Well, you said you are not in a relationship with him. Those first few dates are about getting to know one another and determine if you're compatible and if this might lead to a relationship. If he is not texting you back, it probably means he does not want to take things further. Yes, it hurts, but it's just the way things go when it comes to dating nowadays. It would probably be easier if he was up front about it instead of doing "the fade," but most people still use the "fade" approach because it is less confrontational. This is easier said than done, but it can sometimes help not to put too much of an emotional investment into those first few dates. Until there is a mutual declaration of interest and a relationship is established, it can be emotionally risky to invest too much.