H, Girl1101.
Welcome to SR.
Well, sounds like you got it figured out.
Familiar pattern round here: love bombed, wooed, made to feel that this is a good beginning to a relationship, then the slow drag.
Late returning texts he would have jumped on two weeks before, or not responding at all.
Set up a date, then all kindsa things come up hindering him from actually following through.
Then the ghosting.
Classic.
You have dodged a substantial bullet, as you have said.
Actually, it's good that he showed you who he is before things went further.
You sound like you are grounded and sensible. You will be fine.
Peace.