I understand the feeling. "cute" is for babies. "Oh that's such a cute baby." cute can be used to everyone. So using cute to a guy you probably like it's like you're treating him like everyone else. At least that's my opinion.
I like "cute" in terms of fashion or behavior but other than that it's in the same category as "nice". Once a guy kept telling me over and over again that my ass would be so "cute" and I was like, okay, you either tell me my butt is hot or don't say anything at all
Don't see what's wrong with being called cute. I mean a lot of people use it because they don't want to use a word like "gorgeous"; "gorgeous" would be too strong friend to friend often. All my friends would use "cute".
I mean, count your blessings. At least someone's calling you cute. No reason to get upset.
), even though it was a compliment. 
