He cancels dates but snaps constantly: what it means

Snaps create the illusion of connection without any of the real stuff. He's not taking time out of his day for you. He's sending a 3-second video while doing something else, and that barely costs him anything. Meanwhile, cancelling a date is a choice. It means something ranked higher. The fact that he's Snapping constantly after bailing tells you he still wants you paying attention to him, just on his terms. He gets the comfort of your attention without the inconvenience of showing up. This is the core problem, and it won't change unless you make it costly to keep doing.

Don't pretend you didn't notice the cancellation. Don't reward the Snap with engagement. Your reply needs to do two things at once. First, acknowledge that cancelled dates and constant Snaps don't add up. Second, tell him what you actually need. You're not asking for an explanation or apologizing for your standards. You're stating them. Keep it short and factual. Something like 'I'm into you, but I need someone who actually wants to see me' works because it removes the guesswork. He knows exactly what you mean and what happens next if nothing changes.

After you set the boundary, stop Snapping back for a while. If he keeps sending Snaps and you keep replying, you're telling him the pattern is working. A few hours of silence might prompt him to step up or might confirm he won't. Either way, you get useful information. If he comes back with a specific date and time, respond normally. If he just keeps Snapping and never mentions plans again, you have your answer. After one or two cancellations with no follow-up, stop initiating. You're not punishing him. You're just stopping the chase.