is love bombing ever not a red flag?

I don't think "love bombing" is a real thing.

so you think it's not fake and he actually likes me?

It is a major red flag. I'd cut all ties with such a person.

Presumably....

what would you do to test it?

Have you considered not testing the people you're in a relationship with?

oh, i'm not in a relationship with him. but the answer is no either way. i mean, doesn't everyone? how else would you know what someone's true intentions are? like you need to see what their actual reactions are to things?

Well if you're not in a relationship then why does it matter whether he's being "lovey" or not?
In terms of the relationship thing then I don't think so, isn't the point of being in a relationship that you can unconditionally trust your partner...

i am, just not with him
and well, it matters to me. because i feel like i'm being lied to. i don't think he genuinely wants to be friends, or that he's genuinely "in love" with me. i feel like he's faking it just because he wants to **** me, and it ****es me off.

But didn't you already say you're not in a relationship with him? So either you're not and that doesn't really matter what his intentions are, or the guy is being like that and well, he might be disappointed at some point but that doesn't seem to be an issue for you anyway.

so you think it's not fake and he actually likes me?

Maybe he fancies the pants of you. Does seem a bit full on for first meeting. What’s his relationship history like, that could be a clue

He may well like you, but to me, someone declaring love and coming on so strongly after one date would make wonder if they might have a personality disorder (though of course context is important and there could be loads of reasons they are acting this way, including an ulterior motive). That isn't necessarily a problem but it would make me want to be more careful in how I handle things because I wouldn't want them to get hurt if I knew I was unlikely to have feelings for them back.

apparently, his last relationship ended a year ago. but he sure seems popular on his insta so who knows

Alpha male conquest and move on merchant I reckon

that makes me pretty ******* angry, ngl.