How do you know if he likes you?

I have been talking to this guy for a long time and it is like we text every night. He doesn’t go to my school but we live near each other (I don’t know if this is relevant). Although we never really talk on the phone. When we text he always calls me babe or honey or beautiful or cutie. I am not very good at telling if he is flirting or just playing around but i flirt with him.

The other day, my friend took my phone (by the way my friend is a guy) while I was texting him. My friend was talking to him and when I went through the messages the guy I like talks completely different to my friend than with me.

Is he flirting; does he like me?
Please help and if you need any more info on the situation just ask and I will try to help you help me.
Thank you!