Is he really just joking when he flirts with me?

Okay he likes you but like most guys is afraid of rejection. Trust me. He says how he feels but falls back into his safety net right after because he doesn't want to fail. Now you can help him out. The next time he flirts and says just kidding ask him "Why should we pretend an hide our true feeling? '' Do it in a seductive yet playful manner. See if he melts or plays along. One thing is for sure. There is wall that you've come to a stop in the romance. He gets to one point and stops. You got to make him feel more comfortable by slowly escalating the "boundaries" until there are none.

The thinking behind this is that he says the things he means but then makes a joke out of it as a way of protecting himself if you don't respond in the same manner. So to me what he is trying to do is show you some interest, but he is afraid that you won't return the favor. I suggest next time, if you like this guy, is return a compliment or so something to show that your interested so he can cut the little kid joking stuff out of the relationship

Be honest and ask him what he means. That is the only way. I think anyway.

Wow that is so cute you shouldn't ask him that would put him on the spot he clearly loves you allot but he doesn't want to get hurt and doesn't know if you like him as more than a friend. So what you should do is say it back I bet you he will blush there is no control over it. And then you will know he really loves you. I hope it all works out. :)

Wow! Interesting. Okay, next time he says, "I love you". "like a friend". You should respond, "I love you". AND WAIT AT LEAST 20 seconds. (this is important) and reply, "like a friend". And then just sort of see his reaction. If he seems a kinda of disappointed or rejected. Follow it up by: "if you want me to love you like a friend that is. ". And see what he says. I think rock1281 is dead-on. This guy likes you but at the same time doesn't want to get hurt.

If I were you, I'd ask him how he really feels. But ask him one day after school, when its just you two. Don't be like "i like you," because it might wreck the friendship. I've had this exact problem too- I was getting mixed signals. So I told him "look. Sometimes I find myself liking you a lot, and I don't know what to do. " if he doesn't say he likes you the same way, say "well cool because that was in the past. " then you can figure out what to do next. At least you won't be wondering. Because I know its the worst feeling, right? Haha anyway, I hope I helped some :)