Chemistry lessons. (Guys).

In a perfect world, the boy you've been dreaming about would write you a note saying, "Let's hang out together after school today," and slyly slip it into your palm during lunch (sigh).

Wake up! This is real life, and things arent that easy. So how do you score some hang time with that boy who's on your mind? We've devised a plan, based on three common crush categories. The babe you're mentally marinating right now probably fits nicely into one.

THE MYSTERY MAN

The man of mystery is the boy you sorta know who smiles at you...once in a while. So you smile back. Sometimes (wow!) he even waves. Does he like you but is afraid to tell you? Or is he friendly to lots of girls? How can you crack this case and find out if he's for you?

Low-risk move Just before your next school dance, when he says "hi" or smiles, stop him. Ask if he's going to the dance. Even if he says "I dunno, maybe," you can respond with a confident, "OK, well, maybe I'll see you there." Then smile, say, "Later!" and walk away.

Medium-risk move Repeat the low-risk move, but when he answers, say, "I was hoping you were going...so I could maybe dance with you." Even if he'd rather eat glass than go to the dance, now he knows you want more than a wave between third and fourth periods.

High-risk move Ask him to the dance...as your date. He's going with his buds? Tell him to save you a dance. Then, approach him on the big night and boldly ask him to bust a move.

THE BUDDY BOY

This is the guy who's around a lot--with your group of friends, on your block, in homeroom, wherever. You're probably already buds but, lately, you've been thinking it'd be fun to graduate him to boyfriend material. But how?

Low-risk move He's no stranger--you guys talk a bunch. So paying him just a bit more attention shouldn't scare him away or trip you up. Ask him about the stuff you know he's into ("How long have you been playing bass?"). Do it on a good hair day, and look at his lips a lot when he's talking. And smile!

Medium-risk move Since you two are friendly, talk to him about a subject only friends share: kissing. Ask how old he was for his first kiss. Did he like it, or was it gross? Make the conversation playful, so he's not uncomfortable. Good. Now you have him thinking about kissing and you at the same time.

High-risk move Ask him out. With a buddy, you can say it in a not-so-serious way: "I wanted to invite you for pizza, but I thought that might be extra cheesy. Wanna do sushi instead?" You might catch him off guard, so tell him he can get back to you on it. Then hope.

THE GOOD GUY

You sort of know him, but he's not officially a friend. He's the boy who rides your bus, your science lab partner, the youth club cutie. You're around him enough to know you like what you see. And you're pretty sure he's into you, too.

Low-risk move Do nothing. Look, a crush is a crush because there's risk in putting your heart out there. You can keep seeing him where you see him and dig on the thrill of having a cute boy to crush on. It's fun and fine the way it is.

Medium-risk move Think of something bonafide to borrow. "I'm burning my friend a CD, and my White Stripes is scratched. Can I borrow yours for a day or two?" Then, return it to him with a nice thank-you note.

High-risk move Figure out a way to be alone with him so he can get to know you as you, not as the girl who sits next to him in biology. Ask him if he wants to study together for the upcoming test: "Dude, I need your smarts to help me come up with a good system for remembering this junk." Flattery will get you... alone with him in the library.