What to do if he acts committed but won't say exclusive

He is probably not lying when he says he's into you. Plenty of people want the behavior without the commitment that comes with the word, because the word creates a scoreboard. Once it's official, you can ask questions and hold him to answers, and he may not want that yet. So he gives you the warm version: weekend plans, late night texts, meeting his friends, and no clear answer when you ask what this is.

Read what he does, then what he avoids. If he plans ahead with you, introduces you to people, and stops mentioning other dates, he's treating you as exclusive in practice. If he changes the subject, jokes, or says he doesn't like labels whenever you raise it, the avoidance is about the word itself, not about you.

Your job is to ask once, in a way that gives him room to answer honestly. Name the thing you've noticed, like the plans you make and the time you spend together, then ask where he sees things going. Keep your own position short and concrete, such as how often you're seeing other people or what you need to feel settled. Don't stack several questions into one message, and don't attach a deadline unless you've already decided on one.

Pay attention to whether your message gives him an easy one-word exit. If he can answer yes or no and move on, you'll learn less than if he has to describe the arrangement in his own words. Whatever he says, aim for a clear picture of what he's offering, not a win in an argument about a word.

Give him a day or two to respond before you reread his messages for hidden meaning. If he answers warmly and specifically, move on and watch whether his behavior matches his words over the next two weeks. If he replies with a joke or a vague line, don't send a second message that repeats the question. Wait for him to make the next plan, and see whether he does.

If a week goes by with no plans and his texts thin out, he has answered without saying it. At that point, stop chasing the label and decide what you're willing to accept. Keep the plans you already have, let him come to you, and leave room for one more honest conversation before you stop waiting.