Is it normal that i can't tell if she's hinting?

I think it's possible that given your history of noticing small things (that can often mean something, but typically do not), and turning them into something larger in your mind, it is likely that is what is happening here.

If she is only asking for help in math or sitting close to you when you have a paper she needs, it's also possible she is just looking for help with homework.

That said...do you hang out, outside of class? Does she behave the same way when she isn't talking to you about class work? If she makes an effort to get close to you, when there isn't anything for her to gain from you, so to speak, she may like you.

Test her. Purposely get in her space; like reach for something that is just past her; or while she's standing, stand so you're beside her, so close your shoulder/arm is almost touching (but don't be facing her).

If she backs away, or even worse, seems bothered by your close proximity, then she's not into you.

If she stays and doesn't move away from you immediately, you'll know you have a chance.

People enjoy being in close physical proximity to those who they are attracted to and it's apparent in their subconscious reactions.

Sounds to me like she's just using for your brains here.

Girls do like a smart guy. I say continue to help her and when you're done, say something like "i'm sick of doing homework....let's go find something cool to do." Just walk around if that's the only thing you can do. Talk. I've never met a girl that didn't like to talk. Just play it cool and listen to every word. Ask questions.

You've then graduated from "some guy that helps me with homework" to "really sweet guy that helps me and really listens to me"

...which is only a step or two away from "guy I mess around with."

You're wasting too much time over analyzing, what if by the time you make up your mind she don't like you anymore. Gosh just ask her out or something

Brw she needed my Spanish in srudyhall. She and I do chat sometimes, but it's just as aquaitences. She's not using me either. She genuinly needed help.

I used to have trouble with this too. As more people said, try to do something else with her. Just chat with her in school and try to spend some time with her alone talking about non school-related stuff. Music for example. If she likes you she'll defenitly hint, even if she's shy.

It's certainly not abnormal. Women can be pretty confusing.

yeah, don't jump the gun. see if u can just strike up any random conversation with her, and see how interested she is in just talking and what not. she might just be using you but you who knows. if ahe's only interested in talming about math, then make yourself less available. in that case you could say you're going to be busy having dinner with a date's family even if all ur going to do is go home and play X box. lol

if you can't tell then she doesn't like you

Test her. See what she does. Accidently brush your hand against hers and see her reaction.