A bare hey is low effort, but it is not nothing, especially from someone you like. Instead of matching it with hey back, take the lead and inject energy.
Give them something easy and fun to respond to. You set the tone, and a good reply can turn a lazy opener into a real chat.
Matching low effort with low effort stalls instantly. Add direction so the conversation has somewhere to go.
They went minimal, so you set the vibe. A little playfulness signals confidence and gets a better reply.
Ask something light or make a fun observation that is simple to answer.
Do not just say hey back. Add energy and an easy hook, like a playful question, so the conversation has a direction to go.
Not necessarily. Some people open low effort out of nerves or habit. Your reply can lift the energy and reveal whether they engage.
No need to play games. Reply when you see it, but make the reply count with more than a one-word answer.