I'm not sure where to put this, but here goes... Where is the line between loving someone and being in love with them? What does that look like?

[Ez-Bri-Z]

For a non family member? Somewhere between I really care about this person and I can't see my life without them in it. ¹

If I love someone I care about them greatly and have a vested interest in their happiness and safety perhaps elevated beyond a random stranger or even general friend.

If I am IN love with someone, it means that I have a place in my heart for them and I need them there to feel whole.


¹ this rule is extended to family members if you live in Alabama (I'm joking)

[AmandaYVR]

So, reading your exchange with Bri, and knowing a tad more about your situation, here is what I would say: (and this is a very rough, impromptu definition which I am making up on the fly here)

Loving someone is really appreciating them... for who they are, and maybe also there's a factor of how they treat you (which is well) so there's a respect, but more than just respect. You really like them. More than like them though.

Being 'in love' is more intense. It is probably almost all-consuming. It's difficult to not think about them at times. It probably accompanies romantic feelings, feelings of wanting to be physically close to them, touching them, and maybe some sort of sex. But more significantly, affection. You feel great affection towards them, in a chemical sort of way. You feel buzzy in the body and head sometimes when thinking about them. It feels good, great, and like one of the joys of life to have them in your life, your orbit.

[Avicenna]

It’s the same, except thexdecond implies romantic love

[MountAverage]

You'll find out eventually.

[Anonymous]

yessssssssss