He Calls Me Babe but I’m Not His Girlfriend: 5 Reasons Why

PDF download Download Article
What it means when a guy you’re not dating gives you a pet name
PDF download Download Article

When someone calls you a pet name like “babe,” you typically expect it to be your boyfriend or your partner. But if there’s a guy who isn’t your boyfriend calling you “babe,” it can be a little confusing to figure out what he means. Fortunately, there are a couple common reasons why he might be giving you this nickname even when you two aren’t together. To find out why he calls you babe and for tips on how to respond, keep reading.

Section 1 of 3:

Why He Calls You Babe

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When a guy calls you babe, he might be trying to tease you or make you blush. If you two already have a flirty connection, then it’s very likely that he’s trying to create a deeper, more intimate connection with you. [1] By calling you “babe,” he’s making you think about what it would be like to be his girlfriend. He’s probably hoping that you like what you imagine!
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When a guy calls you babe, it’s often because he wants to be your boyfriend. He might be sending you signals that he likes you or that he wants to make you his girlfriend soon. Either way, it’s a good sign, especially if you’re into him. [2]
    • Because pet names like “babe” are often reserved for couples, he’s letting you know that he’d like to couple up with you.
    • If he likes you, he might also want to spend a lot of time with you one-on-one or always initiate conversations over text.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If he’s a close friend or someone you’re talking to, calling you “babe” might be his way of showing you how much he cares. Instead of calling you “dude” or “bro” like he would any other friend, he’s giving you a sweet pet name to show his affection toward you. [3]
    • This is another sign that he might be into you, especially if you two are close or you’ve already gotten some flirty vibes from him.
    • If you two have been friends for a while, calling you “babe” might be his way of trying to get out of the friend zone.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Have you ever noticed that guys get a little flirtier after they’re tipsy? If you two are hanging out at a bar or a club and he all of the sudden starts calling you “babe,” it’s likely that the alcohol has given him some much-needed liquid courage. While the drinks might be an excuse, it’s likely that he has a crush on you when he’s sober, too.
    • Some people just get especially flirty while drunk. If you notice that he calls everyone “babe” after a few stiff drinks, then don’t read too much into it.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Unfortunately, some guys will call you “babe” when they want to talk down to you. This is especially common in the workplace or with a guy you’ve just met. If he’s calling you “babe” in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, he may be trying to irritate you by speaking to you in a derogatory way. [4]
    • For instance, maybe a coworker calls you “babe,” but calls your male colleague by his name. This is a sign that he doesn’t respect you as much as your male coworker.
    • If you’re dealing with this at work, report him to HR . You deserve to be treated with respect in the workplace, and someone calling you “babe” is very unprofessional.
    6. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Responding If You like Him

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If he’s calling you babe and you’re into it, you’re free to do the same! Call him “babe” in person or over text, or give him a different pet name that’s even cuter. [5]
    • “What’s up, babe?”
    • “Hey babe, how was your day?”
    • “Hi cutie, how are you today?”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Send him signals back that you like him, too. To flirt , make eye contact and smile at him, touch him on the arm or the shoulder, and compliment what he’s wearing. Hopefully, this will boost his confidence enough to either ask you out or to make you his girlfriend. [6]
    • Over text, show interest in him by asking him how his day was or telling him that you can’t wait to see him again.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you like this guy and you’re pretty sure he likes you too, there’s no need to wait! Ask him out for a picnic in the park or coffee at a cute coffee shop. Make sure to emphasize the word “date” so he understands this is something romantic (guys sometimes need a pretty big hint to understand that). [7]
    • “I’ve really enjoyed talking to you lately. Are you free this weekend? I’d love to take you on a date.”
    • “There’s a new cafe that opened near my house. Want to meet there for coffee tomorrow morning? I’d love to take you out!”
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Responding If You Don’t Like Him

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If a guy calls you babe and you don’t give him any reaction, he’ll probably stop. Instead of acting annoyed or angry, simply move on from the conversation like he didn’t say anything weird. [8]
    • In the future, try to avoid this guy as much as possible if you don’t want to deal with him anymore. It’s not required, but it might be the best way to stop him from calling you babe without confronting him.
    • If you can’t avoid him entirely (maybe you go to school with him or work with him), keep your interactions brief and to the point.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sometimes, a guy calling you “babe” just won’t stop. If he’s getting on your last nerves, talk to him alone and ask him why, exactly, he’s calling you babe.
    • “Is there a reason you’re calling me ‘babe’ and not by my name?”
    • “I’ve noticed that you call me ‘babe’ a lot. Is there any particular reason why?”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-He-Calls-Me-Babe-but-I%27m-Not-His-Girlfriend-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Set a clear boundary that you don’t appreciate being called “babe,” and ask him to call you by your name instead. Hopefully, he’ll recognize the error of his ways and be more respectful toward you in the future. [9]
    • “Could you stop calling me ‘babe’? It makes me feel uncomfortable.”
    • “From now on, just call me by my name, okay?”
    • If you ask a guy to stop calling you “babe” and he won’t, it’s time to talk to someone in charge. Let your boss, teacher, or principal know that you’re having issues with this guy and that he won’t respect your wishes.
    4. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Kiss
      100+ Loving, Funny & Appreciative Birthday Wishes for Your Girlfriend
      12 Ways to Break a Narcissist's Heart
      What Are the Bases in a Relationship? Defining the Baseball-Sex Metaphor
      How to
      Impress a Girl with Words
      How to
      Tell if Your Girlfriend Is Horny: 12 Signs She's Turned On
      How to
      Make a Girl Feel Special Through Text
      Celebrate Your One Month Anniversary with These Sweet Messages
      How to
      Turn on a Guy
      100+ Good Morning Texts for Her (& Other Ways to Make Her Smile)
      Signs Your Ex Will Eventually Come Back
      How to
      Make a Virgo Man Obsessed with You
      How to
      Recognize When Your Ex Won't Come Back, and How to Move On
      How to
      Respond when an Ex Reaches Out
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about relationships, check out our in-depth interview with Charity Danker, LPC .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/flirting
      2. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/someone-likes-you/
      3. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/someone-likes-you/
      4. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/male-body-language/
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/flirting
      6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/flirting
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201803/is-it-better-ask-date-or-wait-be-asked
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201512/5-polite-ways-to-disarm-rude-people
      9. ↑ https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2012/02/08/being-called-babe-offensive

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 74,895 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement