You just got a hey text from a guy. It’s simple, vague, and leaves you wondering: What does he mean?
Should you sound casual, interested, funny — or play it cool?
If you’ve been searching for how to respond to hey, this is the guide that solves the mystery in seconds.
Different situations need different replies. A crush, a boyfriend, a new match, or even a guy friend each call for their own vibe.
This article gives you 120+ ways to reply — whether you’re in a flirty mood, trying to keep it chill, or want to show real interest.
Formal Ways to Respond to “Hey” from a Guy
Use these if you’re unsure of the guy’s intention or want to keep things polite and neutral.
- Hello, how can I help you?
- Good to hear from you
- Hope all is well — what’s up?
- Hi, what’s on your mind?
- Nice to hear from you — how have you been?
- Hello, anything I can do for you?
- Hi there — long time no talk
- Good evening, how are you today?
- Hello, what made you text me today?
- Hi, I hope your day is going well
- Greetings — what’s the occasion?
- Hey, did you need something?
- Hi there — how can I assist you?
- Good day — how may I respond?
- Hello, it’s nice to reconnect
- Thank you for the message — how can I help?
- Hope you’re doing fine — what’s up?
- Hello, what’s the reason for reaching out?
- Hey, is everything okay?
- Hi — I hope all is going smoothly
- Hey there, what’s on your mind today?
- Hello — anything important you wanted to share?
- Hi, what brings you to my inbox today?
- Good to see your name pop up — how’s life?
- Hello again — hope the day’s been kind to you
- Hey, thanks for the message — how can I help you today?
- Greetings — care to continue the conversation?
- Hi there, shall we catch up?
- Hope things are going well — what’s up with you?
- Hello, what’s happening on your side?
Informal Ways to Respond to “Hey” from a Guy
These are great for casual conversations with friends, crushes, or someone you talk to often.
- Hey you
- Yo, what’s good?
- Look who it is
- Well, hey there
- What’s up?
- Fancy seeing your name here
- Long time no chat
- Hey hey
- Oh hi
- What’s going on?
- You texted first this time
- What’s crackin’?
- Hola amigo
- Hey stranger
- Hey back at ya
- Heyyyy
- Wassup dude?
- Took you long enough
- Hey! You caught me
- What’s cookin’?
- You rang?
- Just hey? That’s all I get?
- Hey cutie
- Oh wow, hey
- Heya! What’s happening?
- What kind of “hey” is this? Curious or bored?
- Hey there, been a minute
- What brings you here?
- Your hey woke me up
- I was just thinking about you — spooky
Idiomatic Ways to Respond to “Hey” from a Guy
These replies are clever, fun, and add some charm or mystery to your message.
- Hey is for horses
- That’s a mighty mysterious hey
- Sound the alarms — I got a text
- Thought you forgot about me
- You texting or testing me?
- I sense a plot twist
- Is this the start of a rom-com?
- I’ve heard better openings, try again
- You miss me or just bored?
- Hey, stranger danger
- What are we hey-ing about today?
- That hey feels like it wants something
- Do I hear the beginning of a love story?
- Well hey there, cowboy
- A wild text appears
- I was waiting for that hey all day
- This must be fate texting me
- Is this hey soft, flirty, or just lazy?
- Tell me something I don’t know
- I’ll respond if you bring snacks
- Is that a hey or a signal?
- Took you long enough to hey
- This hey better come with context
- Flirting or just bored? Be honest
- This better lead to something good
- Oh no, not the one-word game again
- A man of mystery, I see
- The plot thickens
- This hey feels like the beginning of a scandal
Professional Ways to Respond to “Hey” from a Guy
Use these when chatting with a colleague, networking contact, or someone where boundaries are important.
- Hello, how can I help you?
- Hi, is there something you’d like to discuss?
- Good to hear from you — what’s the update?
- Hello, I’m available if you need assistance
- Hi, was there a matter you wanted to talk about?
- Greetings — how can I be of service?
- Hi there — what’s this regarding?
- Hello, please let me know how I may assist
- Hi — is there something I can help with?
- Hey, is this related to our previous chat?
- Good morning — do you have a question?
- Hi, feel free to clarify your message
- Hello — what prompted the message?
- Hope you’re well — how may I support you?
- Hi, I’m available to talk briefly now
- Is this about the project we discussed?
- Please share more details when you can
- Good afternoon — shall we continue our last conversation?
- Hello, what would you like to discuss?
- Hi — was this a follow-up message?
- I see your message — feel free to expand
- Hello, is this about the meeting?
- Can you share a bit more context?
- I’ll need more information to respond
- Good to hear from you — how can I assist today?
- Kindly let me know the purpose of your text
- Hey, is this work-related or social?
- Let’s get to the point — what’s going on?
- I’m happy to help if I know more
- Thanks for the message — what’s next?
Conclusion
A simple “hey” can mean many things — curiosity, affection, boredom, or just a hello.
How you respond depends on the tone you want to set. Whether it’s professional, playful, romantic, or friendly, this guide gave you smart replies to keep the conversation going.
Pick the right one for the moment, and let your message say more than just hey.