grabbed coffee and walked around a bookstore. Coffee became dinner because neither of them seemed ready for the day to end. They talked for hours, shared their favorite interests, and even enjoyed the quiet moments. Before leaving, the other person asked to see them again the following weekend. They’ve been texting every day since then. My friend likes this person but isn’t sure whether the interest is romantic or simply the beginning of a close friendship. They don’t want to overanalyze every message or make the next meeting uncomfortable. I suggested being clear and asking, “I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you. Would you like our next outing to be a date?” For autistic people who have experienced something similar, how do you ask about someone’s intentions without making the moment feel too heavy?