counter-hint
When you detect that somebody is giving you a hint, so you give them one right back.
I've asked you to socialize with me, and each time you've told me that you have other plans. So I'll leave you alone unless you ask me out and let ME tell YOU whether I'm "busy." -- The speaker is giving a counter-hint that s/he has reason to believe that the person spoken to is giving him/her a hint that they're not interested in dating/ palling around.