I don't know!!!

I got a text from the guy I like saying 'he cares for me dearly.' But he referred to himself in the 3rd person.
I don't understand!!!

Are you sure he wasn't referring to anyone else?

Did a friend get a hold of his phone? This is exciting though!!

Huh. Maybe say: “why are you referring to yourself in third person?” And take it from there?

I agree with Guest, it's a little strange. Just be blunt and ask what he means so there's no chance of miscommunication

I asked if someone stole his phone, but he never responded, or brought it up during our campout that weekend.

Hm. Well either someone did take his phone and text that or he didn't like your response and decided to pretend it never happened. Could be something else though but it seems those are the most likely reasons.

I don't think anyone took his phone, but I've also gotten two hugs from him since then, which considering I'm not a very huggy person...

So yay?

I think? You'd assume that by 25 I'd have this figured out, but nope. I haven't played the dating game very much.

if that's the case.
HECK. YES. GOOD JOB!!!!! THIS IS AWESOME.
he probably used 3rd person to make it easier for him to say

Dude dating doesn't get any easier the older you get, in fact I'd say it gets harder unless you meet someone who's really direct and honest with how they feel. Keep hugging him back and maybe ask him to go out with you sometime, see where it takes you :)

I keep hoping he'll make the first move, as I'm kinda timid, but I might have to suck it up and be brave.

Yeah I think if you want to progress this relationship you might have to take the first leap. It doesn't have to be big though, doesn't have to be some obvious gesture, just take your time.

I've tried to do little things, though they're big to me, because I'm a closed off person. I've let him borrow some of my autographed books, hugged him, and took his hand when he offered it to help me up a difficult part of the trail we hiked on Saturday.
I don't normally touch people...

Take it as fast as you want to. You do what you think is best. We're here to help you, but you've got this!