A relationship shouldn't be hard work. It shouldn't be about misunderstandings, arguements, splitting up then getting back together, wondering what the other person is thinking, what they really mean.
You split up, presumably for a reason. Whatever that reason was, it likely still exists. So it's best left in the past. Don't worry about what he means, or what he's thinking. It's what YOU think, what YOU want, what's good for YOU that matters.
It sounds as though you want to get back with him, and you're reading that in to what he's saying, but he hasn't explicitly said it. Without knowing the personalities, it's impossible to comment on what it could mean. He could be tentatively seeing if you're open to trying again, without saying it. He could be messing with you head for fun or because he enjoys having control over you. He could be seeing if he could get you back, to feed his ego. He could be testing you out for a booty call (while carefully lining you up not to argue with him or he'll drop you again).
You know him. You know which of the above is more likely.
All I know is, a good relationship isn't hard work. And if someone really likes you, you know it.