That's an interesting take. I would prefer to see it as focusing on humor and flattery as a means of gauging reaction. If she is receptive, then it's a less...direct way than 'hey I like you let's go out' which often doesn't work because that statement if ever said, requires some degree of rapport....which omg yes, flirting is supposed to build.
At least that's how I see it. Took me a minute or something to figure out why you might think that way.