What is the difference between love and being in love?

Answer 1

According to Robert Sternberg's research, "Love" is an emotion consisting of three components: intimacy, passion & committment.

Intimacy, the feeling close and connected to someone (developed through sharing and very good communications over time). Intimacy is what makes you want to share and offer emotional and material support to each other.
-Intimacy alone is Liking (true friendship without passion or long-term commitment)


Passion, the feeling physically aroused and attracted to someone. Passion is what makes you feel "in love" and is the feeling most associated with love. It also rises quickly and strongly influences and biases your judgment.
-Passion alone is Infatuation (passionate, obsessive love at first sight without intimacy or commitment)

Commitment, pledging to your self and each other to strengthen the feelings of love and to actively maintain the relationship. Commitment is what makes you want to be serious, have a serious relationship and promise to be there for the other person if things get tough.
-Commitment alone is Empty Love (decision to love another without intimacy or passion)

Romantic Love: Intimacy & Passion, no Commitment
-Lovers physically and emotionally attracted to each other but without commitment
-“As in a summer romance”

Companionate Love: Intimacy & Commitment, but no Passion
-Long-term committed friendships or a marriage in which the passion has faded
-I love you but I’m not IN love with you

Fatuous Love: Passion & Commitment, but no Intimacy
-Commitment based on passion with without time for intimacy to develop
-Shallow relationship such as a whirlwind courtship

Consummate Love: A complete love consisting of all three components

Answer 2

when your in love you will know it.but you have to know the diffrence between the voice from your mind and the voice from your heart.take time to learn yourself better.i hope i helped