Like most of these things there's almost certainly more to it than we're being told by the meeja. I'm sure we don't need to have it pointed out that banter or flirting can be fine for some people and not for others. That said there are some pretty thick skinned people who just don't know when it's appropriate (not that I'm pronouncing judgement here on either party) and when it's not.
Aviation is one of the last bastions of a 'robust' work environment and most of the cabin crew I've worked with can give as good as they get. When the pisstaking stops it's a bad sign.