Is It Bad If He Goes Silent for a Week Then Asks to Hang Out?

Look at what the gap actually tells you. A one-week silence after a few messages usually means the conversation was not a priority, not that he is hiding something. If the gap was after a date that went well, it is more likely a sign he is unsure how to escalate or has a lot going on than a sign of disinterest. A pattern matters more than a single gap, so notice whether this is the first time or the third.

The text itself is short and casual, which is a choice. He did not write a paragraph explaining himself, and he did not drop the apology into a long message. That tells you he is keeping things light, so match the register rather than treating it as a serious conversation about the silence.

The reply should answer the question he asked. If he wants to hang out this week, say whether you are free and which day works, or propose one. A yes or a clear no with an alternative both move things forward. Answering with a question like "what did you have in mind?" is fine once, but if you do it every time he pitches a plan, he will read it as low investment.

You can acknowledge the gap in one light line if you want to, but do not make him explain it. Keep it to the plan. People who are interested tend to respond to clear plans more than to processing of feelings in text.

Timing says something. If he sends this in the afternoon and you reply within an hour with a clear day and time, that reads as easy interest. If you hold off for a day to look unbothered, the delay itself becomes the message, and it often reads as a yes to a different question than the one he asked.

If he does not answer your reply, give it a few days before sending one follow-up, and make that follow-up about a specific plan rather than about the silence. If two concrete attempts go unanswered, let it go. Two solid tries is a fair test, and continuing past that usually means you are chasing someone who has already decided.