"or is he actually interested in me as a person"

I don't know. Do you consider yourself an interesting person to talk to? When you talk with him is it sometimes a deep conversation or is it always totally superficial?

The composition and quality of your posts suggests to me that you are no idiot.

How long have you two been talking? If it is more than a few weeks then i believe he really likes you. When he pushes the boundaries and you say "no" he stops. that to me is respect. While other guys are attempting to flatter you with complements, he shows restraint.

"would a guy do all this just in an attempt to get into my pants?" well, duh

Have you ever gone to see a chick flick at the cinema? Have you seen the guys that tag along just so they might get into their date's pants?

Kidding aside, i think you two have something special. Talk to him face to face and see where it goes.