<human>: Can you succinctly summarize the text in 1-3 sentences?

I met this guy through a mutual friend a few months ago. He lives in my city, but I've only ever met him (in person) twice. However, we talk online nearly every day. I know he's single, and I know he's very outgoing, especially when it comes to women. I'm not exactly shy myself, but I have very little experience when it comes to dating, and I'm completely oblivious when it comes flirting (and I avoid chick flicks like the plague, so the only on-screen relationships I have for "inspiration" are Han and Leia-esque ones). What I'm saying is, how do I tell if this guy in interested in me? And how do I know he's not chatting to a bunch of other girls while he's also chatting to me? 

We have a hell of a lot in common, but these days our conversations are getting pretty strained and sometimes I get the feeling he doesn't want to talk to me, even when it's him who started the conversation. His replies basically just consist of an emoticon or one or two words. That being said, I'm terrible at judging people's emotions IRL, so I'm probably just being stupid here.

I've considered asking him out for a pint (or even just for a cup of tea) a few times, but I always chicken out.
<bot>: Falling for really friendly/outgoing friend. Don't know if he's interested. Pulling my hair out in frustration (giggity)