Generic Phrases

What's the difference between phrases "I love you" and "I'm in love with you"?

Could you please explain it to me? i personally see the second phrase as more powerful one. But still.. I don't get what's the difference between them or is there one at all? Overall i have no idea whatsoever.

Public Comments

1. To me, I love you, is something I say to family and close friends. I am in love with you, means something deeper....to me, anyhow.
2. there is a big difference i love my cat but i am in love with my man - think about it will all make sense
3. Take away the "love",then whatcha got?!
4. Okay I love you means i would be there for you , take care of you , care for you and you mean so much to me but in love with you is an upgrade of what length that person will go with you such as being intimate or something because you can love a friend of the opposite sex and all but that doesn't mean that you have those mushy and lovey dovey feelings about them , thats as best as i can explain it to you.
5. When it came to my husband's and my relationship, when we were just going out and getting to know each other, it was "I LOVE YOU". Translation; I really like you and care about you. As time went by, it became "I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU. Translation; Forever
6. . LOVE and IN-LOVE are two different things entirely. LOVE is what people to truly care deeply about each other do, as BEST-FRIENDS that TRUST each other, and GIVE and TAKE in an equal and BALANCED way; with RESPECT for each others differences. Being IN-LOVE is ALL of the above PLUS the element of LUST. However, in cases of illness or other things, sometimes the LUST can be put aside, but it would still be being IN-LOVE with that person (cause ya would if ya could). I hope that clears it up for you. Except, that VERY few people "get it" ergo the HIGH divorce rate, and people jumping into the sack together for the LUST, without the LOVE. Here is what I've seen over many years: LOVE can survive without LUST LUST canNOT survive without LOVE stw ;p
7. "I am in love with you"..... emotion "I love you".... devotion
8. REALLY simple.. You love your dog, your mom, your dad (hopefully :P), your best friend. You're in LOVE with your boyfriend, your husband, your one and only. The person who makes your heart beat fast, gives you butterflies forever, tickles you all over, and you can talk about anything with. If you haven't had that yet, then it might be hard t osee the difference. :) Hope that helps a little.
9. The best way to see the difference for me is this: if you really loved someone (I love you), then you will always love them, but if you were only in love with them (I'm in love with you), then after that's over, you won't feel anything good for them anymore.
10. Im in love with u is basically saying u want 2 go out with the person, whereas i love u is a sign of affection and care. Its like when ur young and u tell ur parents i love u, u dont really love them to the point where u want a realtionship with them( its a creepy if one wants 2) its just ur way of showing them that u care about them.