Dating help!!

There's this guy that I've been talking on-off to for the past year. Recently he's been dropping hints that he's interested in me and yesterday asked me out on a date.

We've been talking online during that time, we have mutual friends but haven't physically met face to face yet.

I've never had a boyfriend before so I don't know if it's just nerves but the problem is that although I know he's a good guy, I don't really know how to respond. I don't want to say yes, and then lead him on. But at the same time I don't want him to feel bad by stating no - seeing as I might catch more feelings after meeting him.

What advice would you give me? Anything would really help me out x Thank you ❤