7 Alternatives for "Love" to Use on Valentine's Day [Updated]

Table of Contents

"Love" is the word most people probably think of when it comes to Valentine's Day.

However, it's quite a strong word, and depending on the situation, it may not be the best choice for talking about romantic interest. So what can you say instead?

This article will introduce seven alternatives with different levels of strength. Some can be used to talk about romance in a light or casual way, while others include a deeper nuance of strong emotions. Let's begin!

Like

You can use "like" as a basic but direct way to talk about love or feelings close to it.

I really like you.
Rina likes Adam.

However, "like" has more than one meaning; it could mean the speaker has romantic feelings, or it might mean that they like someone platonically (as a friend). To avoid confusion, it's important to pay attention to context, including the speaker's tone of voice and body language.

If you'd prefer to use vocabulary that's a bit more clear, try one of the following expressions instead.

Have a crush

A woman smiling flirtatiously while sitting at a table with a man

"Having a crush" on someone is the same as liking them romantically. This expression has a light nuance, so it doesn't sound as serious as "love." In fact, it sounds a little childish, but it's still commonly used even when talking about adults.

It's usually used when a person's feelings haven't been revealed to the person they are interested in.

My four-year-old daughter has a crush on a boy in her class. It's cute!
I've had a crush on you since high school.

Some people use "crush" as a verb for "to like."

Jess is really crushing on Taylor. I think they'd make a nice couple.

Have a thing

"Having a thing" for someone is a slightly softer way of saying that you like them.

This expression is often used to talk about someone else rather than yourself.

You've got a thing for him, don't you?
He has a thing for Christina, but he won't admit it.

Be sweet on

This expression is very similar in meaning and usage to "have a thing."

I think Jordan is sweet on Joe. She flirts a lot with him.
He was sweet on Sarah before he met Teri.

Be head over heels

A man lifting up a smiling woman in a field

Being "head over heels" for someone has a much stronger nuance than the simple "like" or the casual "have a crush." However, it's not always as serious as "being in love."

This expression has a fun tone and means that someone likes a person so much that it's difficult for them to hide their feelings. It's most commonly used during the early stages of a relationship.

Ashley is head over heels for Hiro.
They are head over heels in love with each other.

"Head over heels" may sound a little strange to you; after all, it's normal for our heads to be over our heels!

Originally, however, the expression was "heels over head," implying that you are flipping or turning your body because of excitement.

Be into

This is another expression that means "to like," although it has a deeper nuance.

Mack is really into Danielle. He talks about her all the time.
I'm really into you.

You can find this expression in the title and lyrics of this song from 1998 by American singer Tamia.

I really like what you've done to me

I can't really explain it

I'm so into you

This expression isn't only for romance; you can also "be into" hobbies and other interests.

She's been into painting ever since she was a child.

Fall for someone

Although this sounds very similar to "fall in love," it's not quite as serious!

This is used when someone's feelings are strong enough for them to recognize that they really like someone. Think of it as the first step on the way to being in love. It's normally used in the past or present tense.

I tried to ignore my feelings, but I've really fallen for Sam.
I fell for Ally as soon as we met. She's amazing.
I think I'm falling for you.

Express Yourself ♥️

As you can see, there are quite a few different ways to talk about romantic feelings, from casual to very bold. Remember them all so you'll be ready for any type of situation!

No matter which you use, we hope you have a great Valentine's Day, whether you're spending it with a loved one, celebrating non-romantically or listening to your favorite anti-Valentine's Day songs!