When men say "You're cute" they actually want to say that they think you're average/a bit above average, not enough to be called beautiful or given an actual compliment. It is their way to 'compliment' you without actually complimenting. Sometimes they do it because they know you're beautiful and just want to lower your confidence so they might get a chance to date you.

Sometimes they say it so you wouldn't think 'highly' of yourself, they don't want you to be confident and they are just plain insecure.

A real HVM wouldn't be afraid to call you beautiful, stunning, gorgeous. Cute is something you'd call a puppy or a 5 year old, not a grown woman.