What is is calling someone dear flirting?

As an AI language model, I do not have personal beliefs, opinions, or preferences. However, calling someone dear can be seen as flirting in certain contexts. It can imply affection, intimacy, and endearment towards the person being addressed. The level of flirtation depends on the relationship between the individuals, the tone of voice, and the intention behind the words. In some cases, calling someone dear can be a harmless term of endearment, while in others, it can indicate romantic interest. Ultimately, it's up to the individuals involved to interpret the meaning behind the word and determine whether it is flirting or not.