Is it love, or just a crush? Experience appreciated!?

It does sound like that you are head over heals with him because love does not apply to looks but personality. If it was a plain crush then it would be based on the looks and interests. The next step is to tell him that you really like him. Love is no accident and I feel you because it was the same way with my bf. You have known him for a long time too and it would make sense for you to tell him to get it over with. The longer you wait to tell him the longer it will take for you to get over him if he rejects you. I wish best luck for it to work out for you two.