)
Sometimes couples overuse the word "love" and they gradually begin to lose its meaning. Other times early in a relationship you really don't want your partner to doubt your feelings for them, by saying you love them. You can always substitute the word for another when you are sure you like your partner a lot but aren't ready to use the "L" word.
Holly Riordan of Binoni lists a few words you can use as substitute for "Love":