When asking a guy if he's single or if he has a girlfriend or not, which method is better?

moring text he sent me and sent text that i am single at the momenet and i ask how was your Experience with love. he sent a text was in a relationship with a women and didn't end well. maybe that means he has a ex girlfriend I just want to get to know someone and wait. I don't want to hurry things - I just want to get to know a person.
When asking a guy if he's single or if he has a girlfriend or not, which method is better?
Post Opinion