should I go for him?

I am 14 and I go to a small school where the people are very judgemental about dating and stuff. Anyways I like this boy and I'm pretty sure he likes me too. But the thing is he is sort of on the "nerdier side" which is fine but my friends say I am "too good" for him. I really like him but I don't know if I would want our relationship to be public but I don't want to lead him on to make him think we could be a thing. I hope I don't sound like a bitch 😬 thanks!