Is he really interested in me or is he stringing me along?

The sad part is that I already likely know the answer to this, but I wanted other opinions. It's sad that in my 30's I still don't understand men and why they think and act the way they do.

I've been talking to this guy for 5 months now via phone, Facebook and text. We attended the same high school years ago and have a lot of mutual friends. He knows I'm interested in him, but he has yet to ask to see me or ask me out or anything (although he has said things like 'We'll hook up' or 'I'll see you when I come out there (meaning to the city I live in)". He always says he's busy or has a lot of things going on in his life, which we all do. He also has custody of his two children (boys) from a prior relationship, and those children live with him. I already knew this and it doesn't bother me. He also works full time, and he lives an hour away from me (although he visits my city since he has relatives who live here, including his mother).

Just recently I decided to put my pride aside and ask him out, my treat, and he never gave me an answer (this was by text)! I then wanted to know where I stood with him. Again, no response. It's as if he's blowing me off and I felt so silly. And at this point I would hate to think I wasted all my time on a guy who never had any intentions of seeing me. He is fine and single, and I'm sure he has a lot of women after him. I just hate myself for falling into his trap. whether he intentionally set it or not.

So what do I do at this point? I mean, he hasn't flat out said 'I'm not into you, leave me alone' but yet he's not asking me out either! I think he doesn't want to burn bridges by possibly hurting my feelings because he has a rep of being a nice guy, but at the same time I'm tired of feeling like I'm having a game run on me. I'd appreciate it if he just told me the truth, even if it was something I don't want to hear, rather than he continue to lead me on. I'm totally confused at this point. Help!