Is it clingy to ask if he still wants to hang out?

He's not messaging because he forgot, got busy, lost interest, or is waiting to see if you'll confirm first. You can't tell which one from radio silence alone. The silence is not a rejection yet. It's just a gap.

When you text asking if he still wants to hang out, you're not being clingy. You're doing the normal adult thing of clarifying where things stand. The clingy move would be multiple texts in a row or a message that begs him to want to see you. A single clear check-in is just communication.

A good message here does two things. First, it assumes the plan is still on unless he tells you otherwise. You're not asking permission to exist in his life, you're confirming logistics. Second, it gives him a specific thing to respond to, not a vague question. Don't ask 'Do you still want to hang?' Ask about the day, time, or place instead. That forces him to either confirm or reschedule, not just disappear again.

The tone should be matter-of-fact, not hopeful. You sound like someone who has plans and is checking in, not someone waiting to hear if you matter.

Text him when you need to know, usually 3-4 days before the planned date. Send it during the day on a weekday when he's more likely to see and respond quickly. If he doesn't reply within 24 hours, you have your answer. He's not coming or he's flaking, and you're allowed to make other plans.

Don't send a follow-up text. Don't double-text asking where he went. One message is enough. If he comes back after days and wants to reschedule, you can decide if you trust him to actually show up. Most of the time, silence before plans means he was never solid on them in the first place.