Is this guy genuinely interested or could he just be slow-burning me until sex? Need outside perspective.

Problem/Goal: I’m trying to figure out if this guy I’m dating is genuinely interested in me, or if he might just be taking things slow until sex. I want an objective outside perspective before I overthink anything.

Context: I (24F) met a guy on Tinder (28M) about a month ago. We’ve gone on 4 dates already, and the in-person connection feels genuinely good.

Some green flags:
• We talked for 6–8 hours on our first date, then a minimum of 4 hours on dates 2, 3, and 4.
• He said he doesn't usually open up, pero he shared about his lowest points, family issues, etc.
• He’s affectionate but very respectful. When things got heated, he literally said, “Need ko maging mabait” and stopped before it went too far.
• During our 4th date, he kept saying ayaw pa niya umuwi, asked to drive around longer, and held my hand even when I said they were sweaty.
• During a card game where we ask each other questions, he said the thing that “made his week” was our last date, and the thing that “turned him on” was us holding hands.
• He shared his schedule unprompted (like his days off) and mentioned wanting to see me before I leave for a short trip this week.
• He initiates texting, checks in, asks about my day, pero he’s not a heavy texter. More of a quality-time person than a constant texter.

What confuses me:
• He’s not dry, pero hindi rin siya “text all day” type. Sometimes may 4–5 hour gaps, minsan 12 hours. We’re both busy, so I get it, pero minsan napapaisip ako.
• He admitted he went on a few Tinder dates, pero none went past the first date kasi hindi niya ka-vibe.
• A card game asked how nervous he’d be (1–10) if I checked his phone, he answered “5.”
• My fear is that he’s emotionally careful kasi he’s playing a “long game” until he can eventually sleep with me.

I’ve had a previous experience with a guy who opened up emotionally early on, acted super invested, but eventually it turned out physical lang gusto niya. Different guy and situation, pero syempre naging cautious ako.

Previous Attempts: I’ve tried to read his behavior objectively instead of relying on his texting patterns. I’ve also tried to give him space and not overreact to gaps in replies. I asked him once (in a calm, non-accusatory way) if he was only being sweet to sleep with me, and he said no. But I still want an outside perspective from people who don’t know him or me.