Don't ask, "Will you go out with me?" or "Will you be my girlfriend?". That's never worked for me and always ends up badly.

The time it worked the most splendidly was just doing friendly things with a girl. Things that could be considered a date or just friendly fun. Anyhow, I kissed her on the cheek and took her hand and led her to where we were going to go that day, and it worked out happily ever after.