Is this all just in my mind?

A boy I have known since kindergarten said he liked me. I like him too, so I told him. He said it first, though. He invited me to come to youth group with him so I went. At youth group, as he was leaving, he said, "Bye, I love you!" I was shocked. I just smiled and said good-bye back. Now it seems as though he regrets saying that so soon. I don't really know if he is my boyfriend or not. He has kind of been avoiding me lately, and I miss him. I asked him if this was just like all the other times he has told a girl he liked them and he said no. He said it wasn't because I am not "snobby or stuck-up" like all the other girls. I took that as a great compliment. Is this 'relationship' all in my head, or is it real? I won't be seeing him unless by coincidence until school starts next year. We are going into 7th grade. What should I be thinking right now?