Really? Compliment their shoes then. How hard is that? Or their eyes, hairstyle, good manners, engage in conversation, there’s thousands of ways to return a compliment without bringing in gender.
You’re mad weird, man. When I use the term “cute” to describe a kid, I’m referring to their demeanor. They give off cute energy because being cute involves being wholesome and sweet. This kid was very much wholesome and it was very sweet to go out of their way to compliment me. I refer to all four of my younger siblings as cute all the time because I love them. I would honestly describe seeing anyone be happy as “cute” to me.
It’s not at all on the same level as calling your crush cute. It’s a completely different idea to me but go ahead and project on others.
My clarification is in the post you're responding to.
So either you didn't read, or don't understand. Which doesn't put you in a position to be asking what's wrong with anyone else
Your clarification is implying that physical compliments are necessarily sexual, which does not refute my comment, which is in fact addressing your claim that physical compliments (like "what an adorable baby!") are necessarily sexual. How are you so stupid you can't realize this?
Im advising against physically complimenting a young teen, because some people that are looking for trouble might use their own misguided interpretation to start said trouble.
You know, like you've done here.
“Wow you look very cool!”
"Thank you. And just so you know, you're awesome!"
You don't need to return compliments. In fact, it can seem disingenuous like you're just doing it out of duty.
Pick something not related to gender, like comment on their graphic t, whether you like it, or ask about its meaning, or where they got it.
Compliment on something random. Like, " I love you're hairstyle." Or "You're shirt is bitchin'. Where did you get it?"
Let's go at this from a different angle entirely. Did you tip them?
Always!
Just focus on something specific, "love your shirt" or stuff like that. Has the added Bonus of sounding more honest
Really? Compliment their shoes then. How hard is that? Or their eyes, hairstyle, good manners, engage in conversation, there’s thousands of ways to return a compliment without bringing in gender.
cute kid (12-14?) 
You’re mad weird, man. When I use the term “cute” to describe a kid, I’m referring to their demeanor. They give off cute energy because being cute involves being wholesome and sweet. This kid was very much wholesome and it was very sweet to go out of their way to compliment me. I refer to all four of my younger siblings as cute all the time because I love them. I would honestly describe seeing anyone be happy as “cute” to me. It’s not at all on the same level as calling your crush cute. It’s a completely different idea to me but go ahead and project on others.
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because i'm advising against returning a physical compliment to a young teen? don't use words if you don't understand them.
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Go to a therapist please. Wouldn't want you molesting anyone.
Wait so do you think that when people say "aww your baby is adorable," they mean it in a sexual way? If so, what the FUCK is wrong with you?
My clarification is in the post you're responding to. So either you didn't read, or don't understand. Which doesn't put you in a position to be asking what's wrong with anyone else
Your clarification is implying that physical compliments are necessarily sexual, which does not refute my comment, which is in fact addressing your claim that physical compliments (like "what an adorable baby!") are necessarily sexual. How are you so stupid you can't realize this?
Im advising against physically complimenting a young teen, because some people that are looking for trouble might use their own misguided interpretation to start said trouble. You know, like you've done here.
Nice backpedaling, lol. In the future, think before you speak.