How do you transition acquaintances to become your friend?

It was never easy for me to make friends. I have a lot of acquaintances that I talk to from time to time. I can see me being friends with them because I like them and I would like to hang out. I actually can make guy friends easily but I think it’s because initially most are attracted to me but even if they aren’t I can still make a guy friend easily.

I don’t know why it’s harder for me with girls. I see some girls I want to befriend but I don’t know how to. In the Asian community we all kind of know each other and we’re cool but how do I start hanging out with them? I feel like it’s kind of weird and “datish” when you say “Hey, want to grab lunch sometime?” if I’ve never hung out with them.

Luckily, one girl I am cool with is trying out my gym and I was thinking of having a workout buddy. My bf is my workout buddy so I’ll try to not make him feel left out lol.

I just wish for once I’d have a female friend I like that I could hang out with and talk to. I feel like it’s odd too because they already have their own “cliques” and friends and that it’d be awkward.