Get a straight answer when he changes the subject on exclusivity

Look at what he did with the question. If he answered the plans part, kept things warm, and changed the topic smoothly, he's probably dodging a talk he isn't ready for. If he went straight to a joke or a compliment that skipped your question, it probably makes him uncomfortable. Watch whether he brings it up again on his own. Someone who wants to be exclusive tends to circle back within a few days because it's on their mind. Someone keeping options open usually doesn't. Also think about your history with him. If he's dodged other big topics, like where this is going or meeting your friends, you're looking at a pattern, not bad timing.

The most common mistake here is asking a bigger question after the first one got dodged. Going from are you seeing other people to what are we just gives him a new topic to slide past. Keep the question the same and say it again in one plain sentence. Add a short reason, like wanting to know before you make plans or before you stop talking to anyone else. That gives him something real to respond to without feeling put on the spot. Then make the answer small. A yes, a no, or not sure yet is easy to type, and each one gives you something to work with. You want a clear answer, not a long talk about the relationship.

Send the restated question in a normal daytime window when he's likely free. A message late at night, or one you sent after stewing all afternoon, reads like a test. Give him a day to answer, since plenty of people need time to figure out what they want. If he replies with another joke, wait another day before deciding anything. If he still hasn't answered, or dodges again, stop asking. Don't send versions of the same question every few hours, because that turns a simple question into pressure. Stop making plans that assume you're exclusive and let what you do show what you now know. Two clear asks and two dodges is enough to decide whether this is worth more of your time.