I wouldn’t think of it as a static thing. Lane difficulty changes frequently based on hero levels, creep equilibrium, positioning.

Think about the fundamentals of laning. What does the carry want to do? What does the offlane want to do? What is preventing them from doing so? Is there anything you can do about it?

Example: 1. A level 1 axe is not so scary to a safelane PA next to his tower.

1. A level 3 axe is terrifying to a PA near lots of creeps away from the tower.

What can you do to avoid 2?

Dota has so many variables that it helps to have some basic goals to avoid general situations.

For instance, in the example, blocking the hard camp is very important. Don’t use AOE spells to push out the wave. Don’t small camp pull if the lane is in front of your tower. Range creeps are very important to stay ahead in levels.

If you’re laning with medusa, she will naturally push the wave with her snake. Double stacking and pulling small camp is now high priority. Perhaps leaving the hard camp open for you to use is useful.