Hitting on is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of flirting or showing romantic interest towards someone. However, there are plenty of synonyms that can be used to describe the same action, such as chatting up, coming on to, making a move on, showing interest in, and making advances towards. Each phrase can be used in different situations and for different levels of intimacy, with some showing a more aggressive approach while others may imply a more casual or friendly interaction. The use of alternate synonyms can also help avoid repetition while still conveying the same meaning and intention.