What to say when he asks if you're talking to anyone else

This question usually means he's either starting to feel something and wants to know if he should keep investing, or he's deciding whether to keep his own options open. Either way, it's a vulnerability play. He's asking because he doesn't want to waste time, and he doesn't want to look foolish if you're clearly not that into him.

The question is not an attack. He's not testing your loyalty before you owe him any. He's trying to read the room. Your answer tells him whether you see this as casual or if you're interested in him specifically. Honesty here actually builds trust faster than any strategic answer could.

Your reply needs to do two jobs at once. First, answer the actual question without hedging or making him guess. If you are talking to other people, say so. If you're not, say that. Clean sentences, no apology.

Then add one small true thing that explains why or what that means for him. It could be about how you see him, how recent your connection is, or just what you're looking for right now. This second part shows you didn't just answer robotically. You're acknowledging that his question matters and that you're thinking about the direction this is going.

Timing matters less than speed here. If he texts you during the day, respond within a few hours. If it's evening, next morning is fine. Don't sit on this question for a day or two trying to craft the perfect answer. The longer you wait, the more he thinks you're either hiding something or don't care about his question.

If he doesn't text back after your honest answer, don't follow up. He got what he needed to know. He's either processing it or moving on. A second text would look like you're seeking reassurance, which flips the dynamic. Let him come back to you.