I just had a girl tell me via text that I may take her out as long as its not a date...how do I respond to this if I should even bother responding at all?

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Most things we're afraid of are simply challenges, so smile because you'll become stronger from it.

If you're interested in this girl, you should obviousely answer. If not that much, just let it be and maybe she'll write back or call you...
I would choose some cocky comeback like "Aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourself? Who said anything about us dating? I know you're attracted to me, but still... " or "Why would I wanna date you? I am so very gay" or "I'm not sure yet that you are date-worthy... "
Whatever yo do, let me know how it works...

Yes you should bother to answer, in my opinion.

I think there are only two options in this case, both of which you are going to have to make a point:

1 - You need to go a bit to the cocky side and tell her what Redlight said: "Aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourself?" or "Hey, of course it's not a date, I would need to see if you are a psycho before I could date you"

OR

2 - Go for broke and tell her that you don't intend to be just friends with her at all.

The 2nd option makes a huge impact and it's either turn up the attraction, or turn it down completely. I would go with the 1st option, second line...

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Whenever you meet a beautiful woman, just remember somewhere there's a man who's sick of shagging her.

Yep, Redlight suggested it the best. You need to play the game with a cocky response and see the tables turn.

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Get a girl to text back in a HEART BEAT!!

I would text her back, and after you finalize the plans say "Alright, it's a date!"

She should think it's funny, be slightly annoyed, but if she persists just be like: "Haha, OK!! You're the one trying to get me to go out anyway, call it what you want."