Search Results: best things to say on first date

Early/casual dating can be so ambiguous.

I’d love some suggestions/tips on how to communicate interest, find clarity of how he’s feeling about things, without coming on too strong.

Met a guy online. He suggested the first date which went brilliantly - lots in common, laughter, good conversation. It felt like we had great chemistry on all levels. He told me he enjoyed it at the end, we hugged, and parted.

He texted the next day to thank me for the date. I replied saying I’d like to do it again, then he agreed that he would too.
we kept messaging, but no mention of booking another date.
after almost 2 weeks, I asked him when he’d be free. He mentioned a time (his one day off in 8 days), so we booked that in.

We had our second date yesterday. The conversation still flowed well, we laughed a few times, and spoke about some deeper things, such as struggles at work etc. we’re both nurses, in high up roles with a lot of responsibility. so we just seemed to “get” each other.
I felt more nervous though, as I’m starting to like him a bit, and I was also sleep deprived, due to a poorly timed early morning phone call from work (which I did mention to him). So I felt like I wasn’t my best self yesterday, so was worried how I came across.
He also spoke about his family and friends, telling me their names, explaining who was who, and even showing me a photo or two. So he was sharing some personal things.
3.5 hours later, I ended the date.

Im not sure if he told me whether he had a nice time or not at the end of the date, as I was feeling a bit nervous, so my mind was buzzing a bit. But I did tell him that it was nice to see him again, which he also said back to me.
we hugged briefly, then he said “I’ll see you later”.

24 hours later, he hasn’t messaged me and I haven’t messaged him.

I enjoy his company, and would like to see him again. But I don’t want to come on too strong. I also want a bit of clarity.
So I need to say something.
Any tips/suggestions/advice?