What to text back when he asks if you like him

When he asks this directly, he's not asking you to commit to him forever. He's asking if there's mutual interest worth pursuing. Most guys ask this after enough conversation or time together that they've built some confidence but still have doubt. He wants to know if the interest is real or if he's been reading signals wrong.

If you do like him, he's asking you to tell him so. If you're truly unsure, that's different. But most people know whether they're attracted to someone and enjoying their company. Confusion usually means you're not feeling it, or you're anxious about saying yes. Those are different things and worth being honest about.

Your reply should do two jobs. First, answer the question directly and truthfully. No hedging. Second, hand him something to do with your answer. If you say yes, give him a reason or a door to walk through. Don't just say "Yeah," and wait. Say yes and show him there's something worth pursuing. That might be mentioning something you want to do together, or making it clear you're interested in him asking you out.

If you're not sure, be honest about that too. But know that "I'm not sure" usually reads as "not yet" to him, and it gives him permission to keep trying or to move on. Choose which message you actually want to send.

This is a direct question that deserves a direct answer. Don't let it sit for a day or two. He's made himself a little vulnerable by asking, and making him wait is its own kind of answer. He'll assume you're dodging him.

Reply within the same day, ideally within a few hours. If he doesn't hear back after a clear yes, he'll probably follow up or move on. If you say yes and he goes silent for days, that's on him, not you. You don't need to chase it. If he's interested, he'll make a move soon. If he doesn't, you have your answer about how serious he is.