with no ring there is no public commitment, right? You can still change your mind. If you're wearing an engagement or wedding ring, they figure you've made up your mind - but until then there's always a chance.
Now if we're talking about "one nice night" then your analysis is correct. But really, if you're just dating someone, not married or engaged, and a guy at work finds you attractive, can you really fault him for thinking perhaps he has the opportunity to throw his hat in the ring? And if you're not engaged or married, aren't you reserving the right to change your mind about the relationship? Maybe someday a guy walks into the bar and you develop a rapport with him and decide you like him as much or more than Paul. Why couldn't you decide to end your relationship with Paul and go for the new guy? No one's saying you have to, or would, cheat on your current boyfriend.
Yes, I am traditional here. But that's what I see as the purpose of getting married. You make the choice that this is the last person you will date and you tell everyone. Until then, its a testament to the ever lasting optimism of men that they see the chance to get you to change your mind and dump your guy for them.
I bet it would be annoying. But turn it around and take it as a compliment that they find you attractive. Even if you weren't dating a wonderful guy, would you really go out with very many of the guys you meet there? Just roll your eyes like you really want to and chalk it up to overblown ego.
