Search Results: hook up with someone else

Around two weeks ago, my mother and I got in a heated argument. A few times, I’ve told her that I think I’m cursed with interpersonal relationships. I have no friends, the friendships I’ve had either dwindled or I stop talking to them because I felt like I was putting in more work. Regarding romantic relationships, I’m in my twenties and only been on dates , nothing serious. It goes like this: the guys I find attractive only want hook-ups or are jerks & the ones that like me I don’t find attractive. I’m told I’m pretty, I think I’m cute but even when I was skinnier I didn’t get much attention. She thinks that it’s because I’m still guarded, but that doesn’t mean anything. If someone is attractive, they will get attention regardless of personality. The dating apps are my only outlet to meet people, she thinks they work while me & everyone else think they’re trash. A lot of the guys stop messaging or seem to never log on again. Because I told her that I want to date a guy I find attractive/taller than me, I’ve rejected a few guys that were decent looking but my height or an inch taller. She thinks I’m shallow & that I can end up alone, which is one of the reasons why I’m having these issues. I left her at the restaurant & had her take an Uber (true story). She’s saying that I’m having a hard time with the apps & it’s mostly my fault, clearly not the case. All these guys are flakes or just creepy.

I've seen this question pop up here at least a couple of times, and I'm curious what the person is getting at when they ask.
I'd like to know how the majority votes so that I can give more informed advice to people, dating.

Scenario:
You met someone (either online or IRL.)
You're getting to know them.
It's in the early stages.
There has been interest, seemingly, on one or both sides.
Or you went out together, one or more times.
Or you hooked up.

You ask, "So, are you seeing anyone else?" (I use the word "else" because you to have just started something. But you don't know what it is yet.)

Why do you ask this?

Is it more often/likely that you want to know what their level of interest is in you, and if they are available, not committed or dating anyone else, and interested in being exclusive with you? You'd prefer being the only one.

Or is it more often/likely that you're just looking for hookups, and you want to know if the other person is seeing anyone else (or looking for any other potentials), which will tell you that you are not going to be exclusive, and will be free to see other people, yourself, simultaneously, as well?
You'd prefer you're NOT the only one.