$(1)$ In general, a question cannot serve as an offer, but as a mere inquiry as it lacks a manifested intent to be bound. An offer is a proposal with conditions given by one party to another party to form a contract. An offer must be communicated to the offeree and must be clear and definite in terms. It must also be expressed in an absolute and reasonable manner. An offer is a proposal with conditions given by one party to another party to form a contract. An offer must be communicated to the offeree and must be clear and definite in terms. It must also be expressed in an absolute and reasonable manner. A question cannot serve as an offer, but as a mere inquiry as it lacks a manifested intent to be bound. A question is a request for information, and it does not show the intention of the person asking the question to be bound by the answer. A question is not an offer because it does not show the intention of the person asking the question to be bound by the answer. A counteroffer is an offer that is made in response to another offer. It is a new offer that changes the terms of the original offer. A counteroffer is not an acceptance of the original offer, but rather a new offer that changes the terms of the original offer. A counteroffer is an offer that is made in response to another offer. It is a new offer that changes the terms of the original offer. A counteroffer is not an acceptance of the original offer, but rather a new offer that changes the terms of the original offer. $(2)$ In the end, Hallie and Catsaulk do$/$do not have a meeting of the minds. A meeting of the minds is when both parties to a contract agree to the same terms and conditions of the contract. The meeting of the minds is the most critical element of an offer. It is the moment when both parties understand and agree to the terms of the offer. In this case, Catsaulk offered Hallie $9,500.$ Both parties did not agree to the same terms, so they did not have a meeting of the minds. A meeting of the minds is when both parties to a contract agree to the same terms and conditions of the contract. The meeting of the minds is the most critical element of an offer. It is the moment when both parties understand and agree to the terms of the offer. Final answer: In this case, Catsaulk offered Hallie $9,500.$ Both parties did not agree to the same terms, so they did not have a meeting of the minds.