Both love and affection can be extremely intense, and that's why many people mistake them sometimes.
Meanwhile, you still can recognize them - you just need to know the main signs to look for.
Here's a piece of advice from a real psychologist that can help you understand your feelings better.
When you're attracted to someone
Attraction is when you feel drawn to someone because of how they look, their personality, or the way they make you feel.
It's like having a crush on them. Attraction can be strong, but it's often based on surface-level things like appearance and initial chemistry.
When you love someone
Love, on the other hand, is much deeper. It's when you care about someone not just for how they look or make you feel, but for who they are as a person.
Love is about understanding, trust, and a deep connection. It's a feeling that goes beyond the surface and lasts a long time.
Think of it this way: attraction is like the spark that starts a fire, while love is the warm and steady flame that keeps burning, even when the initial spark fades away.
Love is about a strong and lasting connection with someone you truly care about.
Conclusion
Affection can turn into love at some point - and that's completely normal; you shouldn't feel confused about that.
Meanwhile, you shouldn't call your feelings love too soon, because attraction comes and goes, but only love stays for years.
