What did he mean by, "Just to say Howdy"?

[Anonymous]

Yesterday my crush randomly dm me and said hi and we talked a lot. I then asked him why he texted me and he said, "Just to say howdy". What does he mean by that? I also know have his number. Does he like me?

[flatline]

He just wanted to talk to you. I can't say if he likes you based off of this, not enough info.

[Asker]

Hahah okay. Well last week he is in my bio class and his friends teased me saying he likes me and he turned around and said yeah I really do and then they said he called me beautiful and we have a ship name but that is all a joke. 😂. I always catch him looking at me as well.