WIBTA For Assuming Short Term Could Potentially Turn Into Long Term?

Hello I am 26F, the person I am talking to online is 34M,

We met on Tinder I downloaded it for the first time again in 5 years, so I made a new account and had a few people I messaged but nothing really felt right conversations were dull they didn’t feel like a good vibe. I have only met one person from Tinder before and it ended in a 5 year horrible relationship, I broke free from that. I might be thinking too much about this we have only been talking for almost 2 weeks we have not met yet, we want to but some things keep getting in the way, money, gas, work etc.

We have been texting non stop throughout the day since we met and we can carry conversations I know in person it would be even better , but I am actually starting to really like this person. He and I had on our profiles “short term”. I am just curious if he’s messaging me things and showing interest and saying flirty sweet sayings and sending me reels or cute stuff , and responding to my sweet “romantic” posts on instagram with “I’ll treat you like that Queen” or even just sending me hearts all the time , saying goodnight every night even when I’m sleeping and Goodmorning every morning to wake up to. I’m wondering if he might actually like me?

I went to show a photo of him to a friend and I guess like two days into talking his profile was gone from our messages witch confused me because the day before it was there. I don’t think he paused pause it because the messages are gone and I deleted my Tinder but I couldn’t help thinking maybe ? Maybe he likes me? I have asked friends and they say both possible outcomes. I don’t know I want to ask him what he wants but I feel like it’s too forward especially since we both said short term but he acts like he seriously likes me. Btw I have seen this guy before somewhere in my friend circle and I told him that it’s driving me crazy I can’t pin where I have seen him. I know to take things slow but I’m so scared to get my hopes up I like him already . I always go head over heels …👠

Any thoughts on this should I wait and see should I pursue conversations about what he’s looking for ? Or just keep it the way it is . I just don’t want to waste any time he seems so sweet and to be honest from what I know already he checks the boxes in what I been wanting for a partner hard working , tall, family oriented, country boy, close to me within the same county, stoner hahah , alcohol free .So many feelings and I need honest outside advice maybe im thinking too much he’s said so many things to me that most people who just want to smash don’t say hahah . Let me know. Sorry for any crap grammar if I missed any. This is my first Reddit post ever. Thanks !