What does it mean if a guy says "I would date you if I could.."

Anonymous
. but it would be awkward and difficult." Does he mean that sincerely or is he just saying that for some other reasoning, because if a guy really wanted to date you, wouldn't he find a way even if it was difficult? Was he maybe trying to see how I felt about him through my response?

Here's the whole story behind it if you want to read it.

There is this guy I have been in a way, hooking up with, for about a year and a half. We are not just hook up buddies, we actually are friends too. The other day I told him I didn't know how long I could be doing this with him because I might get a boyfriend sometime soon. He told me "Aww. Well, it's all good. I'm not going to stop you" I told him I know that he's not stopping me, and I just wanted to let him know ahead of time.

He said that he understands and after a few minutes or silence he told me that he would date me if he could, but it would be awkward and difficult (I know it's bad, but there is somewhat of a big age difference and I have to keep it a secret from my parents just to hang out with him).

I told him I understand that it would be awkward and difficult and he told me he wishes I'd turn 18 faster.

I tried to change the subject after that and he later commented "sorry. I'm a creep."

Do you think he was just saying that to keep me around as somebody to hook up with, or do you think he may have feelings for me? I just feel like since I am pretty young, that he wouldn't really want anything to do with me other than hook up. If a guy really liked you, wouldn't he find a way to make it work instead of using the excuse that it would be difficult? I'm trying to figure out if I'm just being played.
What does it mean if a guy says "I would date you if I could.."
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