Continue chatting?

I joined a meetup group on another site, and a few guys individually welcomed me and one of them went more in depth. Asking about myself, telling where he's from, what he was doing that weekend. I did say I have chronic anxiety to him, right up front, about meeting one on one rn. That's why I'm attempting at least Joining a group, nevermind actually meeting up, yet.

He had wanted to chat on phone within a week so I said I have anxiety on phone too, I'm working on it but could we chat here for a bit. He said no worries, taking it slow is good, but that it's important to grow in friends or more, on phone. I have not replied. I don't want to lead anyone on for a one on one meetup. But OTOH, he was kind and seemed humorous too. Should I reply? I *think* he's looking for dating. I just don't know what to do. Like I said he did seem like a genuine person.