Love/In Love - what's the difference and how do you know?

[damnhtc]

So I'm dating a guy I have feelings for that I've never experienced with anyone else. I think about him all the time. When we kiss, I could just melt into him. I've never been into sex but with him, I could do it all night.

There is definitely something 'special' about this man. How do you know the difference between love/in love and what are the symptoms of both?!

No real difference except possibly longevity :) 'In love' as you describe is that first flush of physical attraction when you don't want to be out of each other's sight and it's usually relatively short-lived because, frankly, it would be exhausting to carry on like that for ever. 'Love' is considerably more durable, less frantic and not quite so obsessive but, hopefully, never loses that initial excitement.

For me I love my family and my friends - I would do anything for them, care about them, worry about them, and am always there for them (even when they pi55 me off, do things I don't agree with and really wind me up.... as we all have our moments!).

In love means all of that, plus infatuation. It is possible to be infatuated with someone (all the things you list in your first para), but not love them as well. If you don't love them as well you aren't 'in love' with them.... it's just hormones!

V subjective all of this, I am sure everyone will have a different definition.

I agree with cogito

I've been in love twice, and I think you 'just know'. If you only think you're in love then you're not, but it takes time so don't worry about it. Don't overthink it, just enjoy the relationship.

I've been wondering about this since Saturday night when I spent the night with a guy who I've known, and had a crush on, for years. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! It was amazing and I can't stop thinking about him, can't eat, etc.
The last time I felt like this was when I met my husband 11 years ago (split 4 years ago), and I've been with a few guys since then.
I'm not even in a relationship with this guy, I'm still not sure if it was a one night stand, but I swear I'm in love with him! I know logically it's probably hormones wreaking havoc because he is sooooo fit and there was lots of sexual tension leading up to this.
It is very confusing!

I think that love is when it lasts longer, and they don't do anything to upset you or hurt you, or make you go off them.

I've only had it once, and it never goes away. I've been tricked by being 'in love' though which then disappears rapidly when they turn out to be an arsehole.

I explain it to my dc's by saying that there are 3 types of love, family love, friendship love and romantic love.
Romantic love starts out as being "in love" but can change and develop and become more like family love over time and with familiarity etc but hopefully it still retains some features of "romantic" love (physical/sexual attraction, exclusivity etc)