Advice plz?

Hi guys... so my boyfriend and I while texting will some times take things into a sexual manner... and in the past it’s been a joke cause we’re both virgins and teasing each other and both have a dirty sense of humour... but lately it’s been feeling like less of a joke? I’m pretty sure I’m ready to go there but I’m not sure if he’s just joking or not? Like tonight he said something and I was like “idk of your joking or not lol” and he was like “keep it that way” I’m so confused... like I think we’ll keep joking around and stuff but I kinda want him to be straight up with me if he wants to do it or not so I can prepare myself?

Btw our relationship is fine and stuff in general like it’s VERY unlikely he’s doing it just to “get laid” or anything the joking doesn’t happen too often but like often enough that it makes me question the intention behind it if ya get what I’m saying?

Anyway thanks for any advice and stuff