I'm not a pro either. But a couple of things that partners have mine have done in this situation. Include just asking.

I didn't think any less of them for not knowing! I was too focused on what we were doing to be picky like that.
And also, I've noticed men touching themselves and me down there. And yes, that could be checking the condom is OK. Or moving a stray hair. Etc. But now that you mention it, I strongly suspect it's for this reason. And all of these have been men who've had sex numerous times before. Sometimes it just plain IS hard to tell. Because depending on the position, the cock can be quite tightly held. Even if it's not in. There's nothing wrong with you and this isn't something you should "magically" know.
Graveyard's really right about not stressing about it, though. And in terms of performance, try not to guess too much. Better just to ask. "Is that good?" "Is that fast / slow enough?" "What else do you want me to do?" And so on.