Unfortunately this can be difficult. Obviously the best way to find out is just to ask him straight out, although this can be daunting and could make a friendship afterwards uncomfortable or awkward. However, there are a few ways that you could go about it, including:
This is the best way to get an actual answer, as any other way will just be based on guesswork. The best way to talk to him is to ask to see him on his own so that he doesn't feel under pressure from your friends or his to give you a certain answer.
If you aren't very confident you don't have to ask him outright just ask if he wants to do something with you, maybe go to the cinema or go shopping. If he agrees he obviously likes you in some way and getting to know him will allow him to feel he can talk to you if he does want more.
If you don't know the boy very well and would rather not have to ask him to his face then you could try looking for body language signs. For example, do you often catch him looking in your direction and turning away if he catches your eye? Does he blush or go shy when he is around you? Does he get flustered and embarrassed in your company? These signs could mean that he does have feelings for you.
If you like this boy then make sure he knows that you like him. It may be that he hides his feelings to avoid being rejected and your admission may give him the confidence to tell you how he feels.
Whichever method you go with, at some point you will have talk to him about his feelings and yours if you actually want to be more than friends; so why wait?
- Talk to him
This is the best way to get an actual answer, as any other way will just be based on guesswork. The best way to talk to him is to ask to see him on his own so that he doesn't feel under pressure from your friends or his to give you a certain answer.
If you aren't very confident you don't have to ask him outright just ask if he wants to do something with you, maybe go to the cinema or go shopping. If he agrees he obviously likes you in some way and getting to know him will allow him to feel he can talk to you if he does want more.
- Body language
If you don't know the boy very well and would rather not have to ask him to his face then you could try looking for body language signs. For example, do you often catch him looking in your direction and turning away if he catches your eye? Does he blush or go shy when he is around you? Does he get flustered and embarrassed in your company? These signs could mean that he does have feelings for you.
- Make your feelings known
If you like this boy then make sure he knows that you like him. It may be that he hides his feelings to avoid being rejected and your admission may give him the confidence to tell you how he feels.
Whichever method you go with, at some point you will have talk to him about his feelings and yours if you actually want to be more than friends; so why wait?