Is 'Dear' a term of endearment? And, is it sexist?

The use of the word 'Dear' in written communication: While 'dear' is a term of endearment in face-to-face meetings or while teleconferencing, it's not so in written communication. It's gender-neutral, formal, conventional and is the most popular way to address a stranger in an email @ https://www.linkedin.com/nhome/updates?activity=6150583903263526912&goback=&trk=hb_ntf_COMMENTED_ON_UPDATE_YOU_CREATED