"Love you"

So ive started seeing this guy very recently its only been like 3 months and both him and I seem to be very into eachother for it being this soon. Although the other night he told me he "loved me" and i got a bit freaked out and didnt really want to say it back because well its really soon and those words mean a lot to me so i dont just throw it around usually,but i really like him unlike any guy i have before and dont want to lose him or get him upset so i said it bavk anyway but what bothered me and makes me question his intentions with saying that is that he never says "I love you" only "love you" or even sometimes "love u" which kind of insults me sometimes 😂. I am probably just over thinking it but ive asked friends what they think and it makes them question it too I am trying to not work myself up over it too much I would just like to know anyone elses opinion on the situation?