Valentine’s Day English: Love expressions you should know

Valentine’s Day is here, so make sure you know these modern English love expressions

English speakers use a lot of informal phrases to talk about dating, crushes, and relationships, especially online and on social media. Here are some popular love expressions you might hear around Valentine’s Day.

Caught feelings

Meaning: You started to like someone romantically, often without expecting to.
Example:

“We were just friends, but I totally caught feelings for them.”

Question to think about: How fast do you usually catch feelings?

I’m into you

Meaning: I like you romantically. (informal)
Example:

“I think I’m really into you. Want to grab coffee this weekend?”

Question to think about: Have you ever said this to someone?

Low-key obsessed

Meaning: You really like someone, but you don’t talk about it much.
“Low-key” = people don’t really know.
Example:

“I’m low-key obsessed with them.”

Question to think about: Have you ever been low-key obsessed with someone?

Crushing on someone

Meaning: You really like someone and think about them a lot.
Example:

“I have a crush on my classmate!”

Question to think about: Do you have a crush right now?

Red flag / Green flag

Meaning:

• Red flag = bad or worrying behaviour
• Green flag = good, healthy behaviour
  Examples:

Shouting is a red flag.
Kindness is a green flag.

Question to think about: What are green flags in a partner for you?

Ghosting

Meaning: When someone suddenly stops replying to your messages and disappears.
Example:

“He ghosted me!”

Question to think about: Have you ever been ghosted—or ghosted someone?

Friend-zoned

Meaning: You like someone romantically, but they only want to be friends.
Example:

“I told her I liked her, but she friend-zoned me.”

Question to think about: Have you ever been friend-zoned?

Tip for English learners

These expressions are informal and mostly used in dating, social situations, and online conversations. You’ll hear them in movies, songs, and everyday English, but they’re not usually used in formal writing.

Happy Valentine’s Day and happy learning. Now take this short quiz!

Quick Quiz: Do you know these love expressions?

1. If you “catch feelings” for someone, what does it mean?
a) You become friends
b) You start to like them romantically
c) You stop liking them

2. Someone is “low-key obsessed” with you. What does this mean?
a) Everyone knows they like you
b) They don’t like you anymore
c) They like you a lot, but keep it quiet

3. Which sentence shows a green flag?
a) “They never reply to my messages.”
b) “They are kind and supportive.”
c) “They shout when they’re angry.”

4. What does it mean if someone “ghosts” you?
a) They tell you how they feel
b) They suddenly stop replying
c) They want to be friends

5. If you’re “friend-zoned”, what happened?
a) You both like each other
b) You stopped talking
c) You like them, but they only want to be friends

Show Answers

1: b.

2: c

3: b

4: b

5: c