In love, a crush refers to a strong, often short-term feeling of infatuation or admiration for someone, typically without a deep emotional connection or commitment. When you have a crush on someone, you might feel excited, nervous, or even anxious around them. These feelings are often intense and can cause you to think about the person constantly, fantasize about being with them, or feel butterflies when you’re near them.

Unlike deeper romantic love, a crush is often based more on physical attraction, admiration, or a desire to get to know the person better. It can be one-sided, where only one person feels the attraction, or mutual, but in many cases, it remains a light or fleeting experience.

Crushes are common in the early stages of romantic feelings, especially during adolescence, and can sometimes lead to a more meaningful relationship if both people feel the same way and spend time getting to know each other. However, not all crushes turn into love; some remain simply as a temporary emotional experience.