I think this guy is playing games with me and leading me on. How can I make sure he isn't?

It sounds like he's testing the waters and trying to hint a relationship, the best thing to do would be to have a discussion about what he wants and what you want. This way you both know what your getting yourself into to and what each of you want out of each other. If he is playing games then as soon as you confront him on it he'll most likely step back and stop but it could be also be that he was waiting for you to realise he likes you. If you like him and he's playing and admits it then he's not worth it.

Well sometimes you have to look at the "red flags", whats making you feel that way? Does his actions match his words? Does he seem to do things that upset you on purpose? Id make a list of these possibilities. Maybe even try and communicate your thoughts with him, sometimes people arent predictable, and you never know who might be just genuinely not the best at communication. In the end, do what feels right to you, if you feel of about him then its okay to move on, but if you feel like its worth a shot, then go for it!