This is related somewhat to the pre-rejection question, but there's a second layer.
I attend a wine tasting on a regular basis. A couple of years ago, a former classmate ("Carl") walked in. I greeted him and chatted with him. After that, he started coming in frequently as well. I figured out pretty quickly that he had a little crush on me. I wasn't interested in the least, so I was polite but not particularly friendly.
The problem is that he's been implying to other people (or even, apparently saying outright) that we are, or have been, dating. I consider this a serious overstepping of boundaries. However, as he has never said this in front of me, I'm not sure that it's right of me to call him out on it.
The reason I know this is that other people at the wine tasting have been asking me if we're together, or asking how he is. I do not see or speak to him outside of the tastings. Aside from when I first saw him and greeted him with a hug, I haven't had any physical contact whatsoever. Basically, I can't see any reason why he might possibly think that we were dating, or even that I was interested, other than wishful thinking.
If this was just a crush, then I'd continue to do what I have been doing: focusing on other people at the tastings, encouraging him to date/pursue other interests (if it comes up), talking about my love interests, keeping conversation mostly superficial, etc. However, if he's actively telling people that we're dating, that's a problem. I object to starting false rumors on principle, but this seems even worse, as if it continues, he could actually put off potential partners.
So, e-hellions, what is your advice?
Edited for html