Asking Out a Good Friend

I've known this friend(girl) for a couple of years now but never made the move to actually go on dates with her. I'm not sure if she has any feelings for me but I thought I'd take a shot.

We've been on several date-like activities such as going to movies, lunch, beach etc but they were more of us just hanging out as friends. We went for a couple of months with no contact, but recently met up today at a cafe to catch up, but again, it was to catch up.
My question is, how do I go about asking her out? Should I explicitly say the word "date" because I feel like it could be misleading if I just ask her out for dinner, considering that it could be taken as just us hanging out.

Has anyone had a similar experience and mind sharing some tips?

You want to date her you have to tell her straight out that you have an interest in her that goes beyond friendship and then wait for her answer. If she gives you a bunch of excuses, like she inst looking, or too busy maybe later, etc, that means a big fat no.

CCFord, to answer your question, using the word "date" when asking her out is a step in the right direction, and something I always do. If you vaguely ask to go out for dinner, they can say yes and assume its a dinner and not a date.

Be forward enough to make your intentions clear.