Hate to play devil's advocate here, but I married my "internet love". We did not take our relationship lightly. We talked every day and really got to know one another, but we did not actually pursue anything as a full out relationship until we actually met. We lived a nine hour train ride apart for many many years (and in different countries). The distance was heartbreaking. But we both knew we wanted to pursue the relationship and worked very hard to do so. He finally moved here to be with me and we lived together for several years. We probably wouldn't have married, as common law relationships are recognized and legal here, but there were some circumstances that came up so we jumped at the chance.

All of that said, we met in 1998 - very early in the age of internet "dating". Neither of us grew up with online communications, so we had enough experience with in person communications to help us. I tend to see people who have grown up with internet all their life as not taking an online friendship as seriously; yes, this is a generalization, but is quite consistently observed.

If you choose to pursue any sort of relationship with this boy, know that there is a possibility of being hurt. I mean, there's always a possibility of being hurt, but it's much easier to do the hurting when you're detached physically.

Snapchat is useful for sending images that you'd prefer aren't able to be kept by the recipient, but please remember to use discretion. Don't send images that you'd be embarassed if your parents or friends saw them - that's usually a pretty good guide.

Some final important advice: don't consider yourself in a full blown relationship unless you have met him, and don't meet him without a friend or two present. I can't tell how far apart you are in the state, so I don't know how possible this option is, but let's face it. If you can't get together to meet, then you certainly can't carry on a romantic relationship.