Whats with these nicknames?

ok i feel so clueless when it comes to guys... If a guy sends you texts and calls you "dude :) " or "homie :) " could he possibly be flirting or trying really hard to establish a friend relationship? He's a guy that, at one time, a few weeks ago said he wanted to take me out for sushi but then never really followed through (granted he is extremely busy, our mutual friends even say they dont get to hang out with him very much...). But, on the other hand they also say they haven't seen him pay as much attention to a girl as he did with me a few weeks ago when we were hanging out together. We have kissed a couple of times but that was 3 weeks ago...he does want to see me later this week but i just would like an idea of what to expect without having a heavy conversation with him and seeming too pushy. btw im 26 and hes 27. I'm wondering if his schedule is influencing him to slow things down and just stay friends or if he's wanting to take things in the other direction...A guy I knew before called girls he like "punk" which he said meant sweetheart. (I know these names sound weird but its all playful fun). Why can't guys come with decoders? lol