Was he serious, or was it a joke?

Ok, here’s the deal:
I like this guy who is a friend of mine, J. We aren’t real close, but we talked a lot in school and we would text each other quite often. Last weekend was my one friends grad party and J and I were both there. We talked and were flirty with each other like usual. Then, later that night we were texting each other and he invited me over to his house for a party the following day, which he has never done before. Unfortunately I couldn’t go. The next day before the party I texted him to let him know I couldn’t come. He answered with a :( and I told him I was sorry and wish I could have come. Then he texted back and said he was disappointed but we continued to talk and were real flirty like we always are. Later that night, after his party was over he texted me and said the party was kind of lame and we talked for a bit and then, he said he had a question, ‘why don’t you have a boyfriend?’. I simply told him the truth, I’m shy and not very talkative. He texted me back and said, ‘I mean your real cute’. I was kind of shocked, but excited. Then he asked if I would want to hang out sometime just me and him. I said yes and we continued to joke around and flirt. The conversation ended soon after because he fell asleep since he had school the next day. I haven’t talked to him since last night when all this happened.
I guess my question is:
Do you think he was serious about liking me and wanting to hangout, maybe go on a date?
Or do you think it was some cruel joke? I can’t really imagine him doing that to me, but I guess anything is possible.
My biggest concern is that at his party he may have been drinking, I’m not sure. I know he does on occasion when he is at his house, since his mom lets him. If he was I feel like there is a chance he may not have been serious.
I know I’m probably just paranoid, but the more I think about it the more concerned I get.
Thank you in advance for any help.