Way less awkwardness. You are in a relaxed environment with friends, and there's much less scrambling for things to talk about, because pretty much everyone can tell awesome stories about their friends.
However, there is an increased level of awkwardness if you like someone from the other group -- you have to isolate them and try to get their number, which isn't always the easiest thing in a group of 6.
Whoa there Casanova - seems like a pretty good move to get into a private conversation with the person you want to get a number from. It's going to be awkward and have a lower probability of success if you shout your request across the table.
Plus... if she says no, you have now made everyone else at the table your second choice, and no one wants to be second choice.
Figuring out how to get everyone's number at once without looking creepy or putting anyone in particular on the spot is left as an exercise for the reader. ;)
(The first one I'd try: a friendly group contact info exchange suggestion, to be able to keep in touch, would let me then follow up one-on-one later over text/calling/facebook/your method of choice, without having to corner anyone.)
There's that whole set of people that don't use Facebook ... also, creeper factor much? "hey.. I was searching for you on facebook, and... wanted to know if we could hang out" insert heavy breathing where most awkward to fit my mental image of someone stalking me on facebook
My guess is that by "isolate" the parent means it would be awkward to have others at the table hear that you are doing that (edit: asking for a phone number) or it might make someone who wasn't picked feel uncomfortable or even the person you've picked might feel uncomfortable in front of others rejecting (or even accepting) a phone number request.
Isn't the whole thing supposed to be a dating site? Isn't the whole point of dating to find (ie: "isolate") someone you like and go do fun things together?
Maybe. But all of those are artificial problems that don't really exist with people who have gone beyond the emotional/social maturity of 14 year olds.
It's also a sign of cowardice. Cowardice is unattractive in potential mates.
Your analysis of the situation is basically correct but your judgmental tone and general sneering attitude to those with social problems are the mark of a cock.
No, it's not. It's a sign of empathy, attractive to potential mates. It isn't just you taking the risk (which you could ascribe to cowardliness); it is you needing to be careful to not shame your friends.
No, it's not cowardice. It's about being discreet. Though I agree with another poster in this subthread: just ask everyone's phone numbers (if the group is small enough).
It actually takes courage to disengage from a group setting in order to signify romantic interest in someone you don't know very well. The comfortable thing to do is remain in the group setting.
However, there is an increased level of awkwardness if you like someone from the other group -- you have to isolate them and try to get their number, which isn't always the easiest thing in a group of 6.