Search Results: what is first base in dating

I like a guy from work of three years both managers/good friends.
In the past I felt he liked me but I was taken or liked someone else.
When I was overseas last year I set him up with my best friend, he got to second base one night nothing more after that she now lives over seas.
He was causally dating someone beginning of the year they occasionally met up but nothing came from it. He won’t discuss this with me since they ended things [I was first to know] [but he talks to others about it].
He texts me picture memes often in relation to personal jokes between us. This has stopped recently in the last month or so.
I feel there is sexual tension but the more I feel I am flirting he is backing off.
Despite that these are things below to suggest he may like me.

2 friends of his sep. occasions asked if I liked him I said no [6 months ago]
he made a joke that I would never go anyone at work.
2 weeks ago we met up for drinks his idea. I was running an hour late and said don’t bother he said he would wait.
He asked me this night who I would go at work [I said him because other guys are taken or not straight, he changed the topic when I asked about him]
He moved this causal drinks into bottles of red and dinner and stretched it from a knock off to 7 hours.
He was engaged in convo and I was able to get his agreement on things he normally would not.
He was sitting facing me legs apart close despite us sitting at bar.
He kept bringing up relationships [in general and about my future].
He often praises how much my dad likes him.
He bought an expensive bottle of white for me and our boss and said to the boss that he owes me.
He calls me pet names at work and always says hello straight away despite it being busy.
I asked him to set me up in the past and he said, no one is good enough [5 months ago].

I know love knows no boundaries, it has no leagues, however based off first impressions people are selective when choosing potential partners before any bond is formed. I want to know how to figure out what league I should be aiming for. I want to know if I am being too picky or if I just need to get up enough confidence to show my interest in men I consider to be a great catch. These men are people I admire and respect, they are confident, kind, caring people with a strong character and physical strength and disciplined body and personality. I want to be able to look up to my man. But these men in attracted to are very admired and chased by many and quite popular so I don't feel I have a chance.
I myself am hit on by all kinds of men from ones who would be considered a lower 5or 6 to those people would consider an 8 or 9 (personality and looks) Although it is less common for 9s and it is usually 8s and 7s that hit on me. Is there a way to tell? I'm told I'm beautiful and cute and have a good personality and make friends quickly and easily although in kind of distant with attractive and popular guys cause I dont think they will care for me and I dont want to get attached to them...