How Do You Ask if You’re Dating Without Making It Awkward?

A friend of mine met someone through a local photography group. They started talking during meetings and eventually began spending time together outside the group. Since then, they’ve had dinner, watched movies at each other’s apartments, and gone on long weekend walks. They text almost every day and sometimes hold hands. From the outside, it sounds a lot like dating. The confusing part is that neither person has actually called it that. My friend likes them but doesn’t want to mistake a close friendship for romantic interest. Trying to analyze every message and small gesture is becoming exhausting. I suggested asking something simple: “I really enjoy spending time with you. Do you see this as dating, or are we hanging out as friends?” It might feel awkward for a few seconds, but a clear answer could save weeks of uncertainty. For other autistic people, when do you ask whether an outing is a date? Is there a comfortable way you prefer to bring it up?