yep, the exclusive thing is good. i can understand his attitude, because i think i'm the same way. he definitely likes you (assuming you trust the way he acts and talks), but perhaps the thought of a long-term relationship unnerves him at this time. very few relationships can stand up to that test, even when you just think about it. the consequence of ending up in a less-than-desirable situation which you can't easily get out of, is worth avoiding. i agree, after only a month, that doesn't like anything that isn't positive. but i don't especially care for the attitude which weighs the present in terms of the future (i.e. "i don't want to waste my time if it's not going anywhere."). if he's worth being with, i think it should primarily be because you really enjoy the time you spend with him today, regardless of what may happen tomorrow (for that we never really know).
and fxygel2, i think you're misguided again here. just because you ask a girl out on a date, doesn't you mean you like her. unless you mean in the 7th grade way. all it means is that you're attracted to something(s) about her, and want to get to know her better in some way. that's not giving up this (idea of) power, or control, or mystery. it's just making a move, which guys have always done first and still do most of the time. it's just how it works.
the other thing: what do you really think of this girl, or all the other girls you know, for that matter? is it paramount to keep some form of a friendship, no matter what? would you like to know them just for their own sakes? or are you fairly certain that you want to engage them romantically? if so, you probably won't be comfortable or satisfied knowing them as just friends for too long. and that means that you might as well ask, no matter what you think she might say. if she says no, and things become awkward, it doesn't matter...because it was all or nothing.
just try. and don't ask them how they feel about you or whether they like you...you will be able to tell soon enough.