If you'll feel weird, don't do it. Your friends want you to be happy, so they think that they are helping. But they aren't the ones who have to date the guy.

Just relax and be friends with the boy. If he wants to go out, tell him you're not comfortable with it. If something is going to happen, eventually it will. In the meantime, really get to know him in the non-threatening environment you've got now. And don't let fear stop you from dating him. If you get the urge, pursue it. Friends can turn into wonderful boyfriends.