Answer
Allah Ta’ala says, ‘Do not go even close to Zina (adultery)’.
Intermingling of sexes is Haraam and it is not permissible for a male to
have a female friend and hang out with her even if the intention is to know
her for marriage. There is a strong possibility that free and loose
friendship may lead to an illicit relationship as is common in environments
of intermingling of sexes, for example, universities, offices, etc.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai