Search Results: make new friends online

Well I met a guy online. I was initially looking for people to hangout and find new friends with. Matched with this guy. We went on two dates in a span of 2 weeks. I didn't know what he was looking for though. A causal partner or friends or more? On our dates we held hands and etc. so I asked him to make sure we are on the same page. He said he enjoyed the dates and enjoyed hanging out with me whether date or not. If I don't like the dates then we can stop, he doesn't want it one sided. I said I was just making sure we wanted similar expectations so I can know when to leave and not have time wasted. We talked about past relationships earlier about lying and getting time wasted so I stepped up and asked. He said that's fair, and can't wait to see where this goes.

Asked does that mean another date? He said absolutely? I thanked him for answering and said it was awkward but when he wants to go on another date just let me know. He said he will and sounds good. But now I think he's going to ghost me. lol. I mean I understand it's awkward but I'd rather we both know and someone doesn't get hurt or confused. Makes it easier on both parties. He could be lying and just saying whatever. Maybe. But if he does now I will know it was just random bull he was saying and I saved myself some trouble. But is it WRONG to ask hey what exactly are you wanting? People are saying no don't ask that, it's too much. There's these rules people go by and I don't understand why you have to follow these rules in order to know instead of asking? What is wrong with communicating?

We've known each other for about a year. We actually met online became good friends very soon after we met. I began liking him and admitted it a few months after, but at the time he said that he had put romance to the side because he's going through some big life changes at the moment. However, lately, I've noticed that things have changed between us, and even though my friends and I think he has a crush on me, I also worry that I'm misreading things.

Reasons why I think he might like me:

1. He initiates conversations with me more. Either tries putting a smile on my face with a cute picture or just messaged me to say hi and see how I'm doing. Texts me in the morning and in random parts of the day

2. He's flirted with me. He is one of the shyest guys I know, and I've never seen him flirt with anyone until the two of us started talking.

3. He gives me nicknames of endearment (dear, sweets, sweetheart, even called me babe)

4. He compliments me a lot. Calls me beautiful, cute, sweet, etc.

5. He gets excited about me liking the same shows and movies he likes

6. Always tells me I should go visit him and he is serious about wanting to visit me too. He recently moved to a new city and said that his new neighborhood would become more perfect if I were there.

7. Says he really loves me. One time when I told him how much I liked one of the nicknames he gave me, he said, "I like you"

Reasons I think he might not like me:

1. We run out of things to talk about sometimes. I'm not sure if it's because we're both too nervous though

2. Has referred to me as his friend a couple times. Of course we're not officially dating or anything, so we technically are friends, but I guess this just made me... confused, somehow?

3. I think it's mostly my pessimistic side that makes me think that he might not see me that way, so it's all probably just me being too worrisome or something

What are your thoughts on this situation with my crush and me?