lol just because the middleground is a cliched response doesn't mean taking one of the extremes is the only way to do it. yeah its subjective, but surely theres a point in your friendship where you know her as a friend, but not very well? if you want specifics, after talking to her a few times casually? just because its a point which pretty much only you can judge doesn't mean it is non-existant. its like saying that you can only be obese or skinny because its impossible to tell when you're in between.
but hey, if you want something thats less ambiguous, at the start is good - hwne ur love is most beutiful and new