[header] How to ask someone out [title] Determine whether this person is already in a relationship. [step] This will save you a great deal of embarrassment and unnecessary effort. [substeps] Don't ask somebody out if they are in a relationship.
Not only is it essentially guaranteed that they'll say no, but it is inappropriate, unfair to the person's boyfriend/girlfriend, and reflects poorly on your moral character. [title] Be confident, but prepared for rejection.