"Basically we are descended from a long line of successful flirts and it is hard-wired into our brains," social anthropologist Kate Fox said.
The subtle rules of flirting vary so much, that foreigners are often caught unawares or unsure if they are being courted or insulted.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, touching strangers, even just a friendly hand on the shoulder in the pub, is a big no, no, as is approaching or complimenting a stranger in the street.
Britain
In Britain, flirting tends to be alcohol-fuelled to cover up fears of intimacy and rejection.
"The British male is either, reticent, tongue-tied and awkward, or boorish and crass, and he usually consumes too much alcohol.
English male flirting tends to be very circuitous, and involves a lot of insults rather than compliments," said Ms Fox.
"I've had to explain lots of times to foreign friends that 'silly cow' can really be a term of endearment," added the Oxford-based researcher who has just published a book "Watching the
English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour."
France
In France expect a sudden rush of compliments and open flirtation. It's also perfectly acceptable in France for men to walk up to a stranger in the street and ask them to go for a coffee, even at the risk of being knocked back.
Sweden
In Sweden visitors may be deceived into thinking that flirting does not exist, since two strangers rarely exchange glances, a wink or a telling smile.
But come the weekend, Swedes, both men and women, let loose. Don't expect sophisticated romance though, as it's not unusual for an inebriated Swede to immediately ask the woman who has caught his eye if she wants to have sex.
Italy
In Italy where men and women embrace with ease at each meeting, foreign girls can be seen as fair game by young Italian males, often frustrated by long, traditional courtships with their Italian girlfriends.
Women sitting on their own in a Rome cafe are likely to attract more than one rowdy "Ciao bella!" and could find it hard to shake off their unwanted beau.
Czech Republic
A recent sociological study in the Czech Republic carried out for the labour ministry found that most people perceived sexual harassment as being "a concept artificially imported from abroad".
"Conversations with hidden erotic meaning, provocative allusions and even rude stories are all part of what makes the world go round," the study concluded.