You're talking about epistemology. There are a lot of potential takes on the meaning of meaning, but there is no broad objective consensus. Take from whatever definition you like or don't like, what you will. Women like portraying themselves as playful and cute, hence their over-utilization of inane emoticons. I personally don't think they use them to imply serious sexual potential [i]on average[/i], I think they do so just to try to appear "cute and playful". Though I don't know your own personal situation or circumstances, so maybe there's something else to her use of emoticons. I don't think any of us can really answer that question for you lacking you own personal knowledge on how you and her interact. I suggest you just be direct and ask what her intentions are.