Hello, all!

I realized I don't quite understand what makes a relationship... a relationship. Do talking and occasional flirting fit into the timeline of a relationship? Is it only when you are officially dating that it is a "relationship"?

I ask because for the first time, I've been talking to a man I admire and enjoy. I have no relationship history or experience to know how things work. He approached me, we were in the same book club online. We started talking about shared interests and had a lot of "Exactly! You get me!" moments. I was thinking we could be facebook friends, and it was another opportunity for me to practice being pleasant. The energy sort of tapered a bit, so I left the conversation open after about a week of talking almost daily. I got back to him recently when I noticed a post about his exercise progress; that gave me something substantial to admire him for. I'm also trying to hit my workout goals, and haven't been able to do much with my exams this month.

I was curious and wanted to see how trying to flirt a little would go. I had no idea how to go about it, so asked my (happily engaged) sister. With a little help from her on the side, I congratulated and encouraged him, added an update on what I was doing lately, and he replied excitedly! We talked more, I mentioned my exams and workout progress, and he responded with support and surprising assertiveness... he actually pushed me to get up and go fit some exercises in for the evening, in a positive way. It really helped get me in the zone for my exam.

So, there are a bunch of firsts for me. This is the first guy I've expressed interest in who received it this positively, and the first that I've been this happy talking to. I also think this is the first man who was assertive/directing toward me. He is several states away, but lives near a few of my relatives by my hometown. He looks like an average, polite family guy. At times he was too polite when we had started talking. Other than that, our conversations about weather, hobbies, and lifestyle preferences was smooth. I honestly was not that attracted to him when I saw his pics initially, I normally prefer country/southern types of men. I would be willing to date him if not for the distance and the timing; I haven't finished college yet, I wanted to remain single until I graduated with my bachelor's or at least until my senior year, and moved out from my parents' house. For various reasons, I don't want to be serious or exclusive any time soon.

Can I continue like I have with him, with the minimal flirting, and just maintain a boundary and limit contact, or should I only be completely platonic with guys while I am single and figuring things out? Part of me doesn't want to avoid letting a relationship grow with this guy, but I would think that's "oneitis"?

Edit: Thank you ladies, I needed to reflect before I screwed myself over... Being realistic, I think this could be a good supportive friendship or mentor relationship regarding the hobbies and exercise. I think I wrongly entertained the idea of testing playfulness on him, that's where I started thinking of his suitability as a partner instead of sticking to the "friendzone." I have a good amount of time left to meet different men when I'm in a better circumstance.