What's the difference between infatuation and being in love?

[Vagabond]

And more importantly, how can you tell which is which?

infatuation is short-term and cureable

Love is a PITA and usually NWTB

When you are in love with somebody, their goals, likes, needs and emotions take an equal to yours. You act not only in your own interests but in that person's too. It's a balance created by genuine emotion.

When you are infatuated with a person, you rank their needs and feelings above your own, often to the detriment of your own well being. It is an imbalance created by obsession.

IMHO of course.

What a good question...
At the risk of sounding like a big romantic -

• maybe love makes the weight and trials of life easier. It is about supporting and being supported: "Love doesn't make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile." - Elizabeth Browning
• infatuation sounds far more temporary and extravagant.

Any use?

I would say that infatuation is effectively lust, whereas love is something that grows over time. I like ShowOfHands explanation too

I would say that with infatuation you know the person has faults but you think you can change them, or you think they are perfect.

Love - You know a person has faults but you accept them as who they are.

infatuation is a little bit more crazy than being in love
only a little bit tho

But "love" isn't the same as being "in love".

Infatuation and in love are pretty similar - both a bit blind.

infatuation...illogical,obsessive,blind and not really thinking about the other person's welfare a lot,or acting on your feelings

in love...intense,can be obsessive but balanced by who they are as a person,a desire to protect them and care for them and do the best for them,even at the expense of losing them

Infatuation - obsessive, lustful, but aware of unsuitability and faults.

In love - lustful, idealistic, caring, ignoring or not seeing faults.

Love - adoring, caring, kind, can still be lustful, knowing faults but living with them

I actually think they are the same thing. It's all butterflies and rose-tinted specs and temporary insanity.

I think if that insanity turns into a proper loving relationship we say we 'fell in love' but if it really does turn out to have been a horrible mistake we say 'oh - I was just infatuated'

I sort of think the chemistry involved at the beginning of relationships makes us all a bit crazy. Call it what you like.

Limerence.

This is a pretty good explanation.

Besides that agree with UA.

My mum always said 'Imagine them sitting on the toilet and having a bit of trouble and if you still fancy them then you're in love.'

To me infatuation is wanting someone so bad and believing you are the only person for them. On the other hand love is admitting they could probably do better and be happier with someone else, even if you'd rather they didn't.

in my experience infatuation was based on what i hoped a person was really like, and love comes from knowing a person