there is no normal process...

but if there is one thing that is a common thing among guys, we generally don't want girls to be the ones who make the first move.

from past experience, I don't remember a time where I agreed to go out with a girl when she asked me first... but I guess it doesn't count b/c everytime that happened I was actually trying to work up the courage and the timing to ask out a girl.

I don't understand what you mean by "swirled in"... but generally the girls I have dated were my best friend or close friends... and when that friend boundary gets hazy we try dating and if it works out then somethings happen that make it official... I don't know if I'm helping you at all b/c I'm not getting the question.

but I say you let him make the first move and until then just keep in contact with him.