How can I tell if a "friend" is online?

I want to play a person who has friended me here.

How can I tell when he is online?

Also, how do I then challenge him to a live game?

                    Go to his home page. Look at his avatar. If it has a little green square box in it;  he's on-line.  If the box isn't there; he's not on-line.

Got it.  Once he's online, how do I challenge him to a LIVE game?

You will both need to go into Live chess at the same time. Check out this article for more details. :) 

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/livechess/how-to-master-the-ins-and-outs-of-live-chess

You will both need to go into Live chess at the same time. Check out this article for more details. :) 

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/livechess/how-to-master-the-ins-and-outs-of-live-chess

                 Now THAT'S funny.    200 bonus points for Calamondin!   2 messages because you will BOTH need to go online

Thanks, the link answered my question.

So the green box next to a name means that they are online. Orange boxes mean they are in a game

Correct orange is live chess match 👍

thank you

hi im Mason (which is my middle name), I'm new to chess and love to learn to play and get good at it and I'm a 6th grader Lake Alfred polytech and its nice to meet you guys