that's how I do it. So I couldn't tell you.
There has only been twice in my life that I was able to flirt outright with someone. Both times I was drunk. And to the second one I said he was cute, but then I dropped the flirting then I started the flirting via punching thing.
He is now my boyfriend though so maybe a little of both complimenting and being a 12 year old works okay.