How to show (friendly) affection?

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I always have a problem with getting to know people better. I just started my first real job and managed to get a pretty good, relaxed relationship to everybody in my (small) department. Now I would like to know how I can show some special people that I like them especially (in a friendly way), because I kind of have to build a new circle of friends. Ideally without coming across weird or awkward. And, if possible, without making it look like flirting What do you do to signal to somebody that you like them or that you want to be friends, not just coworkers?

Ask someone to go grab lunch with you, maybe? If it's in the workplace, I doubt it would come across as flirting, and I don't think it would come across as weird at all (people do it at my workplace all the time). Obviously you'd pay for your own lunches, but it might be a start towards getting to know people a bit better.

Well, ask yourself what you find special about them. If it's a topic you share similar views on, ask to talk about it with them over lunch or simply ask them to hang out at the pub or for food somewhere. If you show you are likeminded chances are they will want to hang out.

I think the lunch idea is good, and will give you an opportunity to develop the friendship away from the workplace. I'm thinking of bringing in some Halloween cupcakes.