22 Signs He Likes You Through Text

The ultimate cheat sheet to decode his texts and tell if he is into you!

Reviewed by Hemali Adhiya, ICF Certified Relationship Coach Hemali Adhiya Hemali AdhiyaICF Certified Relationship Coach facebook_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon
Written by Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach Sneha Tete Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Subhrojyoti Mukherjee, MA (English) Subhrojyoti Mukherjee MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Fact-checked by Gracia Odile, MA Gracia Odile MA linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

So you gave your number to that hot guy who hit on you, and now you’ve been texting for a while. The messages are flirty and cute, with unspoken promises of an amazing experience. Naturally, you want to ask him out, but you aren’t sure how to tell if the guy likes you over text or if it’s just a pastime for him.

Texting can be an awesome way to get to know a potential partner. Still, it’s difficult to decipher if a guy likes you over a few messages, especially if he’s not explicitly saying that he likes you. However, there are a few subtle blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hints that let you know if he’s just being really friendly or if he wants to pursue something more with you. Keep reading to find out what these hints are!

How Guys Text When They Like You

When a guy likes you, his texts can often reveal a lot more than just words. While it’s often easier to tell from their body language, what about when they are away from you and you are connected via texts? How to tell if a guy likes you or is just being nice? Well, you can keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

  1. He Texts Back Immediately
  2. He Wishes You Weren’t Just Texting
  3. He Talks About Things You Both Would Be Doing If He Was There
  4. He Lets You Know If He Can’t Text Back Right Now
  5. He Often Uses Flirty Emojis
  6. He Likes Hearing Your Stories
  7. He Wants To Know More About You
  8. He Writes You Long Texts
  9. He Texts You First
  10. He Texts Throughout The Day
  11. He Gives You A Nickname
  12. He Likes Hearing About Your Day
  13. He Texts You Before Going To Sleep
  14. He Asks Questions
  15. You Two Come Up With Inside Jokes Together
  16. He Texts You Randomly
  17. He Compliments You
  18. He Texts You When He Is Drunk
  19. He Texts You When Something Important Happens
  20. He Texts You Random Things That Make You Laugh
  21. He Never Sends Multiple Texts In A Row
  22. He Initiates Plans To Meet Up

Key Takeaways

  • The advent of text messaging has transformed everything, from how we communicate to how we flirt.
  • While a few messages from him may not really tell you if he likes you, there are certain signs that may help.
  • His long texts or attentiveness could be subtle hints that he likes you and wants to learn more about you.

22 Signs He Likes You

Curious about whether he is giving more than just friendship vibes? The signs can be pretty telling if you know what to look for. To get the lowdown on signs he likes you more than a friend, check out these clues that might hint at something deeper going on.

1. He Texts Back Immediately

A guy likes you if he texts back immediately
Image: Shutterstock

This is a tell-tale sign. You can be 100% sure that a guy likes you if he responds to your texts immediately. At the very least, he has started to develop feelings for you, which is actually the first step to liking everything about you.

Responding quickly means that he is genuinely interested in having a conversation with you and wants to know you better. He is trying to keep the conversation going and doesn’t want you to lose interest. It also shows that your love interest is not interested in playing games. However, if he takes days to text back, he is either trying to avoid you or has more important things on his mind.

2. He Wishes You Weren’t Just Texting

He doesn’t just want to text, buddy, he wants to see you! He keeps on dropping hints that he would rather be with you than just text, and all the things you guys would be doing if he were with you. He may text things like – “I have to work, otherwise we could totally hang out!” or “I wish I was there with you.”

3. He Talks About Things You Both Would Be Doing If He Were There

If he is always talking about things you both would do if you guys were hanging out, it is an obvious sign that he is interested in being more than just friends.

If nothing, he is at least thinking and fantasizing about spending quality time with you.

Also, he is trying to gauge your reaction to find out whether you reciprocate his feelings or not. If you respond favorably, he will be enthusiastic about expressing his feelings even more.

4. He Lets You Know If He Can’t Text Back Right Now

A guy who has feelings for you won’t waste your time.

As much as he would love to keep texting 24/7, he has other obligations as well. Instead of forcing you to wait for him in between texts, a guy who is into you would tell you straight up that he has to run some errands. After he is done, he will hit you up with “Hi, I am back! What’s up?” Anybody who cares about you will show consideration for your time. It is one of the clear signs he cares about you.

5. He Often Uses Flirty Emojis

A guy likes you if he often uses flirty emojis
Image: Shutterstock

A few guys aren’t much into using emojis or don’t understand them, so don’t stress too much if your love interest only sticks to words. However, if he sends you flirty emojis liberally, he is more likely than not trying to be cute and flirty with you. Some of the common ones he will send are heart eyes emoji, smiley face with the tongue sticking out, or wink emoji. If the guy is sending you any of the above emojis as a means of casual flirting when he texts you, he likes you!

6. He Likes Hearing Your Stories

If a man likes you, he will want to know more about you. He will try to get you to open up about everything in your life. He will ask questions that require answers longer than “sure” or “LOL.” A guy most probably likes you if he asks you for your life stories. He loves listening to your personal experiences and is interested in picking your brain.

7. He Wants To Know More About You

What exactly does he text you? Does he just text about the weather, sports, his friends, or is he asking serious questions about your life? If he texts asking about your family and friends and what you do with your time, he probably is interested in you. He might even ask you follow-up questions about something you stated in a previous text. He is paying close attention to who you truly are and remembering details about you.

8. He Writes You Long Texts

Guys don’t like texting, period. However, if he texts you a lot and sends long, detailed replies, it means that he LOVESSS texting you.

protip_icon Quick Tip
He may share details about his life or day-to-day work via long texts; which is a hint that he feels comfortable and relaxed talking to you.

9. He Texts You First

Do you always wake up to a good morning text from him? Does he text you while at work or as soon as he is off work? If you answer yes to all these questions, it is almost certain that he likes you!

If a guy is into you, he will fight his awkwardness and shyness. This is a sign that he thinks you are worth talking to, even if there is a chance of being rejected. It is usually a bad sign if you are always the one starting conversations. Try to notice – does he try to engage you, or does he simply reply to your messages? If he starts the convo and replies quickly, it’s a sign he is interested and probably likes you.

10. He Texts Throughout The Day

A guy likes you if he texts you throughout the day
Image: Shutterstock

Do you both go back and forth via text the entire day? If you both are involved in one long conversation that continues all day, it’s a sign something romantic is brewing.

As we mentioned earlier, most guys don’t like texting. If they are texting all day, it is for a specific purpose, usually to gather information. If he is texting you all day aimlessly, his goal is to form a connection with you. He may not have anything important to say, but he wants to remind you that he’s around. That’s a sign!

11. He Gives You A Nickname

Guys will give you a silly/ cute nickname when they like you. It’s an adorable way of building intimacy with the person they like. If he gives you a special nickname early on and then keeps using it over and over, that’s a sign he is trying to get close with you.

12. He Likes Hearing About Your Day

If a guy likes you, even little, mundane things about you will interest him. If he texts and asks what you did at work or in class or what you had for lunch, it’s a good sign.

An especially sweet gesture is when he remembers the details you told him. If he asks you about how your doctor’s appointment went (that you had mentioned a few weeks ago), bingo! He not only asks you about the general things that make up your day but also does that with genuine interest. That’s a clear sign he adores you.

13. He Texts You Before Going To Sleep

This one is like the good morning text he sends. If he texts you before going to sleep, it’s because you are the last person on his mind as he is drifting off.

14. He Asks Questions

If a man likes you, he’s going to ask you about yourself – some subtle, some not so much. Also, it provides him with an excuse to keep talking to you. If he seems extremely inquisitive and curious when he’s texting you, it’s a sign he is developing feelings for you.

15. You Two Come Up With Inside Jokes Together

A guy likes you if you two come up with inside jokes together
Image: Shutterstock

This is like having special nicknames for each other. When you start having inside jokes just between the two of you, the intimacy between you both will grow. It’s something cute and private that only the two of you share and doesn’t include anyone else. If he is making inside jokes with you, it is because he wants to get more intimate with you – and maybe share other intimate things too, in good time.

16. He Texts You Randomly

Does your phone ping randomly, and you see that it is the guy you are developing feelings for? Does it seem like he finds random things to talk about or asks you weird questions out of the blue? If yes, he is most likely looking for an excuse to reach out to you. He really has no reason to text other than wanting to start a conversation with you.

17. He Compliments You

When a guy starts to develop feelings for you, he starts mentioning the little things he notices and likes about you. Does he ever mention that he likes your hair or your perfume? Does he text to mention you looked pretty the last time you guys met? Does he compliment the color of your eyes? A way to a woman’s heart is through giving her compliments, and guys know that. When a guy likes you, he won’t be able to stop himself from obsessing about your positive points.

18. He Texts You When He Is Drunk

This is an obvious one. When he is drinking, he is in a vulnerable state and wants to text you. Alcohol doesn’t always bring out the truth, though it does lower our inhibitions and bring out our emotions. If the guy suddenly starts being flirty and cute whenever he has had a few too many, he most likely likes you romantically. However, if he only texts when he is drunk, that’s not a good sign.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Drunk texting may indicate that the guy relies on you and feels comfortable sharing his feelings or wants you to comfort him.

19. He Texts You When Something Important Happens

Do you get to know about something important in this guy’s life right away or days later? If this guy tells you about all the big and small stuff going on in his life, it’s a signal showing that he considers you important.

20. He Texts You Random Things That Make You Laugh

A guy likes you if he texts you random things that make you laugh
Image: Shutterstock

Funny is cute. If the guy is regularly texting you memes, jokes, or hilarious anecdotes, it is definitely a sign that he has feelings for you. He cares enough about you to make you laugh. Also, if he can make laugh, that’s a sign that you both have the same sense of humor. This is super important if you plan to have a relationship with him in the future.

21. He Never Sends Multiple Texts In A Row

If a guy really likes you, he is going to be worried about looking too desperate. That means he will try to avoid texting too many times in a row without getting a reply from you. A guy who isn’t that serious about you may not worry about looking desperate and will easily send a bunch of texts in a row. However, a guy who likes you will try to “play it cool.”

22. He Initiates Plans To Meet Up

A positive sign that he may be into you is if he keeps initiating plans to meet up. While texting was a good start, his desire to take things further shows he likes you enough to invest in spending time together. This move suggests genuine interest and a willingness to deepen the connection.

Infographic: Texting Tips To Keep Him Interested In You

You like him, and his texts say he likes you too. However, you might want to figure out if you guys get along beyond the initial attraction. You must ensure he does not lose interest in you while you try to build a rapport with him. The infographic below has a few texting tips for you to keep him interested in your textual interactions. Scroll down!

texting tips to keep him interested in you (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

While texting is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of communication, it comes with drawbacks. For instance, you cannot capture the sender’s body language and emotions behind a text. There are only words and, more recently, emojis and gifs to help carry out a conversation. So, it might be tricky to know if a guy really likes you just by sharing text messages. However, if they often use flirty emojis, take the initiative to text or plan a meet, and keep you apprised of all major things through their messages, chances are they might be quite interested in you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What texts do guys like to receive?

Guys like the texts asking them for advice – be it picking a place to meet or suggestions on gadgets. They also enjoy short and sweet messages.

How do you get a guy to admit he likes you?

First, build trust, show him genuine interest, and be a good listener. Throw some hints here and there that you cannot wait for him to confess that he likes you. When the right time comes, he will admit it for sure.

How do you get a guy to text you first?

You need to limit your availability to get a guy to text you first. Let him miss you and think of you. If he misses you, he cannot resist the urge to text you immediately. Also, give him some solid reasons to text you first—for example, a trip together or shopping at the mall. Let him know that you are up for such hangouts. He will get the idea and wait no more to be the first one to text you.

Should I wait for him to text me first?

If you want to chat with him, you do not have to wait for him to text you first. It doesn’t matter who texts first. It is the kind of conversation that counts. But if it is always you who texts him first, you might need to rethink the relationship. Ask him why he wouldn’t send you a message first and get some clarity on his interests for you.

What time is best to text a guy?

The best time to text a guy is when he is ready to chat and not busy.

Is it okay to text your crush every day?

It depends on your and the crush’s schedule. Establish a friendly rapport with them and strike the appropriate balance between messaging them incessantly and infrequently enough for them to miss your messages.

What if he texts me irregularly? Does that mean he likes me or not?

If he texts you sporadically, it may indicate mixed feelings or be due to busy schedules. While occasional contact can suggest interest, consistent communication is a stronger sign of genuine liking. You may want to consider his overall behavior for clarity.

How can I know he likes me but is simply shy?

If he’s shy but interested he may send thoughtful, genuine messages. While he may not initiate texts often he does respond promptly, which is a positive sign of him being interested in you.


Do they reply quickly? Do they use lots of emojis? These are signs that someone likes you over text! Click on the video to know more.

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Hemali Adhiya
Hemali AdhiyaICF Certified Relationship Coach
Hemali is an ICF-Certified ACC Level Life Coach with 3 years of experience in relationship, marriage, and grief coaching. Her sessions aim to bring about transformation in her clients’ lives, perspectives, and relationships.

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Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha has a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, a professional Relationship Coach diploma, and over four years of experience in writing. She writes about relationships and lifestyle.Sneha began her career as an instructional designer, shifted to freelance technical and research writing, and self-published a novella on the theme of adolescent mental health.

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Subhrojyoti Mukherjee
Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor
Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

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Gracia Odile
Gracia OdileBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Gracia Odile is a teacher-turned-beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She has a bachelor's degree in English from St. Stephen's College, a master's in Anthropology from the University of Madras, and a degree in education from GGSIPU.

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