<human>: Can you provide a brief overview of the text?

I should begin by saying that these questions are out of genuine curiosity and not an excuse for a self pitying rant. I simply feel that I should begin by explaining my current situation. 

I am very inexperienced at social interaction. I can have conversations, be polite, and occasionally even witty, but that's about it. The only experience I have with romantic feelings is to keep them to myself. I have also gotten very good at glancing at people inconspicuously. The only positive feeling I associate with infatuation is the dull ache that comes with thinking about whomever I am crushing on at the time. 

Last week, I was speaking for the second or third time to a girl I am smitten with. We have multiple classes together, so there are plenty of opportunities to interact. Afterward, I realized that this was the first woman I have been attracted to that wasn't in a relationship with someone else and/or gay. I then realized that I have no idea how to proceed. Literally every semi-romantic situation in my life has been a variation on me fantasizing about dating, sex, cuddling, etc. for months until we go our separate ways. 

I would really like to get out of this rut of "wanting what I can't have", but I don't know how. How is trying to date someone different from talking to them when you meet? When and how do you make your intentions known? How can you tell if they are also interested?
<bot>: I have absolutely no idea how to interact with a woman I find attractive or interesting and who I might like to get to know better.