Crush vs. Love: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 6, 2024
Crush is a brief and intense infatuation, often based on physical attraction or an idealized image, whereas love is a deeper, long-lasting emotional bond, involving affection, trust, and commitment.
Key Differences
A crush is usually a short-lived, intense infatuation, often based on limited knowledge or an idealized perception of someone. Love, on the other hand, is a more profound and enduring emotional connection that develops over time and involves a deeper understanding and acceptance of the other person.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Crushes are often based more on physical attraction or the idea of a person, rather than a true understanding of who they are. Love, in contrast, develops from a deeper knowledge of the person, encompassing both their strengths and flaws, and is rooted in genuine affection and care.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
The emotional depth of a crush is typically more superficial and can be driven by excitement and fantasy. Love, conversely, is characterized by emotional depth, involving complex feelings of warmth, attachment, and a willingness to sacrifice for the other person.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Crushes can be fleeting and may change or dissipate quickly, often influenced by whims and fantasies. Love is more stable and mature, enduring through challenges and growing stronger with time and mutual experiences.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
A crush might not involve a real relationship or interaction with the person, remaining more in the realm of fantasy. Love is based on a real, mutual relationship, involving communication, understanding, and a shared life.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Basis
Physical attraction or idealization
Deep emotional connection and understanding
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Feb 06, 2024
Relationship Interaction
May not involve real interaction
Involves real, mutual interaction and communication
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Feb 06, 2024
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Crush and Love Definitions
Crush
A brief and intense infatuation with someone.
She had a crush on her classmate, always daydreaming about him.
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Jan 18, 2024
Love
A profound bond that develops over time.
Their love began as friendship and gradually deepened.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
Crush
Often based on idealized attraction.
His crush on the movie star was based more on her screen persona than her real self.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
Love
A strong feeling of affection and concern toward another person, as that arising from kinship or close friendship.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Crush
Can be unrequited or not acted upon.
He kept his crush on his coworker a secret.
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Jan 18, 2024
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Crush
Typically lacks depth and understanding.
Her crush was more about his looks than his personality.
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Jan 18, 2024
Crush
A sudden and intense feeling of admiration.
The moment she saw him play the guitar, she developed a crush.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024
Crush
To press between opposing bodies so as to break, compress, or injure
The falling rock crushed the car.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Love
An instance of being in love
Teenage loves can be as fleeting as they are intense.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To break, pound, or grind (stone or ore, for example) into small fragments or powder.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
A person for whom one has strong feelings of affection
She met her new love at the restaurant.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To overwhelm or oppress severely
Spirits that had been crushed by rejection and failure.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
An intense emotional attachment to something, as to a pet or treasured object.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
A strong predilection or enthusiasm
A love of language.
Love for the game of golf.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To hit or propel with great force
A swing of the bat that crushed a fastball over the wall.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To extract or obtain by pressing or squeezing
Crush juice from a grape.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To proceed or move by crowding or pressing
The fans crushed forward to get a glimpse of the movie star.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
To feel or show kindness or concern to (a person). Used of God or a god.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
The act of crushing or the pressure involved in crushing
Matter superheated by the crush of gravity around black holes.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
A substance prepared by or as if by crushing, especially a fruit drink
Orange crush.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
A profound and caring affection towards someone.
A mother’s love is not easily shaken.
My husband’s love is the most important thing in my life.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
Affectionate, benevolent concern or care for other people or beings, and for their well-being.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
A feeling of intense attraction towards someone.
I have never been in love as much as I have with you.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
A deep or abiding liking for something; an enthusiasm for something.
My love of cricket knows no bounds.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
(countable) A person who is the object of romantic feelings; a darling, a sweetheart, a beloved.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
A term of friendly address, regardless of feelings.
Hello love, how can I help you?
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
(informal) An infatuation with somebody one is not dating.
I've had a huge crush on her since we met many years ago.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
A thing, activity, etc. which is the object of one's deep liking or enthusiasm.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
A standing stock or cage with movable sides used to restrain livestock for safe handling.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
Used as the closing, before the signature, of a letter, especially between good friends or family members, or by the young.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
(Australia) The process of crushing cane to remove the raw sugar, or the season when this process takes place.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
The situation where certain colors are so similar as to be hard to distinguish, either as a deliberate effect or as a limitation of a display.
Black crush; white crush
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
A paraphilia involving arousal from seeing things destroyed by crushing.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To press between two hard objects; to squeeze so as to alter the natural shape or integrity, or to force together into a mass.
To crush grapes
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
To have a strong affection for (someone or something).
I love my spouse.
I love you!
I love that song!
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
(figurative) To overwhelm by pressure or weight.
After the corruption scandal, the opposition crushed the ruling party in the elections
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To do impressively well at (sports events; performances; interviews; etc.).
They had a gig recently at Madison Square—totally crushed it!
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
(transitive) To be strongly inclined towards something; an emphatic form of like.
I love walking barefoot on wet grass;
I'd love to join the team;
I love what you've done with your hair
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To overcome completely; to subdue totally.
The sultan's black guard crushed every resistance bloodily.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
(transitive) To derive delight from a fact or situation.
I love the fact that the coffee shop now offers fat-free chai latte.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
(intransitive) To be or become broken down or in, or pressed into a smaller volume or area, by external weight or force.
An eggshell crushes easily
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands admiration; preëminent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness; as, the love of brothers and sisters.
Of all the dearest bonds we proveThou countest sons' and mothers' loveMost sacred, most Thine own.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
Courtship; - chiefly in the phrase to make love, i. e., to court, to woo, to solicit union in marriage.
Demetrius . . . Made love to Nedar's daughter, Helena,And won her soul.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
Affection; kind feeling; friendship; strong liking or desire; fondness; good will; - opposed to hate; often with of and an object.
Love, and health to all.
Smit with the love of sacred song.
The love of science faintly warmed his breast.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To make certain colors so similar as to be hard to distinguish, either as a deliberate effect or as a limitation of a display.
My old TV set crushes the blacks when the brightness is lowered.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
Due gratitude and reverence to God.
Keep yourselves in the love of God.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To press or bruise between two hard bodies; to squeeze, so as to destroy the natural shape or integrity of the parts, or to force together into a mass; as, to crush grapes.
Ye shall not offer unto the Lord that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut.
The ass . . . thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
The object of affection; - often employed in endearing address; as, he held his love in his arms; his greatest love was reading.
Open the temple gates unto my love.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To reduce to fine particles by pounding or grinding; to comminute; as, to crush quartz.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
Cupid, the god of love; sometimes, Venus.
Such was his form as painters, when they showTheir utmost art, on naked Lores bestow.
Therefore do nimble-pinioned doves draw Love.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To overwhelm by pressure or weight; to beat or force down, as by an incumbent weight.
To crush the pillars which the pile sustain.
Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To oppress or burden grievously.
Thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To overcome completely; to subdue totally.
Speedily overtaking and crushing the rebels.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
Nothing; no points scored on one side; - used in counting score at tennis, etc.
He won the match by three sets to love.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To subdue or overwhelm (a person) by argument or a cutting remark; to cause (a person) to feel chagrin or humiliation; to squelch.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
To have a feeling of love for; to regard with affection or good will; as, to love one's children and friends; to love one's country; to love one's God.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To be or become broken down or in, or pressed into a smaller compass, by external weight or force; as, an eggshell crushes easily.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
To take delight or pleasure in; to have a strong liking or desire for, or interest in; to be pleased with; to like; as, to love books; to love adventures.
Wit, eloquence, and poetry.Arts which I loved.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
A violent collision or compression; a crash; destruction; ruin.
The wreck of matter, and the crush of worlds.
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
Violent pressure, as of a crowd; a crowd which produced uncomfortable pressure; as, a crush at a reception.
Politics leave very little time for the bow window at White's in the day, or for the crush room of the opera at night.
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
A strong positive emotion of regard and affection;
His love for his work
Children need a lot of love
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
Any object of warm affection or devotion;
The theater was her first love
He has a passion for cock fighting
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
Have a great affection or liking for;
I love French food
She loves her boss and works hard for him
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
Come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority;
The government oppresses political activists
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
To compress with violence, out of natural shape or condition;
Crush an aluminum can
Squeeze a lemon
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
Come out better in a competition, race, or conflict;
Agassi beat Becker in the tennis championship
We beat the competition
Harvard defeated Yale in the last football game
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
A deep, affectionate attachment to someone.
Their love for each other was evident in their care and support.
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Jan 18, 2024
Love
Involves emotional intimacy and commitment.
Their love grew stronger over the years, based on trust and understanding.
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Jan 18, 2024
Crush
Humiliate or depress completely;
She was crushed by his refusal of her invitation
The death of her son smashed her
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Jan 17, 2024
Love
Encompasses care, respect, and loyalty.
His love for his family was his driving force.
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Jan 18, 2024
Love
Often selfless and involves sacrifice.
She showed her love by always putting her children's needs first.
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Jan 18, 2024
Crush
Make ineffective;
Martin Luther King tried to break down racial discrimination
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Jan 17, 2024
Crush
Become injured, broken, or distorted by pressure;
The plastic bottle crushed against the wall
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Jan 17, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is a crush always romantic?
Mostly, but one can have a crush based on admiration without romantic intentions.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Can you have a crush while in love?
Yes, it's possible to have a crush on someone else while in love, though the crush is usually superficial.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Do crushes often lead to relationships?
Not always, as crushes can be fleeting and not acted upon.
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Feb 06, 2024
Does love require mutual feelings?
Yes, love typically involves mutual feelings and commitment.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Is love more emotionally profound than a crush?
Yes, love involves deeper emotional connection and understanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Can a crush turn into love?
Yes, a crush can develop into love as deeper understanding and emotional connection grow.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Is mutual respect a component of love?
Yes, mutual respect is a key component of love.
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Feb 06, 2024
Is physical attraction the basis of a crush?
Often, but not always, as a crush can also be based on other traits.
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Feb 06, 2024
Can love exist without physical attraction?
Yes, love can be based on emotional and intellectual connections beyond physical attraction.
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Feb 06, 2024
Is love more stable than a crush?
Yes, love is generally more stable and enduring than a crush.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Can a crush fade quickly?
Yes, crushes can dissipate quickly, especially if based on fantasy.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Does love grow over time?
Yes, love tends to deepen and strengthen over time.
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Feb 06, 2024
Can crushes be platonic?
Crushes are usually romantic or physical in nature, but can sometimes be platonic.
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Feb 06, 2024
Is communication important in love?
Yes, effective communication is crucial in a loving relationship.
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Feb 06, 2024
Is trust a foundation of love?
Yes, trust is a fundamental element of love.
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Feb 06, 2024
Are crushes usually sudden?
Crushes often develop suddenly and can be intense.
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Feb 06, 2024
Can crushes be obsessive?
Sometimes, crushes can be intense and border on obsession.
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Feb 06, 2024
Are crushes more common in adolescence?
Yes, crushes are particularly common in adolescence but can occur at any age.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Does love involve a deeper knowledge of the other person?
Yes, love is based on a deep understanding and acceptance of the other person.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 06, 2024
Can a crush impact daily life?
While crushes can be distracting, they typically don't have a long-term impact on daily life.
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Feb 06, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.