Ask if he wants to actually meet or just text

If someone wants to meet you, they usually suggest it. Not always on message two, but within a reasonable window after they've shown some interest. When weeks pass and he's texting regularly but never mentions meeting, or mentions it so vaguely that no actual plan forms, it's a signal. He's getting something from the texting. Maybe it's attention, maybe it's the low-pressure feeling of talking to someone without having to show up, maybe he's uncertain about you but likes the ego boost. The texting itself satisfies whatever need he has. That's the backup arrangement. He doesn't have to decide if he actually likes you because he never has to face you. You're keeping the possibility open for him while he figures out if something better comes along, and he gets the benefit of your interest in the meantime.

First, it needs to name the pattern directly without anger. Say something like 'I notice we've been texting for a while but haven't actually made plans' or 'we keep talking about hanging out but nothing's locked in.' Don't make it accusatory. You're not attacking him. You're stating the fact. Second, your message has to ask for a specific kind of answer. Not 'do you want to meet?' because that's easy to deflect. Instead, ask him to either commit to a concrete time and place, or tell you what's actually going on. Something like 'I'd like to know if you're interested in actually meeting up or if this is just something casual.' That forces clarity. He either steps up and suggests a date, or he admits he's not looking to meet, or he gives you a non-answer. All three outcomes tell you what you need to know.

Send this after at least one or two weeks of regular texting, or after he's mentioned meeting multiple times without following through. If it's been five days and he hasn't suggested anything yet, it's premature. Wait a bit more. Send during the day, not late at night. Keep it short. One or two sentences. Then wait 24 to 48 hours for a response. If he doesn't answer, that's an answer. If he gets defensive or vague, that's an answer. If he suddenly suggests a specific date and time, great. But don't let him slip back into texting-only mode after you've asked. If plans keep not happening, you've gotten your information. At that point, you're choosing to stay or you're moving on. There's no 'giving it more time' after he's shown you what he wants.