If a man can't utter the word "date", he's not worth it. You're not a woman who hangs out or meets up and you're not interested in some man-child who can't even ask you out on a date. It not being a date likely means he expects to go 50/50, he hasn't asked you out on a date after all.

There are many men who break out in hives and cold sweat by the mere thought of a date because something as simple as a first date is too much commitment for them.

The other reason you don't want to "hang out" is because it gives the man all the power. You are hoping he means a date and dress up accordingly and hope you'll get upgraded to a date. It leaves you slightly anxious and off-kilter. This is what he wants.