Guys: Why would you call a woman you barely know this word?

The word is "babe."





I think the guy to whom I'm referring is attracted to me because he sent me a message first.





I am 21 and he is 19.





I usually prefer older men but I will give the younger guys a chance if they can prove that they're mature.





This guy will text me, saying, "What's up, babe?" or something to that effect.





I don't know if he's playing mind games or not.





I don't know if calling a girl "babe" is just a causal way of starting a conversation or something.





I barely met his guy online not a week ago and have yet to meet him in person, so I am a bit iffy about him.





My question still stands: As a guy, why would you call a girl you hardly know the word "babe?"





I think it's cute but I am trying to - at least somewhat - figure this guy out.|||He thinks he is so cool %26amp; doing that somehow proves how masculine he is.