Love

Yeah but some of those example don't involve a romantic relationship... or at least, they -shouldn't- :U (romantic relationship with pets lol).

From opinion, I don't think there is a difference. It's just alternative rhetoric strategies to add flavor to writing. It's just that overtime, "in love" is so commonly seen on xanga, myspace, friendster, livejournal and other teenage fads to the point that it's became cliche.

Because in a romantic relationship, is there much difference if you were tell tell your partner that you love them versus you're in love with them? I'd say no unless someone can give me reason not to.

As long as the act of cherishing, appreciating, etc. one another in a romantic relationship is there, there isn't much difference in saying the two.

Perhaps I should have included why I'm asking, which contradicts what you've said (Not saying you're wrong, I'm with you).

My girlfriend tells me she loves me, but it's not the same love she has for her friends, family, pets, whatever (pets, LOL), and yet she's not IN love with me. I've been very confused with her terminology and/or what she's really trying to say, because I could've sworn that "different" love WAS being "in love," the same feelings hormone-induced infatuation, romance, being smitten, etc.

So I'm potentially looking at three kinds now...(Oh my):
1. Friend/Family Love (and pets!).
2. Romantic Love
3. Being IN love....romantically.

Fancy Rhetoric. *snorts*.

Thanks for ALL the replies though, even Quantact and Harrisonized, you can continue on with your debate, I don't mind. It was an interesting read.