Crush

A crush is an informal term for a person someone is in love with, has a romantic interest in, or feels strong romantic, emotional, and sometimes sexual attraction toward. Although the word “crush” can literally mean “to crush,” in this context it refers more to intense infatuation or strong admiration.

Crush can also describe the state itself: being infatuated, having a strong liking for someone, or feeling temporary strong attraction to a person. A crush does not have to lead to a relationship and may be one-sided, secret, short-lived, or very intense.

The term is especially common in youth, pop, and online culture, but it is widely understood. In queer and a_romantic contexts, people may distinguish more precisely between a romantic crush, sexual interest, aesthetic attraction, or a squish, meaning a strong non-romantic desire for closeness or friendship.