Cool thing about dating a non-Japanese guy is that they can call you many different cute ways
My Ex (we were together almost 4 yrs) used to call me "Sweetie" or "Princess".
My lovely "I" whom I've seen for 3 weeks now calls me "Sweetie", "Honey", "Baby", "Sweet pie" and many other different ways so far, which are super cute. Maybe it's the American culture and those words just come out without deep thoughts, but they all still sound very caring.
I hope he noticed that he gave me very first verbal "I love you." today
I know many Japanese people who think that guys outside of Japan, especially in western countries, throw "I love you." to girls from the very beginning of the dating and it does not mean a lot to them such as to us Japanese, who mostly never use "I love you." even after they get very successful marriage life.
Reality is (at least I think), "I love you." has such a powerful impact and people are very careful to use it when they are in the real non-casual relationships. It can change what you have with your new partner and move it to the next level totally.
I feel that our bond between "I" and me has been getting stronger day by day, so was very glad and actually very touched to hear his "I love you".
Like everyone, I've had a few unsuccessful relationships in the past, and I will not get too excited every time he talks about us in a year or in 20 years (which is very interesting because we have been together for less than a month!).
I tried not to show him my excitement about "I love you." thing and stayed calm without even giving him "I love you, too." back. I might say it to his face next time he gives me that. I have felt the same way for a while anyways! Thanks honey, I too love you a lot!!!