People you only know a little vs. people you don't know

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One of the things I struggle with, is whether or not to say hello to people I barely know, whether to make eye-contact with them, and so on. I have no problems asking people I don't know for directions, to spot when I train at the gym, and stuff like that, but with people I know to a lesser extent, it becomes a lot more awkward.

Does anyone else feel that way?

To the point of me saying "hi" and the other person shamelessly ignoring me?

Yes, I had that a couple of times in the past, it feels like a gentle but robust slap in the face on an early morning, stays in your front mind for the rest of the day or even week.

Made me learn to not say anything or just do subtle (nodding) gestures or just reply when the other person (finally) breaks the ice.

I also am often insecure if I should say "Hi" or not. What I do is the following: If the person says "Hi" I answer to them and if they don´t say anything or nod or something like this, I don´t do anything, too.

I've been through this and have strategically planed just to wave at them and say hi if they vocalize a greeting first.

Acknowledging people exist just feels right IMO.

^^ This. I dislike vocalizing a greeting only to not have it returned. If I instead go for initiating the eye-contact-nod route I feel much less put down if it is not returned.