Greetings all, just a bit of a question here, seeing as I've been out of the loop for a long time.
How do any of you detect or decipher non-verbal cues in interactions with other singles. I'm not looking for tips, just curious as to how others see these cues and how they respond to them.

I am sorry i have no advice for you. i have been outta the loop for 14 years, and recently flung back into the world of dating...i am as clueless on it all as you...

Crossed arms says stay away. Licking your lips or swallowing says that you have a dry mouth, which happens when a person is turned on, same with flared nostrils (though that could mean other things.) If someone looks at the ground a lot it communicates insecurity, or upward, left right, around anywhere but at you, it communicates nervousness. Just google "body language" and you'll come across a slew of information.

or if they stare at your crotch.

Yeah, that's a pretty big one...

A simple glance or smile can mean they are interested... crossed arms or no eye contact.. no interest at all.

Ok, I think I use different cues, that may or may not be universal! I tend to play with my hair which means Hey you're cute, "NOTICE ME" I could use help playing with my hair!!! If you touch my hair...I will definitely notice you! If I laugh a lot, "I like you...keep talking, I'm not hearing what I want quite yet, but I am listening..."
I find that the more I am attracted to someone I will stumble for words and stutter, this does not work very well! So if I am quiet, I really like what you have to say! You have my undivided attention and I don't dare open my mouth cuz gibberish may fall out! But I am smiling! If my cheeks turn red, I am physically attracted! If any of the above lead to my blushing, ask me for my number!

Myself, I'm a bit of a motormouth when it comes to interacting. I assume that it communicates nervousness as well. Eye contact, always, however some people find it hard to maintain it for periods over 4 seconds. It may have something to do with the fact that my default facial expression seems to appear to be somewhat stern.
Most of the people I know realize this, because I tend to have a self deprecating demeanor, at odds with my own non verbal cues.

90% off all communication is non verbal. You've been doing it subconciously all your life.

You know how to interpret it. Its on a subconcious level though and your not aware of it

if you start trying to think about it consciously you'll screw it up