sean, if you feel the connection, i'd say go for it. the worst thing that could happen is you'll have a million 'what if's?" in you're head, and i don't think anything is as worse as that. look for little signals when you're around her as to whether or not she likes you. If her friends are telling you that she likes you (and if you are in high school or jr high) i can safely say that she probably does as we often get our friends to do our dirty work cuz we are either too shy or too nervous to actually go up and talk to you ourselves. the only way that could backfire is if her friends and her a bunch of major bitches and lead guys on as a joke. so ask yourself what kinda crowd is she from, what are her friends like? that should answer that question as to whether or not her friends and her are for real.

finally if you notice things like constant staring, giggling as you walk by (with her friends) and other typical female novice flirting techniques i'd say this is a green light and go for it. the likelihood that she'd ask you out? pretty slim. i'm not like other girls, and in jr high i did ask a guy out, i wasn't gonna wait around any longer with the mixed signals and i was really glad i did. however most girls around the age of 14-17 don't have that kind of self confidence (or maybe cockiness?) that i had back in the day so don't hold out waiting for her to make a move. she probably won't, esp if she is unsure where you stand. try making it obvious that you're interested and you'll see more signals from her that she is too.

i guess i'm saying take a chance, you never know. but it comes down to whether or not you're comfortable about it/around her. thats my girl view hope it helps!